Pet Loss Support
SUPPORTING YOURSELF AFTER THE DECISION
The most important part of post-life care is taking care of oneself. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your pet.
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Many pet parents experience guilt or grief following a pet's death. You might feel like you could have done more or second guessing decisions made. The anxiety is real. Your grief and feelings are justified. Losing a family member is hard.
It's also important to talk to somebody about your feelings. In many cultures around the world, families and friend come together and mourn the loss of a loved one collectively. The sense of community remembering someone so important, helps family members get back to normal. Pets are absolutely family members. We encourage you to have dinner with your pet’s favorite people. Tell stories, both good, bad, and unique to your lost loved one. We understand community and we want you to know you are not alone while grieving for a pet. We have created private groups on social media for Paws Goodbye clients to support one another during their difficult time. There will be no commercialization outside of our company name and maybe a survey from time to time. Our closed social media communities are curated to create a safe and supportive environment and to celebrate the life of a great pet.
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Speaking with a grief counselor is also something that has helped many people. Sharing your feelings with somebody who is trained in dealing with death and loss might help you heal. We work with a network of compassionate counselors and therapists that can help you through difficult and challenging times.
PET LOSS SUPPORT - WAYS TO MEMORIALIZE YOUR PET
REMEMBERING YOUR BELOVED FRIEND
Giving your pet a proper send-off is an important part of the grieving process.
Celebrating a life is done over a lifetime. You will never forget your animal family members. We want to help you remember them.
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MEMORIAL STONE OR PLAQUE
One of the most common ways to memorialize a pet is a memorial stone or plaque. Usually made of something like granite or marble can be engraved with your loved one's name and a personal message.
These pieces of art will serve as a physical reminder of your pet's life and can be placed in your home, garden, or anywhere that reminds you of your pet.
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PLANT A TREE OR BUSH
If you're looking for a way to create a living memorial, you might consider planting a tree in honor of your loved one. This tree will grow and bloom just as they would and will serve as a lasting reminder of their life.
Your memorial trees will be planted to restore treasured National Forests that have been damaged by wildfire, insects, disease, and natural disasters. You can dedicate multiple trees – amplifying the environmental impact of your living tribute.
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SPREAD THEIR ASHES IN NATURE
If you want to spread your furry friend's ashes in nature, choose a spot that would honor them. Think about places your pet’s favorite places, like the park or the beach. Scattering their ashes at their favorite places is a great way to honor their memory.
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POST AN OBITUARY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Share how much they meant to you and to celebrate and respect the life of your beloved pet by posting an obituary on social media.
Just like with people, writing an obituary about your pet is a great way to remember their life and the memories you made together. Writing about what you miss most about your pet and sharing your thoughts with others can be very therapeutic. It's also why we created curated social media support groups for people to remember and share their memories.
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CREATE A COLLAGE OF PHOTOS AND MEMORIES
A photo collage is an easy and inexpensive way to remember your pet. You can create a collage of your pet's favorite pictures, memorable moments, and other photos.
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You can then place the collage in a frame and mount it in a place where you’ll see it often as a reminder of your best friend.
You could also create a stunning scrapbook of memories or prepare a digital slideshow of their life.
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MAKE HOMEMADE CARDS FOR THEM
One of the most heartfelt ways to remember your pet is to make a homemade card. Simply gather your favorite pictures, cut them into heart shaped cards, and write a short note about why they were special.
Take the time to remember every detail. What were their favorite things? What were their quirks? Were they funny, or silly? Every little detail should be remembered.
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PET FUNERALS: AN HONORABLE FAREWELL TO OUR BELOVED COMPANIONS
We know how difficult it is to deal with the pain caused by the loss of a pet. The sadness we feel from their passing is justified and should not be diminished in any way. Having a pet funeral lets us pay our respects to the life of our late furry friends much like we do with humans.
