| When a pet passes away it can be just as difficult as | | | | donations whether they are of your time, |
| losing a loved one. Perhaps that pet was a childhood | | | | newspapers for kennels, pet food or special treats |
| friend who pounced the mud puddles with us in | | | | that they would seldom receive otherwise. |
| hopes of catching frogs or maybe that special | | | | Don't hold it in |
| sweetie was simply a listening ear as we went | | | | Unfortunately many people find it difficult to grieve |
| through the challenges of a divorce or other difficult | | | | the loss of their pet. This is often because they fear |
| time in our lives. No matter what reason we loved | | | | that people will think they are "nutty". If you need to |
| our pet, one thing is certain, saying goodbye is one | | | | cry, let it out. Talk to your friends. Open up to your |
| of the most difficult challenges we will ever face. | | | | spouse. And if you don't have any one else you feel |
| Whether you have recently lost your furry friend or | | | | like you can talk to, talk to another pet or even the |
| you are still trying to ease the pain of pal departed | | | | neighbor's Great Dane. It might sound silly, but animals |
| long ago, "paws" for a moment to find our seven | | | | are great sensors of emotion and while they may |
| favorite ways to deal with the loss of a pet. You'll be | | | | not understand your words, they will no doubt |
| glad you did . . . | | | | understand your grief. |
| Say a Few Words | | | | Get Out |
| One of the best ways to gain closure after a pet | | | | After the loss of a loved one we can almost feel |
| passes away is by saying a few words over their | | | | guilty for going out and having a good time. While it |
| resting place. Say what you feel. Talk about what a | | | | may be difficult at first, it is essential to your |
| great cat he was, how he always made you laugh | | | | wellbeing that you get out and have a little fun. |
| when he got milk all over his whiskers, even sing a | | | | Something hands on is perfect for a day out. Try a |
| few songs if you like. If you are afraid of looking silly, | | | | local pottery class where you can meet new people |
| do this when everyone else is away from home. | | | | and keep your mind busy. |
| Whether it has been minutes or months since the | | | | Before you know it, getting out and about will begin |
| passing of your pet, it is never too late to say | | | | to feel more natural until ultimately, you will find |
| goodbye . . . never. | | | | yourself moving into a new, exciting time in your life |
| Plant a Garden in Their Honor | | | | carrying your happy memories of your pet along for |
| Remembrance is a beautiful and sometimes difficult | | | | the journey. |
| thing. Creating a garden in your pet's honor captures | | | | Move On |
| the beauty of your memories all while helping take | | | | There comes a time when your pet smiles down |
| your mind off the pain. One of the most relaxing | | | | from heaven saying "You've put your life on "paws" |
| hobbies on the planet, gardening is actually a | | | | for long enough. I want you to move on." Whether it |
| recommendation that doctor's often give to their | | | | has been years or days since your pet passed, |
| patients who suffer from high blood pressure of an | | | | bringing a new pet into the family is a great way to |
| overly stressed lifestyle. | | | | find closure. While no one can take the place of your |
| When you begin, make your garden personal. Did | | | | pet, another pet can come in and create a whole |
| your cat particularly like to pounce the neighbor's | | | | new friendship that will turn into true love in no time |
| sunflowers? Plant a row of sunny yellows especially | | | | at all. |
| for her. Every time you see them you'll be reminded | | | | Don't feel guilty for moving on. After all, moving on |
| of the silly way she thought she could actually climb | | | | doesn't mean leaving paw prints in the past, it simply |
| them! | | | | means letting them travel along with you on your |
| Donate to Your Local Animal Shelter | | | | new journey, moving forward with joy and keeping |
| What better way to ease the pain of your own | | | | those happy moments tucked quietly in the corners |
| suffering than to ease the suffering of animals in | | | | of your heart forever. |
| your community. Local shelters are always in need of | | | | |