Pets are amazing additions to the family, and they are instantly loved from the moment that you choose them to come home with you. Once you do welcome a pet into your life, it can be hard to imagine living without them, but it is more likely that you will outlive your pet. You might have many great years with them, but that doesn’t make it any easier when the time comes to say goodbye to your beloved companion and have to face the harsh reality of their death. Everyone in the family is affected by this loss, and they can leave a hole in your heart. If you have recently experienced the loss of a family pet, below are some things you can try to help you all move forward.
Have a Memorial for Them
Some families choose to bury their pets in the backyard so that they remain at the family home, and this is something you can do if you want to. However, be mindful that it is illegal to bury an animal anywhere else other than a certified pet cemetery, so as tempting as it might be to bury them in their favorite park, you can’t do this. If you get your pet cremated, you might be able to scatter their ashes at a favorite hiking spot of theirs instead, or you might prefer to keep them in an urn at home.
No matter what you choose to do with your pet’s remains, do hold a small memorial for them with the family where you can share stories and say goodbye. This can be particularly useful for younger children who might want to process their grief in a safe space and be comforted by their parents.
Purchase the Family a Gift
If one of your children or your partner has been particularly affected by the loss of your family pet, purchasing them a special gift to help them remember their beloved pet can be a thoughtful thing to do. You may even choose to do this for yourself, and the selection at Laurelbox for the loss of pets is a good example of what is available. These tokens can help you all remember your family pet and serve as a small keepsake in your home.
Give it Time Before Getting a New Pet
It can be tempting to get a new pet to fill the void your old one has left behind, and you might want to do this quickly if you have younger children to try and cheer them up. However, while getting a new family pet at some stage is perfectly fine, make sure you are giving it some time before you start looking at puppies and kittens again. Rushing into getting a new pet might make some relatives feel guilty or angry if they aren’t yet over the loss of your previous one. Hence, it’s important to let them complete their grieving period before introducing a new animal into the home. If you have recently lost your family pet, consider the tips above and see if they can help you all process your grief together and move forward.