How To Cope With Loss And Grief After Your Dog Has Passed
One of my saddest moments growing up was when my family had to put down our beloved poodle Molly. I was completely inconsolable for weeks. Every pup parent who has lost their canine companion knows how devastating it is to no longer have your furry friend by your side. Seeing their collar and leash is enough to make you burst into tears.
As incredibly painful as it is, there are some steps that can help make the mourning at least somewhat bearable.
Find Comfort In Family & Friends
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Those close to you will hopefully understand what you are going through. Your family and friends will likely be a source of support to you during these difficult times.
Call An Animal Grief Support Hotline
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You may want to consider calling an animal grief support hotline, where professionals trained in grief management can help you discuss your recent loss without judgement or interruption. While speaking to The Cut, Psychologist Stephanie LaFarge, who established the ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline, revealed that she receives “2,000 calls a year” from animal owners. She told the publication that:
Most people call in the evening or on weekends because that’s when they’re most free to get in touch with the emotions that are evoked in even making the phone call — the impact of the loss, the loneliness, hits people most when they come home from being out of the house. Some people try to stay out of the house as much as possible, but eventually, you have to come home.
The hotline is the most — I hesitate to use this word, but it’s the most nourishing and refreshing part of my day. Because you are working very closely with people and you’re almost always able to be helpful.
It’s a rare treat for a mental-health professional.
Read A Book
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Several books may help you heal while mourning your beloved animal. Best Friends Animal Society recommends reading Saying Goodbye to the Pet You Love by Lorri A. Greene, Ph.D. Goodbye, Friend by Gary Kowlaski, Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates by Gary Kurz, and When Only the Love Remains by Emily Margaret Stuparyk.
Throw A Memorial Service
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Like any beloved family member, your dog deserves a send-off. It can be as big or as small as you’d like. You may want to invite everyone from the local dog park and throw a massive shindig. Or maybe you’d rather just have a friend or two over and eat some take-out food while sharing your favorite stories about your precious pup.
Consider Adopting or Fostering a Dog
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Now, it is not recommended to immediately get a new dog after your furry friend has passed away. While speaking to Everyday Health, New Jersey psychologist Frank J. Sileo, Ph.D. warned that “you may find yourself resenting the new pet for trying to take the place of the old pet.”
That being said, I personally always need to have an animal in my life. In fact, my parents decided to adopt two dogs shortly after Molly died. It may have been somewhat of a rash decision but I genuinely think it helped our grieving process.
If you don’t think you are quite ready to fully commit to a new canine, you may want to consider fostering.