Tips for Dealing with the Death of Your Dog
Whether you lose your beloved dog through an accident, old age, or illness, your family will be upset and sad. You can make the loss a little easier to bear by using the following strategies.
A dog is a member of the family to many people. So, people grieve the loss as much or sometimes more than the loss of a human loved one. Remember that feeling of grief are normal and allow yourself to process those feelings.
If you have children, you will need to talk with them about the pet's death. Allow them to express their feelings of sadness and to reminisce about happier times. Don't be afraid to share tears and the fact that you are grieving with your children so that they know these feelings and the expression of them is acceptable.
Be sure to continue your daily routine as much as possible. These habits will be comforting to the family and help them to see that life will go on even in the absence of their pet.
When you are emotionally ready, pack away your pet's possessions so that you and your family aren't continually reminded of the pet's death. You may want to put a special possession of the pet in a display area for keepsakes, or if you choose cremation, keep the ashes in a decorative urn.
You may want to have a funeral service for the pet. Children may especially benefit from being able to talk about their pet and offer prayers. If you have the pet cremated, you may have a ceremony if you decide to spread the ashes in the dog's favorite spot outdoors.
If you have other pets, remember that they will also be sad over your dog's death. Try to give them extra attention and affection during this time.
You or your kids may immediately want to replace the dog with another dog. It's best to allow a period of months or years before acquiring another pet to allow everyone time to grieve. Each dog is unique, and you want to be able to welcome a new dog into your home with an open heart to love this dog for himself instead of expecting that the new dog will take the place of your old dog. You might want to consider a different breed, sex or coat color to help everyone remember that the new dog is truly different from your deceased pet.
Don't get caught up in feelings of if only. If only I hadn't left the fence open, if only I had taken him to the vet sooner, and similar thoughts serve no useful purpose. Remember the good times with your pet and realize that you loved your dog and had the best of intentions for taking care of him.
At some point, you will move through the grief process. You realize that you will never forgot your canine companion, but you are ready to accept a new dog into your life. Now you can give your heart to a new dog, and receive his love in return.
