How to Cope With The Loss Of A Dog Due To Illness

"I just lost my dog to bone cancer and I am a complete mess. How do I cope with the loss? For six years, my baby was the first soul I saw every morning and the last I spoke to each night before bed. It's just been me and him for his entire life. He was my absolute light and I'm at a loss here, my home feels so empty. My heart fills so empty"

If you’ve recently lost your beloved dog to illness, these words might resonate deeply with you. Losing a pet, especially one that has been such an integral part of your daily routine and emotional life, can leave a profound emptiness. The bond we share with our dogs is unique, filled with unconditional love and companionship. Coping with their loss can be one of the most challenging experiences, but there are ways to navigate through this grief and find comfort in their memory. We recently brought this up for discussion in a community of dog owners who had experienced pet loss. Here is what they had to say. 

Allow Yourself to Grieve

Grieving is a natural and necessary part of coping with the loss of a pet. As one group member shared, “Allowing myself to cry, proactively was a huge help. I didn't want to ‘be strong’; this was my beloved pet, of course, I should cry and properly mourn the loss.” Suppressing your emotions can lead to lingering pain, so let the tears flow and embrace the sadness. It’s okay to be vulnerable and express your sorrow.

Create a Memorial

Creating a physical or digital memorial can be a therapeutic way to honor your dog’s memory. One pet owner found solace in making a collage of their beloved German Shepherd and getting a tattoo to remember them by. Another shared, “I made a collage of my angel and got a tattoo of her.” Memorials can be anything that reminds you of the happy times you shared, such as a photo album, a piece of jewelry, necklace, or a dedicated space in your garden.

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Keep Their Memory Alive

Continuing to talk about your dog and keeping their memory alive can help in the healing process. One grieving pet parent mentioned, “We talk about him almost daily and we still miss him even though we have an older dog and a puppy.” Sharing stories and memories with friends or family members can provide comfort and keep the spirit of your dog alive. Remember the joy they brought into your life and the unique quirks that made them special.

Find Comfort in Routine

Maintaining a routine, even if it feels different without your dog, can provide a sense of normalcy. Another person shared how they continued their daily walks and left their door open for a moment, as they used to do when their dog was alive. A small, but key detail in keeping some of the same routines can help fill the void and make the transition a bit easier.

Seek Support from Others

Sometimes, sharing your grief with others who have experienced similar loss can be incredibly comforting. Online forums and support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding. One great community is the sub reddit known as https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/. Its free to join and is sympathetic to everyone's individual experience as a dog owner. One person noted, “It’s been a month since my best friend died…I am so thankful to the recommendation from this sub of keep his ashes. I have his ashes, and I kiss the urn every night and wish him a good night.” Reading about others’ experiences and knowing you’re not alone can be a great source of comfort.

Engage in Healing Activities

Finding a new focus or engaging in activities that bring you joy can be a helpful way to cope. One individual coped by building a new garden space, dedicating it to their dog’s memory. They said, “Plants and microbes are pretty neat; it was satisfying becoming connected to the earth and taking part in the full life cycle.” Engaging in a project or hobby can provide a healthy distraction and a way to channel your grief into something positive.

Consider a New Companion

While the idea of getting another dog might seem daunting, for some, it can be a healing step forward. One grieving owner shared, “We searched and found a puppy that sort of looked like our Pebbles… we named him Bam Bam.” Getting a new dog doesn’t replace the one you lost, but it can help fill the emptiness and bring new joy and love into your life. Make sure to do this when you feel ready, as everyone’s timeline for this is different.

Honor Their Legacy

Finding ways to honor your dog’s legacy can be a beautiful tribute to their life. One touching story involved a person who gave out dog food to homeless people in their dog’s memory. They said, “Do something that will honor their existence by making someone else’s easier.” Acts of kindness in your dog’s name can help keep their spirit alive and create a lasting impact.

Allow Time to Heal

Finally, remember that healing takes time. Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself. but by allowing yourself to grieve, honoring their memory, and finding supportive ways to cope, you can navigate through the pain and find comfort in the love you shared with your dog. Their spirit will always be with you, in the memories you cherish and the love that remains.