Helping Others Cope with Pet Loss—What I’ve Learned After 20 Years of Listening
As a creator of custom pet memorial gifts, I often hear from people who are grieving the loss of a beloved pet. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had countless conversations with those going through pet loss—and every story is different.
Some people find peace and healing. Others are still struggling. And there are those who say, “I’m not okay yet, but I think I’m starting to move forward.”
When someone first reaches out to me, they’re often too overwhelmed with grief to even put their feelings into words. But just a few days later, I’ll sometimes receive a message saying, “Thank you for listening. I feel a little lighter now.”
Witnessing these moments of relief and connection is what inspired me to start this blog. I hope that by sharing my thoughts and experiences, I can offer even a small amount of comfort to those who are suffering from deep pet loss.
For Those Who Still Can’t Heal, Even After Months Have Passed
It’s natural to feel intense grief after losing a pet. The sadness can be overwhelming—and in the beginning, nothing seems to help. I’ve been there too.
While many people gradually return to daily life after a few weeks or a month, I’ve met many who still can’t find peace, even after several months. These are the people who visit my shop, seeking something—anything—that might help them heal.
And I want to say this: your pet was deeply loved. I truly believe they felt your love and were happy to have shared their life with you.
But staying in deep sorrow for too long can affect your mental and physical health. I know you already understand that.
So today, I want to speak to those who still feel stuck in grief, and share some thoughts that might help you take the first steps toward healing.
Imagine the Version of Yourself Who Has Healed
Try picturing yourself after you’ve come through the pain of pet loss.
I’ve experienced that grief myself—and I can now say that I’ve reached a place of healing.
I smile again. I find joy in my work. I live my life with energy and purpose.
But I’ve never forgotten my beloved pets.
Sometimes, memories bring tears to my eyes.
Still, I carry them in my heart and live each day as if we’re walking together, side by side.
I believe you have your own vision of what healing looks like.
Maybe it’s smiling every day, feeling strong and at peace.
Maybe it’s knowing your pet in heaven is watching over you with love.
When you’re struggling, you want to feel their encouragement from above.
Even if your pet is no longer physically by your side, your hearts remain connected.
Take a moment to imagine that future.
Doesn’t it feel like you could handle anything, knowing your pet is cheering you on?
Take a Moment to Reflect on Where You Are Right Now
Let’s take a moment to calmly assess how you’re feeling today.
Are you:
Crying every day and unable to focus on anything?
Struggling, but doing your best to get through each day?
Crying every day and unable to focus on anything?
Some people who visit my shop tell me they’re in the first situation—completely overwhelmed by grief.
They say they can’t work, and tears come out of nowhere.
They feel unable to do housework and sometimes sense judgment from family members.
They tell me, “I don’t know how to keep going from here.”
If you’re in this place right now, please don’t force yourself to feel better.
Trying to “snap out of it” too soon may only make the pain feel heavier.
Instead, allow yourself to grieve.
Make time to cry.
Make time to say goodbye in your own way.
If your pet has a grave, offer fresh flowers and tend to it with care.
If you have a memorial altar, decorate it with a favorite photo.
And if your body feels too heavy to move, give yourself permission to rest.
Because if you don’t take care of your heart, it can begin to break down.
Please take a look at my own experiences.
My Family’s Experiences with Pet Loss
Pushing Through the Pain While Carrying On With Life
You may be in a place where you’re still hurting, but you’re doing your best to keep going.
There’s work to do. Chores that can’t be ignored.
You’re functioning—you’re managing just fine on the outside—but sometimes the tears come out of nowhere.
This is actually one of the most common experiences among the people I hear from.
Some slowly begin to heal from this point onward, which is a beautiful thing.
But for others, holding back tears and forcing a smile at work can be exhausting—and that emotional fatigue often hits hard when they get home.
If this sounds like you, I believe you’re just one step away from truly beginning to heal.
Now is the time to remind yourself that your pet is cheering you on from above.
Try picturing your beloved companion in your mind.
Just that thought might be enough to help you find the strength to keep going.
The more it hurts, the more deeply you loved.
This pain you’re feeling—it’s proof of your love.
Words like these from our customers touch my heart and inspire me every day.
Their deep love and devotion give me the energy to keep doing what I do.
I will continue creating pet memorial gifts that honor and support the emotions of those who are grieving.
This work is a responsibility I take to heart—
a meaningful mission entrusted to me by the dogs and cats who now watch over us from heaven.
