Photo by Christian Domingues
Losing such a devoted companion isn’t just hard—it can feel like losing a piece of your heart. But here we are, not to wallow in sadness but to find ways to navigate through this rough patch and find ways of Coping with the Grief of Losing Your Dog .
- Embrace the Rollercoaster of Emotions
The worst thing you can do right now is to bottle up your feelings and keep them inside. You will be feeling all the things right now, from sadness at the loss of your pup to anger that he is gone, and maybe even confusion about how it happened and what it means for your life. It’s fine to feel what you are feeling, and whether you need to cry it out, shout and scream about it or talk it through calmly with a friend, embrace it and take the first step towards healing.
- Honor a Lifetime of Tail Wags
Creating a pet memorial for your faithful friend is probably one of the best things you can do to start accepting what has happened, and honor your pup’s life in a way that is meaningful to you. Whether you recreate her image in wool or you invest in a stunning portrait of him to hang over the mantelpiece, your memorial will give you joy every time you see it, and ensure your pet is always in your heart.
- Unleash Your Inner Thoughts
If you find it hard to talk about your dog’s loss with anyone, then you can always jot down your feelings in a journal. This is a great way to get that stuff out of your head and work out how you are feeling, so you can work through it more effectively.
- Walk It Out
You might not have your faithful friend by your side, but if you can, you should try to keep up your daily walks because not only will it help to bring back fond memories of the time you spent together on walks, but the exercise will also pump you with endorphins that will help you to feel better. Think of all the joy those walks brought you and you won’t be able to stop smiling!
- Connect with Other Pet Lovers
Sometimes, talking to someone who’s been through a similar loss can help you to come to terms with your own loss. So, whether you talk top a loved one who has also lost a pet, or you find people who understand the hole your canine has left in your heart online, don’t be afraid to connect, share, and come to terms.
- Host a ‘Life Celebration’ Event
Organize a ‘Life Celebration‘ event for your dog to gather friends, family, and other pets who were part of your dog’s life together for one big send-off, kind of like a funeral. This will help you to feel like you have done all you can to honor your pup and listening to other people’s stories about the good times they spent with her playing fetch or walking in the woods, will make you really feel good about how well you looked after your dog and how much joy he brought to everyone around. It will help to give you some closure.
- Adopt a New Hobby
No, it’s not about “replacing” your buddy. It’s about redirecting your energy and love into something beneficial. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter, taking up painting, or gardening, find something that brings you peace and a sense of purpose. You might even find a new passion that helps fill the void just a little.
- Consider a New Furry Friend (When You’re Ready)
This is a delicate one, and only you will know when, or if, you’re ready. Adopting another dog doesn’t mean you’re moving on from your past friend—it means you’re capable of giving and receiving love even after loss. Dogs have a wonderful way of bringing light into our lives, and who knows, perhaps there’s a pup out there dreaming of someone just like you.
- Create a Commemorative Art Piece
If you’re artistically inclined, or even if you’re not, creating a piece of art in honor of your dog can be a healing activity. Paint a portrait, sculpt a small statue, or assemble a collage using favorite photos and mementos. This personal art project allows you to channel your grief into something beautiful and enduring, making a permanent tribute that reflects the love and joy your dog brought into your life.
- Start a Blog or Social Media Account
Share your journey of coping and the life you shared with your dog by starting a blog or a social media account. This can be a space to express your feelings, share memories, and connect with others who are also grieving. Writing posts, uploading pictures, and interacting with followers who share their own stories can be incredibly comforting. It helps to know others understand your pain and can offer support and empathy.
- Plan a Day of Favorite Activities
Dedicate a day to celebrate your dog’s life by engaging in some of their favorite activities. Go for a walk in their favorite park, play their favorite games, or simply spend some time in their favorite spot in the house. Invite friends or family members who knew your pet well to join in and share their memories and stories. This can be an annual event to keep your dog’s memory alive and part of your life.
- Donate or Volunteer in Their Name
Consider making a donation to an animal charity or volunteering at an animal rescue organization in your dog’s name. This act of kindness not only honors their memory but also helps other animals in need. It can be a powerful way to channel your grief into positive action, providing a sense of purpose and continuity from the love you shared with your pet.
- Laugh at the Memories
Finally, let yourself laugh. Remember the time your dog ate your homework (literally) or that beach trip where they rolled in every mud puddle in sight? Dogs have a way of making life a little less serious. So let those funny, precious memories bring a smile through the tears.
Coping with the loss of your dog is a journey—there’s no quick route through it. But with each step, may you find peace, healing, and the enduring joy of having been loved unconditionally by your loyal friend.
