You knew this day was coming. Unfortunately, you didn’t expect it so soon.
Or maybe you did. Regardless, losing a pet sucks. We all know it. We also know it gets better.
But it only gets better if YOU allow it to get better.
How? By giving yourself enough time to grieve. For many people, losing a pet can be as traumatic as losing a loved one. And many times, the emotions, tears, grieving, and healing process are the same. Try these helpful tips about moving on after losing a pet:
5. After Fluffy dies…don’t rush to adopt Fluffy #2.
While it may be tempting to immediately replace one pet with another, you’re better off giving yourself some time to come to terms with your pet’s passing. You wouldn’t immediately go out with someone new after your significant other dies, right? Um…let’s just move on.
4. Donate gently used litter boxes, pet food, toys, etc.
Shelters are always looking pet care items and things like food dishes, shampoos, and anything else you might still have. By donating these things, you are honoring the memory of your late pet. Pay it forward. There are a lot of grateful animals will appreciate your donation.
3. It’s ok to grieve, but not stare at old Facebook photos of you’re the late Miss Kitty for hours.
Wanting to look at old photos, cell phone videos, and other reminders of happier moments are why you upload those things in the first place. Go ahead and look at them…just not at work and not for unreasonably long periods of time.
You may also consider seeing a pet grief therapist. Many veterinary schools offer free pet grief counseling by phone. You can talk to counselors trained in helping people move on from the loss of a beloved pet. The help is out there if you need it. Try Web searching for pet grief counseling in your area, or check out this helpful link for more information: http://www.petloss.com/phones.htm
2. Volunteer at shelters or offer to pet sit.
Once you feel ready, consider volunteering at your local pet shelter, animal hospital, or simply pet-sitting for a neighbor. Any of these my help you re-connect with animals and only strengthen your healing process. Having a chance to interact, care for, play with, and love another animal but not have the added responsibility of actually owning the pet may bring you back to happier times and stir memories that will make you feel good.
Many of these facilities would appreciate your help and are often staffed almost exclusively with good-hearted volunteers who generously donate their time to assist in the maintenance and day-to-day running of the facility. Your best bet is contacting the shelter directly and inquiring about any volunteer opportunities. Most places will be very appreciative of your help and you will be helping yourself while helping others. That’s a win-win.
1. Only get a new pet when YOU feel ready to do it.
Remember, we all grieve over the loss of a pet differently. Only YOU know when YOU are ready to take on another animal in your life. Give yourself some time to think and reflect.
Heather Swanson is a professional blogger that provides information and advice for pets and dog training lessons in Memphis TN. He writes for ProTrain, the best dog and puppy training in Memphis TN.
