As someone who creates memorial gifts for pets, I often receive messages and consultations from people dealing with pet loss.
Through these conversations, I’ve noticed that many people try to force themselves to “get over” their grief too quickly.
Of course, healing from pet loss and returning to a joyful daily life is a wonderful thing. I’m sure our departed pets would be happy to see us smiling again. But when we push ourselves too hard to feel better, it can sometimes make things worse.
Instead of forcing yourself to be cheerful right now, why not try to stay relaxed and think, “I’ll try to get over this a little later.”
Choosing not to overcome the loneliness of losing a pet
Even months after the loss of a pet, some people may still find themselves unable to move forward.
And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. There’s no need to rush healing.
I once had a period in my life where I struggled with the same thoughts.
“Carrying the pain of losing my pet for the rest of my life feels unbearable. But if I turn that love into something I can be proud of—something I can carry with me—maybe I can live with it.”
When I started to think that way, everything changed.
No matter how painful the days were, I reminded myself: this pain is proof that I deeply loved my dog, Mook. That love became my source of pride—and that pride gave me strength to keep going.
When we try too hard to overcome the grief of losing a pet, it can sometimes make the pain even worse.
In those moments, it’s okay to stop trying to “get over it”—and instead, take time to simply reflect on the love you shared with your pet.
Take a couple of days off work if you need to.
Give yourself permission to have a quiet day with no obligations.
Spend the whole day looking at photos, remembering the happy times, and letting yourself feel everything fully.
When you do that, you might just feel your pet’s love giving you strength again.
