When your boyfriend or girlfriend loses a beloved pet, you might find yourself wondering:
“What can I do to support them?”
It’s not an easy situation, and many people struggle to find the right way to help.
This is exactly when your presence and support matter the most.
But what should you say or do?
How can you truly be there for someone grieving the loss of their pet?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
You can’t bring the pet back, and the best way to offer comfort often depends on the circumstances of the loss and the person’s relationship with the animal.
At our store, we often receive heartfelt messages from people facing this exact dilemma.
Here’s one we received from a customer:
It may not be easy to support your partner.
But I truly believe that when your feelings for your partner are sincere, they will always reach them.
At our shop, all we do is help give shape to those heartfelt emotions.
After hearing from so many customers, we’ve come to understand the kinds of gestures that can genuinely comfort someone who’s grieving.
There are truly countless people who are struggling with this same situation, and we receive many similar messages here at my shop KNIT MY PET.
Today, let’s take some time to think about what you can do for a partner who has lost their beloved pet.
Table of Contents
- How to treat a loved one who has lost a pet
- Looking back on memories together
- Things that preserve memories
- Customer feedback
How to Comfort a Boyfriend or Girlfriend After the Loss of a Pet
Be There and Listen
When you can’t find the right words, just being there and listening can mean everything.
Chances are, your partner told you directly about their pet’s passing. That in itself is a sign—they’re turning to you for support. They want someone to lean on.
Being alone during this time is incredibly painful. Your partner may feel completely lost or unable to function. Their thoughts might spiral in a negative direction.
If you’re close by, try to be with them in person. You might not know what to do or say, and that’s okay. Just sitting with them can offer more comfort than you realize.
This is the moment to show your love and support.
And most importantly: listen.
You don’t have to cheer them up. In fact, trying too hard to make them feel better might backfire.
If they seem like they want to talk, just listen.
They might want to share about their pet’s illness, the moment they passed, or other memories. Gently nod along and let them speak at their own pace.
They may cry while talking—and if they do, let them cry.
Few people can go through the loss of a pet without shedding tears. Letting those emotions out is part of the healing process.
Don’t Force Positivity
Saying things like “Cheer up” or “Be strong” often does more harm than good.
Right now, your partner isn’t thinking about the future—they’re mourning the loss of someone who meant the world to them.
Telling them to “move on” or “stay positive” might make them feel misunderstood or even more isolated.
Related Article
Talking to someone about pet loss can help lighten the emotional burden.
👉 See our post on coping with grief after losing a pet.
From My Own Experience
I was able to get through the pain of pet loss because I had family who cried with me.
What Should You Talk About with a Partner Who’s Lost a Pet?
If you’ve experienced the loss of a pet yourself, you probably understand the pain.
But if you’ve never owned a pet, you might feel unsure about what to say to someone who has just lost theirs.
Some words can bring comfort, while others—often unintentionally—can cause pain.
Take time to learn what kind of words can support someone who’s grieving the loss of a pet. This can help you gently support your boyfriend or girlfriend through their sorrow.
That said, let us remind you again: listening is more important than speaking.
Give Them Space When They Need It
There are times when someone grieving wants company—and times when they just want to be alone.
Some people don’t want to be seen while they’re crying.
They may need time to cry freely or to spend a quiet moment without having to think about others.
When that happens, the best thing you can do is respect their space and leave them be.
Pushing them to talk, over-asking questions, or encouraging them to go out may come across as irritating or invasive.
Some people find it easier to cope by spending time alone.
If your partner is struggling with saying goodbye to their pet, consider creating a safe space where they can grieve and cry in peace.
You may want to refer to our related post: “Let Yourself Cry When You Need To”.
Consider Giving a Thoughtful Gift
Many people want to give something when words aren’t enough.
In times like these, a heartfelt gift can sometimes speak louder than words.
Recommended Reading:
How People Feel When They Receive Pet Memorial Gifts
Some people choose to send flowers or incense.
Our customers often choose to give custom-made memorial items to honor the memory of their partner’s beloved pet.
Photo albums, framed pictures, or personalized keepsakes can also bring comfort and be deeply appreciated.
(Reviews)
I received the beautifully made cushion and gave it to my partner who lost his beloved dog, and he said he was very happy.
His beloved dog passed away last month, so I desperately searched for something I could do, and after much deliberation, I placed an order, and both he and his family were very happy. Thank you so much.
Knit Cushion
My friend’s dog, who had been with her for many years, passed away, so I ordered a cushion to preserve his memory in a tangible form.
The colors conveyed the dog’s warmth, and the design was exactly as it was in the photo, so it turned out to be a wonderful present.
My friend was delighted, saying it might have been the first time she had received such a wonderful present. Thank you so much.
Knit Cushion
Reference article:
Offerings and gifts for those who have lost pets
The opportunity to recover from the loss of a pet: (I realized there were people who were willing to grieve with me)
A gift that cheered up the other person
When Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend Seems “Not Quite Themselves”
After losing a beloved dog or cat, people often feel deep sadness—but sometimes the grief shows up in other ways.
