It is not just that animals make the world more scenic or picturesque. The lives of animals are woven into our very being – closer than our own breathing – and our soul will suffer when they are gone.
Hello Friends. This is a hard season of the year for me, so I thought I would write about it. You may be an animal lover, or you may not be, but the truth be known the sadness we feel for our furry family member runs as deep as losing a loved one. This article is about any pet anyone has it could run the gamut, of bird, cat, snake, turtle, as you see, the list goes on, and on from cat, bird, snake, turtle, squirrel, you name it and it’s covered. They’re all a member of our family. Five years ago I lost my Yorkie, Molly Mae. She had a little bit of a story. She was adopted by me from Spokane Washington. I was living in Arizona at the time, and I arranged for an escort to pick her up at the airport in Spokane and bring her to Sky Harbor at which point I would meet her, Molly Mae, and the escort. I have to say it was the happiest day that I had had in a very, very, very long time. There is a lot of RED tape in order to do such a thing so if you’re considering that just reach out to me and I’ll tell you all the things that I did and hopefully it will help you as well. Well, let me begin talking about grief during the holidays, won’t you join me?
Grief is truly one of the hardest emotions to go through as a human being. Losing a loved one hurts in ways you simply don’t understand until you go through it yourself, and the exact same is true of losing a pet.
The holidays: a time when love is in the air, everyone is happy, and people are stringing lights and mistletoe. The truth, however, is that for someone who has experienced the death of their pet, or any type ofloss, this time of year can be especially painful. It’s perfectly normal, and healthy, to have such a reaction.
Pets aren’t just animals, they’re a part of our family, a huge part of our routines, often even part of our identity. When they’re no longer with us, it’s completely normal to feel like the world has fallen in on you. If you’ve recently experienced the loss of a pet, here are some things to bear in mind.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s okay to feel sad, and it’s okay to miss your pet. Ignore anyone that tells you it was ‘just’ a pet, as ‘just’ doesnt come close to summing it up. Your pet was a huge part of your life and so acknowledge that you feel sad that they’re gone and there’s nothing wrong with that. Use healthy coping mechanisms like walking/ exercise, meditation, pampering baths and journaling to help you through the difficult times. The initial shock, heartbreak and grief doesn’t last forever so know that once things settle down in a little bit of time, you’ll likely be better equipped to deal with your feelings. If you can take some time off work and just stay in bed if you need to then do that.
ISIS: Beloved Pet of Kim’s whom she Loved Deeply
Create A Memory Space
At first, remembering you pet will be incredibly painful. Chances are, many memories will come flooding back to you, seemingly out of nowhere in the early days making you wonder where on earth those lost memories came from. Each one will sting, and you might not be able to get through a single waking hour without something reminding you of your lost pet and triggering your grief again. But as time passes, you’ll be able to remember your pet fondly and laugh at their silly ways. When you reach that stage in your healing, a memory area in your garden to sit and think about them or perhaps cremation jewelry from a site like memorials.com might help you to feel close to them again. For me I chose Keepsake Box that has her paw print and picture on it. These things serve as a gentle reminder of the love and happiness they brought into your life.
Establish A New Routine
Pets often become integral parts of our daily routines. Their absence can create a such a void, so it’s beneficial to establish a new routine. Whether it’s a morning walk without your furry friend or dedicating time to remember them each day, creating a new routine helps in adjusting to life without them.
Molly Mae: Beloved Daughter, Companion and Friend
Seek Support
Grieving the loss of a pet the loss of a pet is a personal journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or even support groups who understand the depth of your grief. Sometimes, just knowing there’s someone there to listen can provide immense comfort. Grieving takes time, and there’s no set timeline for how long it should last. Give yourself the space and patience to heal at your own pace. It’s okay if the pain doesn’t disappear overnight. What’s important is acknowledging your emotions and taking steps, no matter how small, towards healing.
Consider a New Pet When You’re Ready
While no pet will ever replace the one you lost, opening your heart to a new companion can be such a beautiful part of the healing process. When you feel ready, consider adopting a new pet. The love you shared with your previous pet will always be cherished, and a new connection can bring joy to both your life and the life of a pet in need.
Adopting A Pet: Where, and What To Expect
My Friend Kim’s Thoughts on Animal Rescue Shelters:
“In times of loss, animal rescue shelters become sanctuaries of hope and healing. They’re places teeming with personal stories and warmth. When I first stepped into one, little did I know it would change my life forever. Meeting my furry companion, Tammy Sue there felt like destiny weaving its magic.”
These shelters offer more than just a chance for a new pet; they provide solace in the midst of grief. Each animal has its own tale of resilience, mirroring our own journey through loss. The connection formed in these places is deeper than words—it’s a silent understanding that we’ve all experienced pain, and now seek comfort in each other.
Walking through those doors, I discovered a new routine—a routine of love, compassion, and care. And in that routine, I found support—not just from the volunteers but from the wagging tails and loving eyes that spoke volumes without saying a word.
The decision to consider a new pet arises naturally in these shelters. They understand when we’re ready, and they help us navigate this transition with empathy. They match us not only with pets but with companions ready to share our journey of healing.
Tammy Sue: Kim’s Newest Family Member
Amidst the sadness of losing a beloved pet, these shelters offer a ray of hope. They remind us that while memories remain cherished, there’s space in our hearts for more love. The shelter became my sanctuary, not just for finding a new furry friend, but for acknowledging and healing from the loss.
Animal rescue shelters, to me, are more than just places for adoption; they are havens that embrace emotions, allowing us to honor our past while embracing the possibility of a brighter future. They are beacons of hope, reminding us that even in loss, love continues to thrive.
A Glimpse of Angel Ridge Rescue by Kim
“Angel Ridge Farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania, spans 51 acres and holds a heartfelt mission. It’s a sanctuary devoted to providing a loving forever home for abandoned, elderly, or differently-abled animals. Their commitment extends to ensuring these animals find a permanent residence or live out their days with care and respect, emphasizing their compassionate approach to re-homing.
Beyond their sanctuary’s borders, Angel Ridge extends a supportive hand to:
Community– They offer vital assistance, including pet food donations, to caregivers facing financial hardships or managing numerous stray animals. Their dedication to promoting adoptions resonates through the area.
Angel Ridge Advocate– is passionate about an animals
In their warm embrace and tireless advocacy, Angel Ridge Farm shines as a beacon of empathy, fostering a world where animals and humans thrive together.”
Amidst the sadness of losing a beloved pet, these shelters offer a ray of hope. They remind us that while memories remain cherished, there’s space in our hearts for more love. The shelter became my sanctuary, not just for finding a new furry friend, but for acknowledging and healing from the loss.
In the journey of coping with the loss of a beloved pet, acknowledging emotions, creating cherished memories, establishing new routines, seeking support, and considering a new furry companion when ready are vital steps. Amidst this process, animal rescue shelters stand as sanctuaries of solace and hope. Places like Angel Ridge Farm in Washington County exemplify compassion, offering abandoned animals a chance at a loving home while extending aid to caregivers in need. I am sure there are shelters Il to this in your area of the United States. You may be in. It just takes due diligence. These shelters echo the resilient spirit of the human-animal bond and serve as beacons of empathy, reminding us that healing is found in shared stories, kindness, and the promise of new beginnings.
I want to also say how much I appreciate your ongoing support and readership – you’re not just a reader, but a valued friend on my blogging journey! Your input means the world to me, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below the post. Thank you for being a part of The City Cottage Family.
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