The hardest part about pet loss is often how lonely you feel in your grief. A year ago our hamster died. To the majority of the world, they would have no idea why losing a hamster would be so hard. It’s just a hamster, right?
Nope. It was the most loved hamster anyone had ever seen.
Even losing a dog or a cat can be hard for many people to relate to. If you don’t have animals close in your life, it’s hard to understand the emotional impact they have on a person.
Sometimes we grieve alone and sometimes we grieve with other family members. Either way, taking time to grieve as well as finding ways to celebrate a loved pet makes sending our loved animals over the rainbow bridge a little easier.
It’s Okay To Be Sad About Pet Loss
When you feel like those around you can’t relate to your feelings, it’s normal to think you shouldn’t have them. Of course, you should feel the loss of a member of your family!
Talk about what you loved about your pet and the place they had in your life.
You aren’t the only friend or family member who will experience pet loss. Sharing your experience may also help them when they experience something similar in the future.
What You Miss When A Pet Passes
You might even be surprised to find out that others have had a similar experience to yours. Who doesn’t love talking about their pet? Sometimes it's hard to put words to the feelings you have with pet loss. Let’s talk about it!
Love And Comfort In Hard Times
When my daughter was 8, we moved to a different state. She had to leave her best friend who was our neighbor and drive hours to a house she had never seen before. She sat with her hamster on her lap and we talked about where we would set up its cage in the new house.
While we had to leave parts of our lives behind, we, of course, took that little hamster. He was a source of comfort for my daughter but also for me as I saw she carried a little bit of love in her lap during a sad time.
A Routine Where You’re Relied On
While pets are a lot of work, it’s work you miss when they’re gone. It feels good to be needed and taking care of something or someone grows your love!
It's hard those first days to wake up and see that someone who used to wait for you and rely on you every day isn’t there. If you’re a pet parent to only one pet, the transition is even harder.
A Unique Family Member
Pets truly are a part of your family and for many families, pets are the center of great memories and even traditions! Holidays and new seasons can bring on new waves of grief. It’s okay to stop and feel the loss even after months of feeling okay.
Finding Ways To Celebrate and Remember After Pet Loss
How you choose to remember or celebrate is very individual. With my daughter, we made a book about our hamster’s adventures the day after he died. Something as simple as that made her so happy.
Memorial Stone
We named our hamster “Popcorn”. My kids thought the bedding he was in when they first saw him looked like popcorn. There are plenty of companies that will create a memorial stone with your pet’s name on it.
We got a small rock for Popcorn when he passed last year and we walk past it all the time!
Planting A Tree or Garden
Planting a tree in your yard can be a great way to honor a pet. Sometimes just the act of doing something helps us process the grief and feel better as we transition to life after a pet loss.
Serving Or Donating In Their Honor
Some people may be ready for another pet after a pet loss but others need time. Donating or volunteering at an animal shelter in memory of your pet is a great way to honor your loved pet and help other animals.
It’s also a great way to get love from furry friends when you need it most.
Buying Or Creating Art
Adding a rabbit figurine to the shelf or buying a painting with a specific breed of dog are great ways to keep your pet’s memory in your home.
While you may not have a rabbit any more, you will always be a rabbit lover!
Creating your own art can also be a great way of celebrating a pet. Yes, we have Popcorn art!
Finding Support Online
If you feel like you want to be around like-minded people who have experienced a similar pet loss, the internet is home to many communities of pet lovers.
Search for a forum for your specific animal and you will be amazed at the amount of friends you will find online.
Taking Care of Yourself After Pet Loss
Transitioning to life without your pet can feel heavy. It’s even harder when you aren’t taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting outside for walks, eating enough, and sleeping. There is plenty more love for animals left in you and you can only share that love when you have first taken care of yourself.
Don’t rush into another pet before you’re ready. You don’t want to look for a replacement (impossible to try) but someday you will probably see you have some room in your home and arms for another friend. Your heart just grows bigger.
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