They may become irritable, quick to anger, or seem like a completely different person.
It can feel as though their personality has changed.
I went through something similar myself.
(You can read about my experience here.)
In times like these, try to consider whether something other than pet loss might be contributing to their behavior.
For more details, see our article:
“When Grief Feels Overwhelming: Could There Be Another Cause Behind the Pain?”
In such cases, support from those around them becomes especially important.
How to Support Someone Coping with Pet Loss
Look Through Photos Together
Create a Pet Memorial Photo Album
When someone is grieving the loss of a beloved pet, it can be comforting to look back on happy memories—if they feel ready.
If your partner or friend has the emotional strength to look at photos, sitting with them and going through old pictures can be a meaningful way to honor their bond with their pet.
Each photo holds a story, and reminiscing about joyful moments can offer a gentle sense of healing.
You might say something like,
“This one is so sweet!”
or
“They look so happy here.”
Simple, sincere words can help remind them they’re not alone in remembering and missing their pet.
That said, be sensitive—sometimes, even looking at photos can feel overwhelming. Let them take the lead, and don’t rush the process.
Helpful Resource:
How to Create a Pet Memorial Album: Print your favorite photos, write memories, and honor the time you shared together.
Create a Memorial Altar Together and Visit the Pet’s Grave
If your partner agrees, setting up a memorial altar can be a meaningful way to honor their pet. Visiting the pet’s grave together is also a comforting experience. These actions can help reassure your partner and make them feel that you share in their grief.
Displaying photos alongside favorite toys or keepsakes is also a thoughtful gesture. A memorial altar serves as a spiritual place for the pet’s presence within the home. While preparing and decorating the altar, your partner might feel a comforting sense that their dog or cat is still there with them.
For more details, please see our article: “How to Create a Memorial Altar for Your Pet.”
Memorial Items That Preserve Precious Memories
At our store, we create memorial goods using photos of pets. Some customers kindly share their feelings and situations with us via email, and we would like to introduce a few of their stories.
Wanting to Support Him After Losing His Beloved Dog
His dog recently passed away. Although he tries to stay strong, it’s clear he is deeply shocked.
I want to be there for him, but since I’ve never owned a pet myself, I don’t know how to help.
Feeling helpless, I thought at least I could give him something that preserves their memories.
While searching online, I found Fandorwan and decided to order a custom cushion featuring his beloved dog.
Customer Feedback on Memorial Gifts for Boyfriends and Girlfriends
Our products carry the heartfelt sentiment that they are gifts from pets in heaven. Knowing that this feeling reaches our customers brings us great joy. Here, we’d like to share some of the feedback we’ve received.
When given as a gift to a boyfriend, many customers are surprised by his reaction after receiving it. The joy often exceeds expectations, and he thanks them over and over again. Some have even seen a side of him they hadn’t known before—he sometimes cries while expressing his gratitude, even in front of his girlfriend.
The love for a pet transcends gender; many men shed tears even in front of their partners.
Her Beloved Dog Passed Away at 8 Years Old
“My girlfriend’s dog crossed the Rainbow Bridge at 8 years old. I couldn’t bear to see her so down, so I quickly ordered a cushion and gave it to her. She thanked me through tears, saying it felt like she could see her dog again. I had never given such a meaningful gift before, and she was incredibly happy.”
A Memorial Gift She Hugged with Joy
“When I gave her the cushion, she said it felt so real she couldn’t put it into words and hugged it tightly. Then she carefully put it back into its bag so it wouldn’t get dirty and displayed it.”
A Gift from Heaven
“The moment I gave it to him, he immediately recognized it as his cat—he calls her ‘Mii-chan.’ He was amazed by how lifelike it was. He said it was as if the cat was right there with him, having come back from heaven. I truly believe it’s a gift from their cat in heaven. Thank you so much for such a wonderful product.”
When the Pet Had Recently Passed Away
“I gave it to him as a memorial gift for his dog. Since the loss was still fresh, I worried it might be too painful, but he said it felt like the dog was reborn and had come back. He said it truly felt like the dog was there. Since the photo was taken just a few days before the dog passed, it held even more meaning for him. I’m glad I could be there to support him. Thank you very much.”
A Two-Pet Memorial
“I ordered a product featuring two cats—one who passed away and one we still have. They can no longer take photos together, but seeing them side by side on a blanket makes him happy. We both share a bittersweet happiness unlike anything we’ve experienced before.”
Take Time to Heal
When someone you care about is hurting, you want to support them however you can.
But sometimes, you don’t know what to do—or feel like you can’t do anything.
At those times, just being there or listening can be enough.
Please be the support they need.
Everyone grieves differently. Some people try hard but still cry once a day; others cry daily but keep trying to heal. We hope everyone finds their own pace toward healing and renewed strength.