10 Nov 3 Tips for Coping with the Loss of Your Pet
The loss of a pet is very difficult to deal with. They are extended members of our family and we often form strong emotional attachments to them. Here are five coping tips to help you deal with the loss of a pet.
It Takes time
First, give yourself time to acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, and even guilty. But it is important to give yourself time to acknowledge how you feel. Many pet owners have spent the better part of a decade or more with their pets, so the loss can be very difficult. Give yourself time to feel the emotions that come along with losing your beloved pet. Understand that you’re not the only one this situation happens to. A survey conducted revealed that 20 percent of Americans have experienced the loss of their beloved pet within the last three years.
Don’t Take This On Alone
Another strategy is to talk with other pet owners. Coping with pet loss is something that many other people can relate to, so it can be helpful to talk with others who have been through the same thing. Some pet owners like to visit their pets’ gravesites and leave flowers or pictures. You could purchase or create a memorial piece, such as a blanket, statue, or picture. Even a small remembrance can help on particularly challenging days or if you just like the memory available nearby.
Distractions Can Help
A fourth way to help with coping with pet loss can be to distract yourself with another activity. This can be anything from going shopping or watching a movie to taking up a new hobby. While you certainly don’t want to forget about your pet altogether, it could be counterproductive if you’re spending every waking moment thinking about them.
Honor Their Memory
Finally, you could try to find a way to continue the bond you had with your pet. Many owners get another pet in the same species or breed as their deceased pet, while others may even adopt an animal from a shelter in memory of their lost companion. Either way, you can also try and create a memorial to your pet, whether it’s something like a donation in their name or simply visiting their favorite park.
Coping with pet loss is never easy, but following these tips for coping with your loss could help. If you’ve lost a pet recently, it will take time to get over it. However, the right mindset will go a long way in helping you move on. For more information on pet memorials or cremation, give us a call.