Grieving the Loss of a Pet
We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own,
live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan.
-Irving Townsend When you lose your best friend—the one you could always count on to be there when you were down, the one who warmed you, played with you, and made you
laugh no matter how bad you felt can be a very emotional and confusing experience. Remember Feelings are Feelings
Your other friends may not understand how painful it is
for you to lose your pet, but only you know how strong the bond was between you. No one else has the right to judge your sorrow. Turning Sorrow into Joy
Talk to
understanding friends about your pet—the good times, the bad times, and the way it ended. Talking about your loss will help you feel better.
Make a memorial donation in her memory to an animal shelter and care agency. Have a memorial service alone, standing in the woods or by your pet's favorite creek or pond. Bring a
cherished photograph to symbolize your pet. Say a prayer or read a poem that expresses your feelings. Leave flowers, dog biscuits, or personal item as a parting gift of remembrance. If
you choose to keep or bury your dog's remains, place them in a loving and special place. Let yourself feel the pain and the loss, and appreciate all the years you had together.
And remember; of course you can cry. Rainbow Bridge Poem
See below for additional Pet Loss and Grief Counseling links |
