Positive Ways to Grieve the Loss of a Pet August 25, 2015

As everyone at Paws, Whiskers & Wags well knows, the feelings of loss and sadness after losing a beloved pet can be overwhelming. As you begin the process of grieving for your pet, it is often helpful to channel your emotions into positive avenues. Not only can doing something positive make you feel better, but it also distracts you and keeps your mind occupied, which helps to ease the pain of losing your pet.

Often, doing something new, exciting, and rewarding is a wonderful way to avoid being consumed with reminders of your pet, while keeping yourself occupied and contributing something good to your world.

Here are five ideas for positive ways to grieve the loss of a pet from the team at Paws, Whiskers & Wags:

Five Positive Ways to Grieve after the Loss of a Pet

1. Volunteer your time and skills: When experiencing profound grief, we may often feel worthless and uninterested in our normal activities. By volunteering with an animal rescue organization or any organization that interests you, you will be reminded that you are valuable and helpful to others, and that your time and abilities are worthwhile. Receiving gratitude from the people or animals you are helping can lift your mental state.
2. Go after your dream: Perhaps you’ve always wanted to run a marathon or drive across the country, but you’ve never done it. Now is the time to open your eyes to a new experience. Channeling your energies into a positive and rewarding activity will not only help distract you from your painful loss, but will also remind you of the number of positive things in your life.
3. Join a support group: Pet loss support groups are a great way for bereaved pet parents to join together and support each other as a community. These groups allow you to bond with others who are experiencing similar struggles, and serve as a positive forum in which to share stories of the happy times you spent with your pet. Paws, Whiskers & Wags holds a monthly Pet Loss Support Group on the first Tuesday of each month at the Decatur, Georgia, location. It is facilitated by a trained professional in social work and is free of charge.
4. Let your creative juices flow: Engage in a creative activity you enjoy, like painting, drawing, or writing, to express your feelings about the loss of your pet. Don’t pressure yourself into creating something perfect—the simple experience of expressing oneself creatively can be incredibly cathartic for those who are grieving. Allow your feelings of loss to become a positive symbol of the bond you shared with your pet.
5. Spend time with the ones you love: Do not allow your experience of grief to isolate you from friends and family. Reach out to your loved ones or even call a friend, with whom you have lost touch, to reconnect. Spending time strengthening the bonds you share with others will also help combat feelings of loneliness you may be experiencing after the passing of your pet.

Contact Paws, Whiskers & Wags for More Grief Support Resources

The caring team at Paws, Whiskers & Wags understands the profound impact of the loss of a pet. Our supportive team will connect you with grief support materials, groups, or counselors. We invite you to contact us to find a welcoming community of supporters during this difficult time.