How to Move On from Losing a Pet

 Losing a pet is never an easy thing, especially when they are members of the family. It can be very difficult to move on from this loss and get back into your normal routine. However, if you're having trouble moving on, there are some things that may help make it easier.

Photo by Johann from Pexels

#1 Accepting the loss

The first step is to accept the fact that your pet is gone. It's hard, but it's important to remember that they are no longer with us. This doesn't mean you have to forget about them, but rather that you need to come to terms with their death.

It may help to talk about your pet with others who understand what you're going through. There are also support groups available for those who lose a pet. This can be a great way to share memories and get advice from others who have been in the same situation.

In addition, writing about your pet can be a great way to help process the loss. This could be in the form of a letter, journal entry, or blog post. Finally, talk about your pet with others who understand what you're going through.

#2 Explaining what happened to kids

If you have children, it's essential to talk to them about what happened. They may not understand why their pet is gone, and they may be scared. So it's important to answer any questions they have and let them know that their pet is in a better place.

It can be helpful to find a book or video that talks about loss so your child can learn more about what happened—letting them know that their pet is in a better place. One of the best ways to help move on from losing a pet is by helping your child remember all the good times they had together. This could involve making a photo album or scrapbook, writing down memories, buying one of the many pet caskets available for a proper funeral or even creating a memorial garden.

For some, memories can make it harder to move on from losing a pet. If you're having trouble with this step, consider getting rid of your pet's things and keeping only the items that are truly important. This could be something like an old toy or blanket they loved playing with before they passed away. 

Having these belongings may just remind you too much of all the good times you had together and make moving forward tricky for people who have lost a pet. One way to help get past this stage is by creating new happy memories with other family members and friends without your pet around.

#3 Give yourself time and space

It's important to remember that you don't have to rush the healing process. Grieving for a pet can take time, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. It's okay to be sad and feel like your life is turned upside down.

In addition, try not to overload yourself with work or other commitments in the early stages of grieving. This may just make things harder for you. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy.

If possible, try to avoid placing blame on yourself for what happened. It's natural to go over what we could have done differently, but this won't help anything. Pet loss is a difficult thing to cope with, and it's normal for it to take time. 

#4 Moving on

It's okay to still think about your pet. They will always be in your heart, and they can help you remember them by keeping their things around the house or visiting the place where they passed away. Remember that this doesn't mean you don't love them anymore, but rather that you're trying to move on from losing a pet so life can get back to normal again. You may feel guilty for forgetting about your pet too quickly, but know that everyone heals at different rates, and there is no "right" way of doing things when moving on after losing a loved one. 

For some people, having something physical like an urn or memorial garden can be helpful during this stage of recovery. This could keep memories alive even if we aren't thinking about them all the time. Also, remember that it's okay to cry and be sad when you think of your pet. They were a massive part of your life, and there will always be a hole in your heart that they used to fill.

#5 Getting a new pet after losing one

It's okay to think about getting a new pet after losing one but know that this isn't for everyone. Some people feel like they need another animal in their life right away, while others may not be ready for a long time. If you do decide to get a new pet, take your time in picking out the perfect one and make sure it's the right decision for you. It can be helpful to go through an adoption agency or visit multiple shelters before making your choice.

While it won't replace the pet you lost, a new furry friend can help with the healing process and provide lots of love and happiness. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time before taking on such a big responsibility. In addition, don't forget to talk about your old pet with the new one. They may not understand what happened, but it can be a great way to help keep their memory alive.

It's okay to still think about your pet, and there is no right or wrong way of moving on after losing them. Getting a new pet can be helpful for some people, but make sure it's the right decision for you before taking such a big step. memorial garden

There are many different ways to help move on from losing a pet, but the most important thing is that you don't try to do it alone. Lean on your friends and family for support during this difficult time. They will be there to help you get through it. Pet loss is never easy, but you will eventually start feeling better with time and patience.

