We love our pets so much, and they become part of the family. They welcome us when we come home from a long day at work. They give us affection and companionship when we are down or feel alone, and they make us smile with their playful behavior. However, all good things must come to an end, and eventually, our beloved furry friends shuffle off this mortal coil. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make the passing of your pet less traumatic. Here are 5 ways to deal with the loss of your pet.
Immortalize Them in Art
If you have a painting of your pet made, you will always have a visual memento of your beloved friend hanging on your wall. You could commission a local artist to create a painting by copying from a photograph of your Maine Coon cat or look online for artistic websites that offer good ways to remember your golden retriever. If you would prefer something 3-dimensional, you could have a ceramic clay sculpture made of your pet or commission a bronze statue or a needle felt effigy. For a purse-friendly option, frame some photographs of your pet and hang them on your walls. Looking at photos or depictions of our pets can help make the grieving process easier.
Give Them a Proper Send-Off
When we lose human loved ones, it can help us to attend a funeral to say our last goodbyes. The same can be done with pets. Having a funeral and burial or cremation for your pet can help you deal with their passing more easily as it gives closure. Having a grave to visit gives you somewhere to go to be close to your pet, remember them and even talk to them.
Get Some Emotional Support
Talking about the loss of your pet will help you come to terms with it. Never feel embarrassed about grieving over your pet because pets often mean as much to someone as humans do. Talk to friends and family members or join a special group for those who have lost special furry friends. Look online or ask your vet about therapy groups in your local area. Alternatively, look for a counselor or psychotherapist who is experienced in pet losses.
Read Your Way Through Grief
There are many books available that have been specially written to help you work your way through the many stages of grief you will experience when you lose a special animal. Your local vet or online animal charity may have leaflets or books that they can give you to assist you.
Get Another Pet
Although replacing your beloved pet as soon as they die probably isn’t a good idea, getting another pet after a period of time can sometimes help to heal wounds. If you are alone and relied upon your pet for company, another pet can fill this gap. Caring and enjoying another pet can distract you and stop you from dwelling on the loss of your beloved friend.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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