Pets are like family. The pain of losing them can hurt as deeply as losing a relative or even a child. Whether your pet was old and gray or young and met a tragic end, it hurts to lose a faithful companion that walked by your side. How do you overcome the loss of something so near and dear to your heart? Here are six ways to help you cope.
1. Create A Video Tribute
You’ve undoubtedly got lots of pictures and videos from your years together. Why not take these items and create a video tribute to remember them by? You often see this done at funerals, and it’s a fantastic way to commemorate a pet you loved so much.
Display this video tribute on social media sites so that others can see your fur baby. You’ve probably already shared your pet with the world, so why not let them view the tribute you work hard to create?
2. Join An Online Support Group
Social media has become the new way to help people get through the loss. You can join an online support group to talk about your hurts. There are many others out there who feel the same as you. When your pet crosses the rainbow bridge, you need all the support you can get.
3. Use An Urn To Keep Them Close
If you’ve used a service like at home euthanasia in Boston or any in your surrounding area, you may choose to have your animal cremated. A lovely urn can be kept on a mantel or shelf to ensure they’re never far from your heart. Some people find comfort in carrying some of the ashes in a little locket around their neck, and you can even have the ashes made into a gem.
Though they’re gone from this life, they can still be close for all eternity. If you don’t want to keep ashes, you can do other things to commemorate them. You can have a nice headstone made for their grave that tells everyone what they meant, or you can plant a memorial tree in your yard.
4. Get Another Animal
While nothing will ever take the place of your beloved pet, it does help to move on by getting another companion. You don’t want to get a dog or cat that looks just like your old pet, but you want to find a new one that brings something unique to your life. What another animal can do is bring so much joy to you that you never knew possible. So while you will never stop missing the animal you lost, you can find happiness with a new companion.
5. Hold A Memorial Service
Once your pet has passed, it’s essential to hold a ceremony to say goodbye. You need closure on such a loss, which is why funerals exist. According to a study, over 84 percent of American homes have a pet in them, so it’s only natural to grieve the loss of this family member when they’re gone.
A funeral can help you and the younger ones in your home come to terms with the loss. Did you know that the same study found that 90 percent of pet parents said losing a pet was the worst pain they experienced? The grief is profound, so you need to be proactive in healing.
6. Volunteer And Give Back
While nothing will ever replace the beloved pet you lost, you can find great joy in helping those who don’t have a home. Many organizations are local to you who need help. You may find solace in walking some dogs at the pound, or you can help with nail trims and baths at a shelter.
You last want to sit idle and allow your mind to ruminate on your loss. Get out there and do something to help animals, as it will help you heal and grow from this experience.
Closing Thoughts
Losing a pet is nothing that you’re going to get over quickly. However, time does have a way of healing your wounds. If you focus your energy on positive things to keep your mind busy, you will find that each day gets a little easier. You will find that your heart will mend by incorporating a few of these tips listed above.
