Life After Loss

Grief is love with no place to go. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

Your love will always be their legacy.

Grief has no timeline. It comes in waves, but it does get easier to carry.

Your feelings are valid.

You might go from feeling sad to angry to numb or all of it at once.

You Did Your Best

You made the hardest decisions from a place of love.

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Please remember: your dog doesn't know about the hard days. They remember the love.

Let go of the guilt.

You showed up everyday.

You gave them a life filled with love.

You were their whole world, and they knew it.

It's okay to forgive yourself now.

Kids Grieve Too

Be honest, kind, and age appropriate.

Use simple, truthful words.

Answer their questions.

Let them express their feelings.

It's okay for them to see you cry.

You might say:

"It hurts because we loved them so much."

"They won't be with us in body, but we will always carry them in our hearts."

Include them in memorials or goodbyes.

Supporting Other Pets

The other pets (if you have more), might be confused or grieving as well.

Keep routines as normal as possible.

Give them extra love and attention.

Watch for changes in appetite or behavior.

Allow them to sniff and say goodbye.

Be patient with their adjustment.

Honoring Their Memory

Grief after losing a beloved pet can look different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to remember them.

Honoring their memory can be as simple or as personal as you need it to be.

You may choose to:

Create a memorial

Frame a favorite photo

Save a paw print or collar

Plant something in their honor

These are just a few things that could be done.

Create a memory box

However you choose to remember them, let it be something that reflects love, joy, and companionship they brought into your life.

Another way to honor their memory is by spelling your pets name in the NASA Satellite Photos (this is free).

Love Baxter has a step by step on how to complete it. If you want to explore this option, click the photo to visit the website.

Letter From Cujo

Up Next: Overcoming the Stigma of the Stroller