Instructions
Prepare a memorial for the pet. This could include holding a small funeral and burying the pet at a local pet cemetery or in your back yard. Ask friends and family members to speak at the funeral about the pet and hold a small dinner afterward in honor of the deceased animal.
Collect any pictures or items that belonged to the dog, including name tags or a favorite small toy and place them into a scrapbook. Ask other family members to contribute to the scrapbook by writing down a poem or thoughts about the pet.
Speak to friends and family members about the loss. Contact your local Humane Society or shelter and inquire if there are any animal-loss support groups in your area.
Donate money to a local animal organization or shelter in your pet's name. This will allow you a chance to honor your pet while helping other animals in your community.
Speak openly with any children in the family about the loss. Ask them to express their feelings through words or by drawing pictures of the pet. Do not be afraid to share your own grief about the loss with the child as this may offer them the opportunity to open up without feeling ashamed about their feelings.
Consider adopting or purchasing a new pet when the family is ready. Keep in mind the responsibilities that go along with owning a pet and make sure that all the members of the family are ready to take on a new pet in the house.
How to Recover From the Loss of a Pet
Many people consider their pet, whether it is a cat, dog or hamster, a member of the family. When this family member dies, it can be a traumatic experience for children and adults alike. There are several ways that people of all ages can cope with the loss of a beloved pet. This recovery process will vary depending on the person, but eventually it is possible to find acceptance and a way to move on while still honoring the pet that was lost.