You have left my side, but you will never leave my heart. – Unknown Author

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Special Thought – I keep myself busy with things to do, but every time I pause, I still think of you.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today I want to share my personal feelings about grief and pet loss. Many of us share an intense love and bond with our pets. I don’t know about you, but I feel that a pet is not “just a dog” or “just a cat,” but rather a beloved member of your family. Pets offer you companionship, fun, and joy to your life.

In addition, for some people, a pet can also:

• Add structure to your day
• Keep you active and social
• Help you to overcome setbacks and challenges in life
• Provide a sense of meaning or purpose

This has been an emotional week for me and my family. Our Boxer/Sharpei mix was 15 years old and suffered pains due to arthritis. Within the last three years, we’ve watched our beloved pet experience declining health on various levels so we agreed to put him down on Friday when he could no longer eat and move freely on his own. This was the most difficult decision I’ve had to make in a very long time.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO PUT A PET TO SLEEP

Deciding to put your pet to sleep is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make for your pet. As a loving pet owner, though, the time may come when you need to help your pet make the transition from life to death. Important things to consider include:

• Activity level – Does your pet still enjoy previously loved activities or are they able to be active at all?

• Response to care and affection – Does your pet still interact and respond to love and care in the usual ways?

• Amount of pain and suffering – Is your pet experiencing pain and suffering which outweigh any pleasure and enjoyment in life?

• Terminal illness or critical injury – Have illness or injury prohibited your pet from enjoying life?

• Your family’s feelings – Is your family unanimous in the decision? If not, and you still feel it is the best thing for your pet, can you live with the decision that you have to make?

If you decide that ending the suffering is in your pet’s best interest, take your time to create a process that is as peaceful as possible for you, your pet, and your family.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

HEALTHY WAYS TO COPE WITH THE GRIEF OF PET LOSS

Grieving is a highly individual experience. Sorrow and grief are normal responses to death. Believe it or not, coping with grief and pet loss can only be dealt with over time, but here’s some healthy ways to help cope with the grief of pet loss:

• Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel. Remember, your grief is your own. Allow yourself to feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment.

• Reach out to others who have lost pets. Check out online message boards and pet loss support groups.

• Create a legacy for your pet by planting a tree in memory of your pet or compiling a photo album or scrapbook.

• Look after yourself. The stress of losing a pet can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly.

• Seek professional help if you need it. If your grief is persistent and interferes with your ability to function, your doctor or a mental health professional can evaluate you for depression.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Everyone is taught that angels have wings, but the lucky ones have four paws. – Unknown Author

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Upon entering the journaling process, you will find that you are able to reflect freely without judgement. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Then, use these helpful journal prompts to help you cope with grief and pet loss:

• Today I remembered…
• The things I miss most…
• How I felt when I was around you…
• A memory that always make me smile…
• When I think of you, I feel…
• How I will continue coping every day…

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. Remember, grief is an active process. It is important to understand that it’s completely normal to mourn the loss of your pet. Have you ever felt grief from losing a pet? If so, how did you cope with grief during this difficult time? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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