Honoring Your Pet's
Memories
Memories
Doing something positive during this time of sadness may help the grieving
process by celebrating the life of the pet.
Activities which may help include:
* Planting flowers or a tree in memory of the pet
* Making a charitable donation or volunteering your time at a local animal rescue
* Holding a funeral or memorial service
* Placing your pet's ID or Rabies tag on your key ring
* Creating a memorial photo album or scrap book
* Framing a photograph
Should I get another pet?
When or if you should get another pet varies with the individual and the choice is a personal one.
Some people may want to find a new pet almost immediately. Sometimes, they may have
unrealistic expectations of the new pet, especially if they are getting a young, rambunctious
animal after an older, mature one has died. Others need longer to work through their grief before
they are physically and emotionally ready for another pet. In either case, we all know you are not
replacing your pet, but finding another animal with whom you can share life. Some people may
find it is just not possible for them to have another pet. You need to do what is right for you.
In general, you should give children some time before getting another pet. Getting a pet too soon
may cause the child to feel guilty or disloyal, and they may have difficulty bonding to the new pet.
The child may also think that if something happened to them, they would soon be forgotten and a
substitute would be found. They need to understand that friendships cannot immediately be
replaced.
People who have a pet who has died need to talk to someone. Often, family members and friends
are very supportive, but in some instances, they may not understand how important your pet was
to you. It is important to find someone who does understand.
process by celebrating the life of the pet.
Activities which may help include:
* Planting flowers or a tree in memory of the pet
* Making a charitable donation or volunteering your time at a local animal rescue
* Holding a funeral or memorial service
* Placing your pet's ID or Rabies tag on your key ring
* Creating a memorial photo album or scrap book
* Framing a photograph
Should I get another pet?
When or if you should get another pet varies with the individual and the choice is a personal one.
Some people may want to find a new pet almost immediately. Sometimes, they may have
unrealistic expectations of the new pet, especially if they are getting a young, rambunctious
animal after an older, mature one has died. Others need longer to work through their grief before
they are physically and emotionally ready for another pet. In either case, we all know you are not
replacing your pet, but finding another animal with whom you can share life. Some people may
find it is just not possible for them to have another pet. You need to do what is right for you.
In general, you should give children some time before getting another pet. Getting a pet too soon
may cause the child to feel guilty or disloyal, and they may have difficulty bonding to the new pet.
The child may also think that if something happened to them, they would soon be forgotten and a
substitute would be found. They need to understand that friendships cannot immediately be
replaced.
People who have a pet who has died need to talk to someone. Often, family members and friends
are very supportive, but in some instances, they may not understand how important your pet was
to you. It is important to find someone who does understand.