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You often have two options when planning to have a pet funeral - either have a DIY funeral at home, or you could hire a pet funeral service to arrange it for you. Usually, your capacity to set up a pet funeral at home will determine which option you choose.
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DIY PET FUNERAL
A pet funeral at home is considered by owners who want to have an intimate and personal commemoration of their deceased pet. It allows you to grieve with your family as you recall memories of your pet. However, managing all the preparations for it while grieving is complicated and could prove difficult.
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PET FUNERAL SERVICE
If planning something yourself seems too overwhelming, you can hire a pet funeral service. Many pet funeral homes exist in the United States and offer a wide array of services. They can usually help organize wake services, cremations, and pet burial packages. Pet memorial products, such as urns, caskets, and grave markers, are also often available.
Considering the pain and suffering their death brings upon us, arranging a pet funeral for our beloved companions is helpful and could be regarded as indispensable.
Taking the time to remember the special memories and even the regular days you spent together is a powerful step in dealing with grief. The pain is real and sharing these memories with friends is an important part of healing.
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HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE GOING THROUGH BEREAVEMENT
When we lose a pet, there’s a period of grief that feels like it could last forever. It’s hard to see someone go through that pain, and it’s even harder to figure out how you can help. You may be wondering what you can do to support someone who is dealing with that loss.
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ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR PAIN
One of the worst things you can say to someone grieving is “it’s just a dog” or “it’s only a cat.” Understand that most people view their pets as members of their family. The loss of a pet is as painful to some as losing a family member.
The pain is as real as the years they spent together. The anguish that people feel over a deceased pet is valid and deserves sympathy. You should never attempt to downplay their emotional response.
The best thing to do is to simply acknowledge their pain and show empathy. You could tell them that you’re sorry for their loss and that they had to go through this.
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LISTEN AND RESPECT THEIR WISHES
Everyone grieves in their own way. Some people want to be around large groups, while others need space to collect their thoughts. Both methods are valid and should be respected.
If someone needs a few days to manage themselves, let them know that you’ll be there when they need you. Processing grief is different for everyone.
If they say that they need someone around them or feel like they want to have someone with them but do not want to burden others, giving that friend in need will go a long way.
Your friends and family will understand that you have other commitments, but the simple act of checking on them occasionally, through voice or video calls, text messages, or a short visit would let them know that they are not alone in their time of grieving.
You should actively listen. Mankind has not figured out how to solve death, yet. Instead of trying to solve problems for someone mourning, let them speak their mind. Let them work through their emotions and provide a caring ear for them.
Grieving people often know that you won’t know what to say when a pet dies, and that’s okay. They are more interested in knowing that they are not alone in their time of need than they are in hearing a profound piece of advice.
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HELP MEMORIALIZE THEIR PET
One way that people cope with loss is to memorialize their pets. They set up pictures, urns, and other reminders of their furry friend’s life. A memorial is a powerful way for them to cope with their loss.
You can help them set this up. Go through pictures and help them pick out the best ones. If they need assistance organizing a pet funeral, be with them in the process. All in all, just showing your support can help them come through on the other side.
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SHOW COMPASSION AND LOVE
The best answer to how to comfort someone who lost a pet is simply love and compassion. By showing them that you’re there, you’ll do more than you can imagine for someone who’s experiencing grief.
Treat those going through grieving the loss of a pet with compassion and be there for them when they need it. Acknowledge the pain, and you’ll help alleviate it.
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CONCLUSION
If you are thinking about the quality of life of your beloved pet, and considering putting your pet down, it's best to prepare yourself for the process. Knowing what you're walking into will make it easier to handle when the day comes. In the end, it's important to remember that you're doing what's best for your animal and you're not alone. According to the American Humane Association, one third of all pet owners have made this tough decision. It's an emotional time, but it doesn't have to be a difficult one. The decision to put a beloved pet down is a personal one, and it's a decision that should be made with the help of your family and veterinary professionals.