Losing a pet is a big deal: they were a massive part of your life, you had a connection with
them that is hard to put in words. When you lose a pet, allow yourself to grieve properly. You
have lost so much, and you should acknowledge and accept that. Here
is something you
can do cope with the loss:
Don’t be ashamed of your emotions. Losing a pet is hard. If you feel emotional about it,
that’s normal. Don’t let anyone make you feel silly because it was “just a pet”. The bond you
had with your pet was special, and that’s all that matters. More importantly, don’t tell yourself
you’re being silly or weak if you feel upset. Don’t fight your feelings, just let them be.
Give yourself time. It can take a while to get over the loss. It is different for everyone.
Don’t
let anyone make you feel rushed or hurried to get over it. Take the time you need to feel
okay. There is no normal amount of time it takes to feel normal again. Remember that.
Take care of yourself. It’s important
-
especially now
-
do things that
make you feel good.
You don’t have to feel happy but make yourself feel comfortable and cared for. It can be
something as simple as reading a good book. Whatever it is, just make sure you create time
for it.
Get support. Reach out to some you can trust.
It could be a friend, family, or a therapist. If
you feel comfortable, tell them what you are going through. This is a hard time, and it will
only be harder if you try to deal with it alone. There is no shame in getting support
-
it takes
courage to share
what you are facing.
Things will get better
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
Here are some things that can help you with that.
YouTube
Great
reads
Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert
Tear Soup, a recipe for healing after loss, centers around an old and somewhat wise woman, Grandy.
A Grieving Teen by Helen Fitzgerald
This book helps adolescents struggling with loss and gives teens the tools they need to work through their pain and grief.
Life Is Tough (But So Are You) by Briony Benjamin
Sharing wise guidance on how to navigate difficult times, this is a funny, warm and practical guide to help you gain perspective on what's truly important in life
Great
Films
All Dogs go to Heaven
Charlie finds himself in heaven. He then returns to Earth, reunites with Itchy, and befriends Anne-Marie, an orphan.
Blended
Not about pets. But a cute feel good movie. After a terrible blind date, Jim and Lauren find themselves stranded at a resort together with their respective children. However, the two soon start developing feelings for each other.
Inside Out
Eleven-year-old Riley moves to San Francisco, leaving behind her life in Minnesota. She and her five core emotions, Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust and Sadness, struggle to cope with her new life.
Spotify
This playlist will make things a little bit better, even just for a moment.
Podcasts
Grief Out Loud
Grief Out Loud is opening up this often avoided conversation because grief is hard enough without having to go through it alone.
What's Your Grief Podcast
This podcast seeks to leave no stone unturned in demystifying the complicated and sometimes crazy experience of living life after loss.
The Grief Coach
Brooke has created a space she needed but could not find—one that respects profound loss and the practicality of needing to make decisions in heartbreak.
Places to find more resources
Would you like to get inspired about your life?
Join a Highway session today.
If you would like to explore what’s going on for you today, then just jump on! You will be welcomed to a safe, warm, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and uncover what is important to you. You have all the answers. Let us help you find your way.
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