Do you know someone who is suffering the death of a beloved Dog, Cat or any Animal Family member? Grieving a Loss of a Pet can be one of the most sorrowful times of a person’s life. Why is losing a pet so painful? Our pets love us unconditionally. They spend more time with us than probably any one human does. Loss of Pet Grief is real. It’s painful and it can feel paralyzing. As a friend of someone going through this sadness the best best gift for the loss of a pet that you can give is to simply be there for them and to listen.
How Do You Comfort a Friend Who Lost a Dog?
Although your heart is the the right place, never tell someone they can get another dog, cat or pet. This is greatly insensitive to their specific sadness and loss. It takes time for a broken heart to heal. Knowing that you care is what your friend needs most during their grief. Tell them you are there for them, listen, bring them meals, take them on a beautiful drive and let them talk – or not.
It’s also perfectly ok to give additional gifts but only if you think it’s something your friend would feel as special. We’ve listed a few thoughtful ideas to help you…
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A Beautiful Loss of a Dog Gift
Our Auntie Kristi is a Grief Counselor and her Beautiful Gift Book “Returning to Joy, Inspiration for Grieving the Loss of Your Dog” was just released! It’s a thoughtful, caring book to help a pet parents remember the Joy their Dog brought them that furever remains in their heart. Inside this special book are thoughtful Dog Best Friend Quotes, Simple Scriptures, Beautiful Photos, Loss of a Dog Quotes and gentle tips for Grieving a Loss of a Pet.
Scooby and Auntie Kristi WUVED each other and Scooby is furever memorialized in her beautiful book. Do you see him?
If your friend is suffering the loss of their cat, Kristi created “Returning to Joy, Inspiration for Grieving the Loss of Your Cat” for them as well! Each book is a gentle reminder of how to acknowledge the sorrow while remembering the Joy.
Why Is It So Sad to Lose a Dog?
For many people, losing our Dog Best Friends also means losing our ever-happy, best travel, adventure, walking, exploring, dinner, tv and living room dance partner. Loss of Dog Grief is complex because everything about a pet parents life changes instantly. Although our cats, birds and other pets typically don’t go everywhere with us, they are typically with us constantly when we are home, following us around, sharing meal time together, “helping” us work on the computer or to read a book then joining us for a good night’s sleep. Their sudden absence is also deafening and adjusting to life without them seems unbearable.
Other Gifts for Loss of a Dog…How Do You Comfort a Friend Who Lost a Pet?
Send Your Condolences for Loss of Pets to your Friend in a Card
Sympathy messages for loss of pets show that you care. Buy or create a Beautiful Sympathy or Blank Card and…
- Write a Short, Personal Note. Not sure what to write when someone loses a pet? American Greetings has some great guidance for Loss of Pet Condolences to help you find the right thing for your special friend who is grieving.
- Include a Thoughtful Loss of a Dog Quote. LoveLivesOn has a wonderful list of quotes for all types of pets. Choose from several Quotes for Dog Lovers as well as many other types of pets.
- Insert a Beautiful Photo of your friend and their beloved pet if you have one.
- Type, Print and Insert a Special Loss of Pet Poem. Be sure to Credit the Author so your friend can look the up if they wish. Need a Poem for Loss of Dog? Below are two of our favorites:
Remember Our Love
“I was chosen today
I’m learning to fly
the world took me away,
but please don’t you cry
And I chose you today
to try and be strong
so please don’t you cry
and don’t say that I’m gone
When you’re feeling alone
just remember our love,
I’m up near the stars
looking down from above.
Remember our love
In a moment you’ll see
that I’m still here beside you
when you’re thinking of me”.
by Julie Epp
The Rainbow Bridge
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved.
Do You Send Flowers When a Pet Dies?
Certainly! Sending flowers or potted plants is a very thoughtful way of letting your friend know you are thinking of them. Be sure to include a short, personal note (get Inspiration from our “Card” section above)!
Plant a Tree in a National Forest as a Pet Memorial Gift
Did you know the US Forest Service has a Plant A Tree Program where you can plant seedlings in a National Forest in Honor of a beloved pet or human? Locations vary and seedlings will go in the most needed areas. Although they can’t confirm where your seedlings are planted, a Certificate can be sent to as a memorial for who you wish to be recognized.
If you prefer trees to be planted in a specific National Forest, contact the National Forest of your choice directly. Ask if they have a program or can work with you to create a custom tree planting memorial as a gift!
Encourage Your Friend to Sign up for Pet Grief Support
There are so many resources online and over the phone specifically for Grieving a Loss of a Pet. You can help your friend…
- Join an online Pet Loss Support Group with others Grieving Loss of Pets.
- Call the Pet Compassion Care Line to speak with caring professionals and peers.
- By Gifting them Remote Grief Counseling for Loss of Pets to help them during this difficult time.
Would You Like More Pet Grief Resources?
Visit Our Scoobylife Pet Grief and Celebration Page. Mom shared the resources which have helped her most to Grieve and Celebrate Scooby and all our Beloved furSmiths over the years.
