Our pets provide us with love, comfort and support, they are great for our health too and for some of us they are our lifeline to the outside world and our reason for living. That’s and awful lot to miss when our beloved pet passes. Personally, I feel the emotional loss is as great as the practical loss, and we are never prepared for the pain of grief, in fact I’ve always found the sorrow and heartache I’ve felt is no different to when I’ve lost a dear friend or family member. and we may even feel embarrassed at how intense these feelings are, don’t be, you’re not alone.
We need to be kind to ourselves, don’t expect to carry on as before, at least not for a while. The tears will flow when you least expect it so don’t stop them, you have a right to be sad, your beloved pet was your world. Talk about them to anyone who will listen and take advantage of any support you can access, whether by telephone or a forum.
Our everyday life and daily routines will alter considerably for many of us, this is a period of change and adjustment, particularly for those who live alone and depend on their pet to get through each day. We suddenly feel lost and our home is too quiet, we really find this difficult, try having the radio or television on to relieve the quietness.
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to put your pet’s toys and bowls away if it comforts you having them around, when you are ready is soon enough.
Take the time to grieve and reflect on the times you’ve shared together
I found making a memory box really helpful, I keep extra photos in mine, a collar and a toy but you can put whatever you’d like in it, that reminds you of pet. A memory box is a tribute to your pet and knowing you have this and can open it and reflect on your memories anytime is, I found very reassuring.
The special bond we have with our pets is always somewhere in our hearts and one day we will be able to look back and smile to ourselves, and think how lucky we were to have such a wonderful animal in our lives, without the tears flowing too much or the pain in your heart being unbearable.
Please do reach out for help if you are finding your pets loss just too much to cope with, you’ll find there are lots of pet bereavement counsellors and therapists these days to help you, check online or ask others for a recommendation.
Take your time to get through this period, don’t feel you have to rush, your pet was a huge part of your life.
Chloe <3
