Reflection Room
At Paws To Remember we understand that losing a pet can come with the same emotions as losing a human family member. Our reflection room gives pet owners a private and comfortable space to freely mourn and express their grief as they remember and say goodbye to their beloved companion.
Coping With Pet Loss
To help cope with the loss of a pet, consider all of the following recommendations from grief support specialists:
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Don’t be afraid to cry
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Tears are a natural expression of your grief. Stifling them does a disservice to your emotional health and to the memory of your pet.
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Take care of yourself
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Grief can cause us to lose sleep, eat poorly and miss our exercise routines. Taking care of yourself by maintaining your healthy habits leaves you better prepared to handle the grieving process.
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Be kind to yourself
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Take a long bath, read a favorite book or enjoy a long walk through the woods. Being kind to yourself is something positive you can do in memory of your pet.
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Avoid unnecessary changes
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Major changes in your life or daily routine will only add to your stress. If possible, save them for a time when you’ve had a chance to heal.
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Reach out to others
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Anyone who’s had a pet knows what it feels like to say goodbye. Reaching out to others for support can be a healing way to release some of your pent-up emotions.
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Find resources for others in your life
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Children and the elderly in particular may have a more difficult time navigating the grief of pet loss. If necessary, find the resources needed to guide them through this process.
If you feel that your grief over losing your pet is overwhelming your ability to cope with the daily demands of your life, contact our office. We are happy to provide referrals to counselors and other resources that can get you the support you need.
Helping Children With Pet Loss
Though your pet’s physical presence will leave your life, her memories will never fade from your heart. Capture the special relationship you shared with any of the following optional services. Depending on your child’s age and maturity level, you may find any of the following recommendations helpful throughout the grieving process:
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Be honest
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Answer questions as honestly as possible and don’t try to “sugar coat” things.
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Be repetitive
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It may take some time for children (especially young ones) to grasp the finality of death. Even if it’s uncomfortable for you, address the process of death as often as is necessary.
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Be open
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Don’t be afraid to cry and be sad in front of your children. Letting them know that grief is a natural part of their life will give them healthy coping tools for the future.
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Be mindful
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Pay attention to your child’s behavior and let him know if you notice any changes. Children that do not appear to be coping well with a pet’s loss may need extra support from a counselor or therapist.
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Be patient
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Grieving takes time. Focus on being supportive instead of expecting children to deal with the loss within a certain time-frame.
Helpful Pet Loss Resources
In addition to the resources found on our website, you may find any of the following links helpful when teaching children how to cope with the loss of a beloved pet:
We are here to support all members of your family throughout the grief process. If there is anything we can do to assist you in your time of need, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
365 Days of Healing
With our daily email messages of comfort and hope, you will feel supported knowing we're here to walk with you through this inevitable journey of grief.
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Just One of Many
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Here’s an example of one of the many emails you can receive from us. Each email will include advice, stories, and other thoughts to help you manage your grief and begin the process of recovery.