Having loved a pet and lost a pet is a major part of one’s life. Your pet loved you and was your true friend and family member.  Whether or not those that are around you realize it, you are deeply hurt and saddened. Grief, sorrow and mourning is our final expression of love and understanding.  Allow yourself this time to reflect and remember all that made your time together wonderful. Allow yourself time to heal. 

Healing takes time.  People cope with feelings in many different ways all depending on your personality, upbringing, surroundings, personal situations etc.  Healing consists of several steps, which out to be taken one at a time.  It is an experience that at first seems impossible to tackle but eventually will help you move forward and allow you to remember your pet the way that will comfort you forever. Your pain will ease.

At first you may experience, shock, denial, deep sadness, anger, loneliness, self-pity, guilt and regret…all normal when grieving. Everyone who has ever loved and lost a close relative or close friend has experienced some of these feelings and that feeling that no one can fill that emptiness that person left behind, same goes for your pet.  It means that you loved, and you were loved.

Let time help heal.  It is important to acknowledge and not deny these emotions, but it is also important to find understanding of the situation and work towards remembering your love and making peace with your loss.

Sharing positive memories is a wonderful way to pay tribute to the memory of your pet. Share a story with a close friend, write in your journal a special moment that you never want to forget, frame your favorite photo of you and your pet, place a memorial stone or marker in the garden, plant a tree.  Concentrate on recollections that are great reminders of time spent.  Creating such a tribute can help you cope with the grief and will provide comfort in years to come.

Following are some wonderful and very helpful websites to help you through the grief of losing your beloved friend.