"Life is always like that, we must move forward."

Dr. Judith Beck, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • By Gemma Johnstone

Published: Tuesday, May 7, 2024

First of all, I’m truly sorry for the pain you’re going through. I understand that losing a pet is not just losing a dear friend; it’s losing a very important part of your everyday life. The feeling of emptiness is overwhelming, and sometimes this pain can make you feel lost about how to move forward, right? That’s completely normal.

 

But I want you to understand that feeling sad and heartbroken is absolutely okay. You need to allow yourself to experience all those feelings. No one can tell you how long it should take to heal from this loss, and you don’t need to rush it.

1. Accept Your Feelings

You might be feeling really down, tearful, and even overwhelmed, and that’s absolutely okay. Don’t suppress those feelings; don’t force yourself to be strong right now. Just let yourself feel everything because sometimes, pain needs to be acknowledged before we can truly start healing.

2. Create a Memorial Space

One way to feel like your pet is still with you is to create a small corner in your home to remember it. You can place favorite photos, toys, or items related to your pet in a special spot – somewhere you can look and feel its presence still. Sometimes, just glancing at those memories can make you feel warm inside.

3. share your feelings with others

You don’t have to bear this pain alone. Reach out to loved ones or anyone who has gone through a similar loss. Share the story of your pet, talk about the memories you had together. Sometimes just talking about it can help lighten the heavy burden in your heart.

4. engage in soothing activities

If your emotions become too overwhelming, try engaging in activities like meditation, journaling, or spending time on hobbies you love. These things can help you calm your emotions and create space for self-care.

5. keep your pet close in a special way

Sometimes, to make the pain feel less daunting, you need to feel like your pet hasn’t really left you. I’d like to suggest a way that many people have found meaningful: take your favorite pictures of your pet and have them embroidered on a shirt. You can choose heartfelt messages like:

  • "Congratulations, Buddie, on completing your journey."
  • "Goodbye, my friend, it was great being together."
  • "You have every right to be proud of yourself."

Every time you wear that shirt, you’ll feel like your pet is still by your side, accompanying you in your daily life. It’s not just an item; it’s a way to cherish the love and beautiful memories you shared.

Learn About Embroidered Shirts >>
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I know this pain is huge and deeply emotional, but over time, it will ease. You’ll gradually learn to live with those memories and keep your pet in your heart in a very warm and meaningful way. Just take your time; don’t force yourself to forget. Your pet will always be in the most beautiful memories, and whenever you look back, you’ll see that that love still exists, in its own unique way.