Pets bring so much joy into our lives. They are a perfect example of unconditional love. Most of us who have owned pets know this to be true. Pets actually become part of our family.

It is painful to lose a pet. Yet, we know that death is inevitable and is a part of life. Our pets cannot escape this truth.

Often friends, family or coworkers do not understand that grieving the death of a pet is just as painful as grieving a deceased family member or loved one.

Often, the pain seems unbearable at times. So how do we deal with the pain of losing a pet?

Below are several suggestions to help you get through the pain of losing a beloved pet companion:

1) Write down your feelings

It is important to be aware of your feelings and to express them. For me, I do this through writing. Write down how you feel, what the circumstance was, what you remember most about your pet, what you will miss most…It is therapeutic to write down your feelings.

2) Allow yourself time to grieve/ cry

It is important to express your feelings. It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to cry. Eckhart Tolle talks about the importance of “sitting with your pain.” When you sit with your pain, you eventually transmute it to peace. But you have to sit with it and feel it. Don’t try to do things to cover it up.

3) Create a memorial for your pet

It is healing to create a memorial for your pet. You can compile pictures or put their animal toys or blankets into a memorial box---whatever you feel is appropriate.

You can see an example of the memorial I created for Talmage by CLICKING HERE.

4) Get involved in some type of cause

I remember a quote from a book by Richard Paul Evans that said “The best cure for a broken heart is to use it.”

Make a donation to an animal welfare organization on behalf of your pet. Volunteer some time working with children.

5) Know that your pet is always with you

It is important to know that your pet is always with you. Even though his/her physical body is no longer with you, the energy of your pet will always be with you.

I know when my cat Tigger died, I asked him to appear to me in a dream and he did. I pet him and loved him.

Sometimes you can still feel the presence of an animal that is deceased.

The most important thing is to be gentle with yourself. Know that the love you and your pet shared is always available to you.

It is my hope that this process helps anyone in their grief over the loss of a pet. Pets are our beloved companions. And they will always be with us, even when their physical bodies depart.