Ten Ways to Deal With the Grief of Losing a Canine Companion

by Timery Crawford

1. Get enough sleep, food, and exercise. Dr. Lane says, "If we're no good to ourselves, we're no good to our pets or family members."

2. Talk about what you love about your pet. Talking about the good times with Buddy will help express your grief.

3. Realize that it wasn't "just a dog." It's ok to be sad about life without your canine companion. Relationships are still important, whether your loved one had two legs or four.

4. Connect with people in similar situations. There are others out there who are dealing with the same things you are. At CARE hospital, there are five to six emergency euthanasias a week. Look for support groups in your community, or call a pet loss support hotline, such as the one at UC Davis.

5. Make a keepsake. Even though your pet is gone, you can keep their memory alive. Write a poem about your dog, or make an album of you and your pet's times. Also, keeping a collar, bandana, or a lock of their fur can bring comfort.

6. Don't get a new dog as a replacement. Just as each human relationship is unique, so is each pet relationship. Don't expect to bring home a new pet and immediately forget about your loved one. It's ok to look into getting a new dog, but make sure it's for the right reasons.

7. Realize that your values are unique. Each person has to make the right decision of treatment for their dog. Don't compare your decision to someone else's, and don't take criticism from loved ones. If you put your animal to sleep, then that was the proper decision for you.

8. Allow your other pets to grieve. Prevent "searching behavior" of your other four-legged family members by allowing them to smell Buddy's body or collar. Animals have a great sense of knowing and it has been proven that they grieve as well.

9. Give your dog meaningful afterlife care. Say goodbye to your companion properly, in the way that means most to you. A burial, cremation, or even goodbye letter can help you through the grieving process.

10. Get professional help. Dealing with the loss of a furry friend can bring up painful memories, such as the loss of a parent, child, or friend. Counseling can help support you during this difficult time.