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Originally Posted On: https://hands2paws.com/top-dog-blog/grieving-the-loss-of-a-pet/

Pets bring joy, companionship, and love into our lives. They’re truly members of the family, and losing them can bring waves of sadness and grief.

If you’re suffering through the loss of a pet, your emotions are understandably strong. Our furry best friends provide us with a sense of loyalty and unconditional affection that can be nearly impossible to replicate in a human relationship. Think about it: Scientists recently discovered dogs are capable of crying tears of joy when their owners return home after just a day away!

It’s a connection like none other, and each person will navigate the grieving process differently. As you learn to adjust to life without your beloved shadow, let’s talk about a few steps that can help.

Give Yourself Time

After the loss of a pet, you might feel pressured to move on before you’re really ready. You may be overwhelmed with work, family commitments, and other daily stressors, and taking the time to sit with your emotions might feel too indulgent.

Even if you’re busy, give yourself that space, along with lots of grace.

Allow yourself to feel all of your emotions, without embarrassment or judgment. You might be surprised to find that there will also be moments of gratitude, light, and joy as you remember the beautiful moments you spent with your pet.

Find Community

You don’t have to walk this hard journey alone. It can be incredibly comforting to reach out to others who have recently lost a pet, whether that’s grabbing coffee with a friend or chatting with a fellow pet lover on an online forum. There are also pet loss hotlines and support groups designed just for this purpose.

Share some of your favorite memories, and listen as the other person does the same. There is reassurance in knowing that you aren’t on your own and that someone else understands exactly what you’re going through.

Celebrate Their Legacy

As you grieve, it can help to honor the joyous, incredible life of your pet. This will look different for everyone, and that’s OK.

Some might find comfort in holding a funeral or planting a tree in memory of their friend. Others will discover the healing power of scrapbooking their memories or creating a social media photo album that captures their cherished moments.

Think about how you want your pet’s life to be remembered, and the mementos you’ll want to look back on in the future. Memorializing their life in a special way can help you heal and move on when you’re ready.

Navigating the Loss of a Pet

The loss of a pet is never easy. When that time comes, lean into your emotions and find others who can support you during this difficult transition.

As you work through the pain, remember to take care of yourself. Your physical, mental, and emotional needs still matter, and staying social, healthy, and active can help boost your mood and improve your outlook.

At Hands 2 Paws, we know how much this can hurt, and we’re here for you.

We’ll also be here if you decide you’re ready to add a new pet to your brood. No one can take the place of the special friend you lost, but you can honor their memory and create a new bond you’ll cherish for years to come. Reach out to our team to learn more about our app and how to get started.