4 ways to help a friend through the loss of a pet

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things that some people will ever cope with. To most people, pets are family members, and losing one is just like losing one of your close family members. It can truly feel like losing a child to some. Having worked in the humane society world for years I know all about the joys, frustration, and pain that our animals bring us. Pets are there for you when others are not. That pet may have been their only true companion. The fact that these pets were always there for them may have made them more valuable to them than their human friends on a daily basis and in moments of crisis. The deep sense of grief experienced by some pet owners is beyond what many other people understand. The depth of the emotional pain we experience after any loss is directly related to the power of that relationship in our lives. It is difficult to imagine how painful the grief of the loss of this companion is to the griever if we have never had a similar attachment to an animal. If a close friend of yours (or a family member) has recently lost a pet, there are ways that you can help them get through this stressful and emotional time for them. Here are a few ways to help a friend through the loss of a pet: 

Make sure they are eating

It is easy within the grief process to reduce, or stop, eating altogether. It’s important to check in with your friend, in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, to make sure they are still meeting basic needs and engaging in self-care within the grief process. If said supportively, this can bring comfort. Offer to bring something to them, but don’t just bring it. Allow the choice. If they don’t want you to bring them anything, consider going out to eat with them. This is a neutral way to get them to eat something (hopefully healthy) and it will help get their mind off of their pet.

Lend an ear

Sometimes, all your friend or family member might need is an ear so that they can talk. Losing a pet is hard, but when you talk about your grief, it can make it much better and easier to cope with.

Give them time

When it comes to grief, unfortunately, a lot of the time, the person just needs to go through the process. Grief is a long process and it looks different for each person, but as long as they are handling the loss of their pet in a healthy way (ie. still eating, not too depressed, etc. etc.), then they are on the right track. Grieving takes time and they will make it through this tough time. Be there to support them, but give them time and don’t push them.

Memorialize their pet and consider a special gift

In the absence of formal services, it’s hard for a pet owner to gain a sense of closure. A project can help. Suggest doing something to commemorate the pet, such as prepare a scrapbook, edit video clips or set up a memorial garden in the owner’s yard or favorite park. You may be surprised to hear that your friend has an idea, but has either procrastinated or felt too sad to embark on it alone. When it comes to a special gift, you might want to consider the pet memorial plaques from East Point Foundry. This is perfect if you are setting up a memorial garden in your friend’s yard. Since 1948, East Point Foundry has been a highly respected business in Atlanta. 

They work on plaques, name plates, castings, sculptings, and so much more. Some of their clients (impressive clients, I might add) are The U.S. Army, The University of Alabama, Georgia Tech, National Park Service, and more. They say, “East Point Foundry is proud to have partnered with both private sector (civilian) and public sector (government) agencies, honoring achievements and accolades by institutions and individuals. We view our projects as unique and a chance to honor those who have given so much to the causes they are passionate about. Since 1948 our foundry has operated 100% in America, creating thousands of masterpieces for local, national governments and Fortune 500 businesses to small mom and pop stores.”

The pet memorial plaques from East Point Foundry are perfect to gift your friend who is struggling with the loss of their pet. It is thoughtful, extremely high-quality, and it is a great way for them to remember their pet for years and years to come.