Caring for Yourself
The loss of a companion animal can be devistating and very emotionally stressful. While grieving for your loss, it is imperative that you take care of yourself in small but very important ways. Caring for yourself will help you get through the grieving process faster. Some things you can do for yourself are:
1. Remember that grief is normal and it will pass. You can and will heal over time. 2. Honor your pet in small or in significant ways. Hold a small memorial service or have a Pet Funeral. Or, make a small memorial in your home in his/her honor. 3. Surround yourself with friends and family members, even if you feel like being alone. You will benefit from the support you receive from others and it will help you heal faster if you are not isolated while grieving. 4. Talk about your pet. Tell stories about what you used to do together, the things you enjoyed most about your pet. 5. Express yourself. If you don’t like to talk, write down your feelings in a journal. Write a song, a poem, or a tribute about your loved one. 6. Exercise – even if you don’t feel like it. It can help enhance your mood and get you out and moving. Modify your usual routine if necessary. 7. Eat right – don’t drown you sorrows in a bunch of junk food. It may lift your spirits for a minute, but it will drop you like a rock later and intensify your emotions. Also, don’t skip meals – your body still needs proper nutrition. 8. Join a Pet Loss Support group. You don’t have to be alone with your pain. 8. Express your emotions and your pain. Don’t stop yourself from just having a good cry. Let it out, don’t keep it inside. 9. Create a memorial or tribute. Put a Headstone or River rock in your garden, or make a graveside in your backyard. Plant a new tree in his/her honor, or put a poem on a pet urn.