Instructions
Don't mourn alone. Seek out empathetic friends who will listen to and comfort you. Be aware that some people consider grieving over a pet's death inappropriate.
Acknowledge your feelings of loss and do not discount the sadness you are experiencing.
Express your feelings by writing them down in a journal. Journaling can help you sort through grief-related emotions, such as anger, denial and acceptance.
Consult outside resources for help. Online pet bereavement forums allow you to share your feelings with others experiencing similar issues.
Prepare a memorial for your dog in your home or at a pet cemetery. Gather your dog's favorite belongings in one spot or make a donation in its name to an animal welfare agency.
If you have children, involve them in the grieving process. Be truthful about the dog's death; do not tell the child that the pet ran away or simply went to sleep. This may lead the child to feel rejected or develop a fear of going to sleep. Express your own grief and loss and allow the child to see this.
How to Mourn the Death of a Dog
Dealing with the death of a beloved pet is never easy, and each individual deals with grief in his own way. Recognize that your dog's death is a genuine time to grieve, then find comforting ways to move through the grieving process.