Pet Loss and the Holiday Blues
11/19/2007
We all feel at a loss for what to do, what to say, when a close friend or loved one is grieving over the loss of their precious pet. Nothing we can do or say will change what has occurred, or ease the pain of the loss. Losses are felt even more intensely around the holidays. Our memories include our loved ones who are no longer with us, the pitter patter of their paws, your cat’s Christmas stocking on the mantle, your dog’s holiday bowl on the kitchen floor.
How can you help to ease the pain for a friend or loved one who’s missing their dear pet so much during the holidays? Help them to create new rituals and traditions for the holidays that will not only honor the memory of their pet, but will also keep their pet’s memory alive through the holidays, the holidays that they were always such a big part of. Here are some great ideas to do just that:
- Decorate a wreath with pictures, toys, collars and other tokens that belonged to your passed pet and place it near the pet’s grave marker or in a special place in your home.
- Choose a special candle to light in memory of your beloved pet before beginning your holiday meal. Let the candle burn through the course of your meal. Say a special prayer for your dearly departed pet before blowing out the candle at the end of the meal.
- Share anecdotes and favorite stories about your pet. Revel in the good memories and funny stories that you all love and cherish. The act of talking about your dear pet is very important for the grieving process. We need to give ourselves permission to talk about them
- Encourage grieving children to draw pictures inspired by their memories of the pet to and hang them from the Christmas tree as ornaments
- Help children to create a book of pictures and stories about their pet. Keep the book in a special place and take it out from time to time to read through
- If you celebrate Chanukah, say a little prayer for your pet each night as you light a candle
- Go to this website Celebration Forest and purchase a tree in your pet’s honor
- Make a donation to an animal charity in the pet's honor
- Create a living memorial to your beloved pet of plants and/or trees in your backyard
Most important of all is to just listen to your grieving loved ones. Be there for them to lean on let them know that whatever they are feeling is okay. Everyone grieves in their own time and in their own way. Colleen Mihelich is the founder and owner of www.peternity.com, an online store specializing in pet loss and pet memorial products, "to help you create a touching and lasting memorial for your loved one."
About:
Peternity.com was born out of a need to find a valuable vocation, a lifetime of understanding of deep grief, and a love for animals. Our pets deserve nothing less than the very best. We search for items of the finest quality and workmanship so that you can honor your cherished friend with elegance, dignity and honor.
Peternity.com was born out of a need to find a valuable vocation, a lifetime of understanding of deep grief, and a love for animals. Our pets deserve nothing less than the very best. We search for items of the finest quality and workmanship so that you can honor your cherished friend with elegance, dignity and honor.
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