Steps to Get Over the Loss of Your Dead Dog

Many times, the death of a pet is not recognized as the significant loss that it is to a dog guardian. Just as with the loss of a human companion, the death of a dog includes a grieving process. During the time that you are mourning your dog, you should be gentle with yourself. Ensure that your needs are met. Share your grief with those who understand its significance, and take the steps you need to heal.

  1. Service

    • Plan a memorial service or funeral for your dog. A service or ceremony provides some degree of closure and is an important part of the grieving process. Your memorial service may include sharing photographs, videos and special memories of your dog. Invite family members and friends who loved your dog and who understand the loss you are feeling. If you have other companion animals, you may wish to include them in the service.

    Feelings

    • Recognize that your pain is normal. The grief you feel at the loss of a dog isn̵7;t silly or sentimental; it is as real and as significant as the pain you would feel at the loss of any family member--human or nonhuman.

      Recognize the stages of grief and be prepared for each stage as it arrives. The stages of grief are the same in the death of a dog as they are in the death of a human loved one: guilt, denial, anger and depression.

    Support

    • Talk to a friend or family member who understands the significance of the death of a pet. If you do not have a person in your life who understands your grief, ask your veterinarian, humane society or minister to refer you to a support group for those grieving the loss of a dog. In addition to friends, family members and support groups, there are many online resources for those who are experiencing the loss of a pet.

    Memorials

    • It may help you to take part in various activities or to create a memorial to your pet. Memorials may include planting a tree in memory of your pet or making a donation to an animal-welfare organization in memory of your dog. If you are creative, you may wish to make a painting, sculpture or craft project in memory or your pet. Writing a poem, song or memoir about your pet, or a letter to your pet, may also be therapeutic.

    Adoption

    • Well-meaning friends or family members may recommend that you adopt another dog immediately. For some pet guardians, a new dog may help to ease some of the pain of their loss. For others, the idea of ̶0;replacing̶1; their beloved pet is repugnant.

      Follow your own feelings about when you are ready to consider including another pet in your life. Even if you think that you want to adopt a new dog immediately, wait at least a week. Many adoptions are made in the hours following a pet̵7;s death. When you are in this stage of grief, you are not prepared to make the long-term decision and commitment that comes with adopting a dog.