In a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, 90.5 million families, or about 70 percent of American households, own a pet. With these figures, it’s no surprise that the loss of a pet is one of the most devastating things that a person can go through.
If you’ve recently lost a furry friend, you may wonder how to cope with your grief and keep your pet’s memory alive. Luckily, there are ways to do both. Below are some best practices for moving forward after losing a pet.
Give yourself time to grieve
One of the most important things you can do after losing a pet is to give yourself time to grieve. That might mean taking a few days off from work or other commitments or spending extra time at home. During this time, it’s essential to do whatever makes you feel better, whether that’s spending time with other loved ones, looking at pictures of your pet, or going for walks in nature.
Grief is a natural part of the healing process, and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Just remember to be patient and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel. It might seem daunting, but the pain will lessen in time.
When you’re ready, you can do several things to keep your pet’s memory alive. In doing so, you may find some peace and comfort.
Talk about your pet
One way to keep your pet’s memory alive is to talk about them often. You can do this with friends and family members who also knew and loved your pet. Talking about the happy moments you shared can help you remember the good times and make you smile.
You can also write blogs or create videos about your pet. It can be therapeutic and help you share your memories with others who are grieving the loss of a pet or want to know more about your furry friend. It’s also a way to connect with others who have gone through a similar experience.
According to research published in Science Daily, verbalizing your feelings is a powerful way to lessen the impact of grief. So, don’t hesitate to talk about your pet as much as you need to. As simple as it may sound, it can make a difference.
Create a memorial
Another way to keep your pet’s memory alive is to create a memorial for them. It can be anything from setting up a small shrine in your home to planting a tree in their honor. If you have the space, you could even build a memorial garden.
There are many ways to personalize a memorial, so get creative. You could include items like their favorite toy, a blanket they used to sleep on, or a picture of them. You could also write down your favorite memories or plant flowers that bloom during the season they got born.
The possibilities are endless, and the important thing is that the memorial makes you feel good. It should be a place where you can go to reflect on happy times and cherish your memories.
Donate to a pet-related charity
If you’re looking for a way to keep your pet’s memory alive and help other animals in need, consider making a donation to a pet-related charity. Many organizations accept donations in honor of a deceased pet, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the Humane Society of the United States.
Donating to a charity is a great way to keep your pet’s memory alive while helping other animals. And it also doesn’t have to be a costly gesture — even a small donation can make a big difference.
You can also donate the belongings your pet no longer needs, such as food, beds, toys, or clothes. Many shelters and rescue organizations are always in need of these items. This little act of kindness can go a long way in helping another pet in need and keeping your pet’s memory alive.
Bring them home
In the past, it was customary to bury a pet in the backyard or have them cremated. But nowadays, more and more people are choosing to use modern ways to bring their pets home. One such approach is through the natural aquamation process. This environmentally friendly alternative to cremation uses water instead of fire, resulting in more of the pet’s remains being returned to the owner.
Another popular option is taxidermy, which involves preserving your pet’s body so you can display them in your home. This approach might not be for everyone, but it’s becoming increasingly popular.
No matter what you decide to do with your pet’s remains, the important thing is that you do what feels right. There is no one way to go about it, and there is no right or wrong option.
The above are just a few ideas for how to keep your pet’s memory alive. Do what feels right for you, and take your time grieving. Remember, there is no rush, and you will get through this. Just know that you are not alone. Millions of pet owners go through the loss of a pet every year, and many have found comfort in the suggestions above. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to others for support, and take solace in knowing that you are not alone in this experience.
