Losing someone you love can turn your world upside down—whether that someone is a friend, family member, or cherished pet. Having formed such a strong connection, the mere idea of living without them can seem unbearable. This is especially true when it comes to grieving our precious pups, our most trusted companions, and the four-legged friends who manage to make everything better at the end of the day. 

But as much as it’s painful to grieve a pet, their presence in our life is forever unmatched. 

Looking back on the first day you came home, most dog owners would probably agree that we didn’t expect anything in return—not of such exponential magnitude anyway—simply because our love for you was more than enough. And still, we were given so much in return. 

We might have even asked ourselves, why me? How’d I get so lucky?

Deep down though, we knew no one else could love you the way we did. It’s as if we were meant to be in one another’s lives.  

This unconditional love is one that we never took for granted; we cherished it all—the dirt-covered paws upon our shoulders; the startling (but sweet) sight of wide beady eyes upon waking; the rarity of having to sweep up crumbs off the kitchen floor, being met with an abundance of tail wags and slobber as soon we walked in the room (even if we saw you only a moment before); and all the paw-to-hand demos that brought a proud-parent-grin onto our face. 

It would be an understatement to say that we’re your number one fan. 

So when the day comes to say goodbye, which we could never really prepare for, it’s natural to feel unsure of where to turn, and how to do life without the food-begging, compulsive licking, excitedly jumping, and adamantly barking. Because who could have guessed after another “Stop barking at the mail truck!” we’d do anything to have it back once more. 

Fellow dog lovers and all of us at Lee Alexander & Co. empathize with you. The process of grieving a pet is sacred, just as your relationship will always be. But know that this journey is one you don’t have to walk through alone.

If you’ve recently lost a pet or are anticipating loss, your experience and feelings are valid. The grieving process of losing a pet will encompass many stages over time, some easier than others, but honoring their memory can be a wonderful way to keep their spirit with you.

Here we talk about the process of grief while offering a few stress-reducing and self-care techniques that may bring some comfort to you along the way.   

Grief and Pet Loss

While the farthest thing from simple, grieving the loss of a dog or other pet is an experience many can relate to and it will certainly take time. The grief process is unique to all of us and so will look (and feel) different from one person to the next. Grief responses can also re-emerge and may come forward when recounting special memories, encountering familiar sights, sounds, or smells, and even during times of stress.

Some might say that losing a pet can be difficult, but nowhere near as difficult as losing a friend or family member can be. However, grief and loss are deeply personal, subjective encounters that exist after losing someone or something of grave importance, the biophysical details bearing none or little importance at all. Just as a loved one can impact our lives considerably, so can our four-legged friends. 

If unsure how to support someone grieving the loss of a dog or other pet, remember that leading with compassion is one of the kindest gestures we can offer to someone navigating loss. This may come in the form of active and compassionate listening, spending quality time, and if helpful, sharing our own experience.  

Being a ‘Pet Person’ Comes with Benefits 

It’s not denying that the daily snuggles and scenic walks increase the bond between owners and pets, but there are additional benefits that come with being a dog owner as well.

Studies have shown that:

• Pet owners report less anxiety and depression than those without.
• Those with pets show a decrease in blood pressure in stressful situations  than those without.
• Playing with a dog or other pet can increase the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, known as the “happy hormones,” which calm, relax and increase feelings of reward and pleasure
• Owning a pet is a protective factor against heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.  

Understanding how our dogs have impacted our lives can help us focus on the positive memories and less on the painful ones. This process of reflection can also shed light on what areas of our life may be most affected after such a significant loss.  For instance, knowing how our small but mighty sidekick keeps our anxiety at bay, it may be helpful to explore new coping mechanisms, remedies, or treatment options. 

It’s also common for pets to be strongly integrated into the family system, forming many relationships at various degrees of closeness. After losing a pet, families will grieve differently but often concurrently, requiring sensitivity and support for all. This can prove difficult for dog owners to grieve when those close to them are in mourning, too. But we all must take time to feel and process our emotions. Being around others who understand our grief can also provide us with a sense of comfort.  

Stages of Grief After Losing a Dog

Grieving the loss of a loved one can look like deep sadness overlapping with symptoms of depression and anxiety. But it can also look like anger, confusion, shame, guilt, or relief. Grief can be perceived differently due to brain and nervous system anatomy, as well as environmental factors and personal experience. 

If wondering how long grieving will last, the short answer is days, weeks, or years. Typically, symptoms will begin to lessen over time as an individual moves toward a state of acceptance. When navigating pet loss, it can be helpful to understand the grieving process, to stay connected with close friends and family, to focus on the positive memories, and if at all helpful, to seek support from a mental health professional.  

While the process of grief looks different for all, there are typically five stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Remember that the grieving process is not always a linear journey. There may be periods of balance and there may also be times when we lose our footing. While this does not make us weaker or stronger, it does remind us of our humanity, our resilience, of our will. Understanding the multi-layer process of grief and that others share similar experiences to our own, can help us to heal over time and feel less alone. 

How to Cope 

There are many forms of support available after losing a pet, including pet bereavement counseling, pet loss hotlines, support groups, books, videos, articles, and other forms of media. Allowing yourself to grieve and taking time to focus on self-care is important for healing and moving towards a stage of acceptance—where recounting memories of your precious pup feels more heartwarming and less painful.

There are many ways to cope with the loss of a beloved pet:

• Take time to explore your grief and express it
• Talk with others who can relate to your experience
• Write down your thoughts and feelings ( e.g., journaling, poetry, short stories)
• Spend quality time with loved ones, doing activities that bring you joy
• Contact your veterinarian to see if they offer bereavement services or can refer you to one
• Honor your pet in a way that’s best for you 

Honoring Your Beloved Pet 

We know that grieving a pet is unquestionably difficult. While some don’t fully grasp the magnitude of losing a pet, fellow animal lovers understand that pets are family and the grief process is one that is unique to all of us. 

Here at Lee Alexander & Co., we create personalized memorial jewelry that embodies the memory of your devoted pet and represents the eternal bond you share. 

If you’re ready to start your journey to find the perfect [“memorial jewelry for your dog” — with internal link to homepage w/ quoted part as anchor text], contact us. We want nothing more than to help you cherish the memory of your loved one and to carry their spirit with you throughout your beautiful journey ahead. 

References

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coping-death-your-pet