Unhealthy, But Happy: Making The Most Of Quality Time Together When Your Dog Is Very Old

Image Source

As their health deteriorates, we will naturally want to spend more time with our dog as they get older. But as time goes on, the idea of what can constitute as quality time can be quite a head-scratcher. We need to find good ways to spend time with our dog, and in some respects, we can overthink it, but how can we ensure that they are getting the best from us?

If They Want To Sleep…

Let them sleep! They are going to spend more time sleeping now than they were years ago, so make it a bit more comfortable for them. Give them some extra blankets to lie on, or give them a space on the couch. It's at this point where the rules of them staying off the couch might not apply, especially if you want to give them your all.

Helping Them Walk

Yes, they will still want to go for walks, but it will be few and far between. As they get older, their mobility will naturally decrease because of stiff joints, but they will still want to accompany us wherever we go. In which case, do your best to help them get up or down stairs, or if you want to take them out for a walk, make sure it's on terrain that isn't too difficult for them.

Getting Them Outside

They will want to stay active, and there are going to be parts of their body that will not do what they want. As they get older, their bladder will be quite weak, but you can purchase a dog belly wrap to help with this so that they can get outside a bit more. And if you were used to going out for hours on end, playing Frisbee, or hiking up and down mountains, you need to pull this back and make sure the time outside is nice and active, but not overly so. Ultimately, the more active they are, the better they will feel, but there has to be a limit.

Getting More Home Comforts

They will be more sensitive to the changes in the seasons, and we have to be ready to adapt to these changes. Keeping some home comforts to hand will ensure that they are a bit happier despite their failing body. They are going to be more sensitive, not just in terms of their body, but their mind also, so think about the home comforts that they usually like, and get a few more ready!

Providing Extra Nutrition

In their senior years, they will need more in their diet to keep the feeling healthy. Not only will they need different types of nutrients, but they will also need an adequate amount of calories. Fluctuations in weight are very common for dogs in old age, and it can be a struggle to find the right balance. 

Ensuring that they have adequate supplements is something you need to provide for them at the very least, but you may want to think about other approaches to ensure they have healthier functions, such as the gut. 

A lot of dog owners give their dog kefir grains, as the good bacteria benefits their gut in many ways, but be careful not to overdo this, and ensure that their stomach can take this influx of good bacteria. On the other hand, bone broth has been shown to be a great way to improve digestive health as it is very light on the stomach and provides many nutrients.

Taking Those Opportunities To Bond

Even if it's not like it used to be, you can still bond over old activities. Even if they don't get out much, something as basic as grooming time is your opportunity to bond with them. It's the two of you, together, and it's a very simple way to show them how much you care.

Take Each Day As It Comes

It can be very upsetting when your dog isn't able to move around as they once did, and they may not want to do anything anymore, but you need to judge each day on its own merit. As long as you are keeping them as healthy as possible, and you are doing everything in your power to ensure they are comfortable, then there's no telling how they will be tomorrow. They may be sprightly and full of energy, but they might not, and this is something you have to take on a day by day basis.

Keeping Your Medical Knowledge Up-To-Date

Something as simple as keeping in touch with the vets during this difficult time will make sure that you are doing everything you can for them. Old age is one of those things that happen to each and every one of us, and while your vet will tell you that they need to be comfortable and healthy, it doesn't hurt to know the signs and symptoms of a certain illness, so you can act quickly if there is an emergency.

Have Some Fun!

You may feel sad, and understandably so, but you have a lifetime of memories together, and they wouldn't want you to be sad for them, and instead of dreading the worst, give yourself the opportunity to relive some old times. They need you more now than ever, but you can still do the things that you used to do, albeit with a little more care and attention. Enjoy some fun time together, and talk to them. 

They don't want to feel scared or upset, and this is why you should spend quality time with each other. It can be incredibly heartbreaking to see your dog give into old age, and while everyone will say it's a part of life, it can hurt. But it's not helpful at this point in time to dwell on the negative aspects, because they may still have a lot of life in them yet, and it's your responsibility to make the most of their twilight years, and you can still make new memories. 

Your dog is your best friend, so treat them accordingly, and make the most of your quality time together.