They are our best friends and our companions. Our furry friends share our homes and our lives so it can be devastating when they die.
More often than not people are sympathetic, but there will always be that one person who will say something along the lines of ‘it’s only an animal’ which can add to your upset and sometimes even question your emotions.
Losing a pet can feel like losing a beloved member of the family and it’s important to recognise the loss and understand that it is perfectly normal and ok to feel grief, which can at times feel overwhelming.
The UK’s leading Vet charity, PDSA have a handy guide to help you through this difficult process. Here are three helpful things they share:
1. Talk to supportive family and friends, who will understand and are possibly going through the same thing. Everyone experiences grief in different ways and it is absolutely fine to cry or withdraw.
2. Understand the stages of grief. For example you may start questioning; did I do the right thing? Could I have changed the outcome? This is perfectly normal and part of the grieving process.
3. Memories and legacy. It can be helpful to have a funeral or memorial for your pet. This could be something like, planting some flowers in their favourite bit of the garden, the family going on a remembrance walk to your pet’s favourite walkie spot, or reading a poem.
At huunuu you can add pet memorials to your plan, and share your ideas with your family and friends. Here are some great options that we thought, could be a lasting memorial to your pet.
1. Battersea is well known as being one of the UK’s leading pet charities and they have created an online pet memorial, which is a touching way to remember your dear friends. Here you can create your own memorial, perhaps sharing a special memory and a photo. We found it a heartwarming and special place.
2. Did you know you can make jewellery from your pets paw print? A lovely way to treasure your beloved pet. We found Silver Prints but there are many other options out there.
3. Remember your pet has memorial stones for your garden and also garden stakes and headstones. A lovely tribute and a place to go to, when remembering your pet.
Support
Blue Cross: Pet Berevement support line - Freephone - 0800 096 6606
Cats Protection: Paws to Listen - Freephone - 0800 024 94 94
