Comforting a Friend Whose Pet Has Passed Away

Losing a beloved pet is extremely difficult.  It is a HUGE loss yet what makes it most challenging is that life around the loss seems to carry on as normal.  This is SO hard for someone who has lost a pet because they start feeling like their grief isn’t normal when in fact, it is, and it’s important to acknowledge that.  Here’s what you can do to help a friend who has lost a pet:

1. 1. Listen and be present: in my experience in performing hundreds of euthanasias, there are two forms of families: those who want to share stories of their pet and those who just want to be quiet.  The best thing you can do for your friend is to listen if they are willing to share, or to just be present during the tears.
2. 2. Affirm their decision: let them know that they did absolutely everything they could for their pet and if the pet died by a euthanasia decision, let them know they made the right choice and gave their pet a gift of a peaceful ending.
3. 3. Gifts: Etsy has beautiful mementos to remember a pet such as bracelets or even lockets that will hold pet ashes. These can be beautiful reminders of the love they shared with their pet.
4. 4. Make a donation: there are some really great organizations out there that allow you to make a donation in the name of a deceased pet.  Not only are you helping the common good, but you are showing your friend how much you care for them and their pet
5. 5. Week later check-in:  THIS is the most important.  One week later, it is not unusual for a pet owner to feel strange for still feeling grief, although this is completely normal.  If you send a loving text or card or phone call a week later acknowledging their grief and just seeing how they are doing, you are telling them that it is ok to still be sad.  This helps soothes their fears about grieving too long and allows them to continue carrying out the grieving process which in itself is a healthy process.

Well done, you!!!! for reading this and wanting to help a friend who is grieving a pet.  We are stronger together and your support will mean the world to them!