Our Aussie pup, Travis, has been gone for over a year now, and I still hear his feet running on the tile floor or expect his welcome when I come home after a long day. He was our comfort, companion, mischief instigator, and 14-year-old fur baby. We’ve had many fur babies cross over the rainbow bridge, but Travis was the one who grew with our children, was there for every victory, and comforted our kiddos through every struggle. He was our fourth child.
This past year has been rough. Losing a pet is not easy, and it’s hard to know when the right time is, if any, to welcome a new one in. These past several weeks, I’ve had the overwhelming urge to cuddle with a fluffy, furry pup, knowing my spouse would thoroughly disapprove of a new family member. Respecting my spouse’s recognition that he may not be ready for a new addition is essential to validating his grieving process.
Losing a pet can be a challenging experience, as pets often become woven into the family. They provide comfort and companionship, and when absent, they leave a void. It is important to find ways to cope with grief.
1. Acknowledge your grief. Recognize and validate your feelings and those of your family members. It’s okay to grieve the loss of a pet, as they are an integral part of your family.
2. Create a memorial. We have a set place in our home created for us to remember Travis with his photo, a mold of his paw print, and ashes. Creating a memorial for your pet sets a place of honor and remembrance of love.
3. Talk about it. Talk about the loss with your family, share your feelings with those who understand, and share memories about your pet. This can be very therapeutic.
4. Take care of yourself. Remember to take care of yourself by doing things you enjoy. This aids the healing process for your physical and emotional well-being.
5. Considering a new pet. The time will feel right and should not be rushed. A new pet can bring joy and companionship but be mindful of the grieving process of other family members.
All this is to say that our fur babies are precious to us and impact our lives in many ways. Embrace the fur cuddles when you have the chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jennifer Goodson, MA, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor with an office in Winter Haven, FL. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. For more information, visit www.pathwaycounselingservice.com.