Living Through the Death of a Dog

The death of a beloved pet is something that allKnow that all of your feelings are justified. It is
of us animal lovers dread. It's probably evenwhat makes you a living and compassionate
easiest not to think of this possibility untilbeing.Offer your memories
absolutely necessary. That, of course, is ourOnce you've started to work through and accept
natural response. So what can we do when weyour feelings, it's time to remember your dog.
are confronted with the passing of a canineFirst write about your pet: How long was he/she
friend? I'll tell you.It will be emotionally draining towith you? Where did he/she come from? What
come to terms with the death of a dog whethermemories do you have? Collect any pictures you
you've had time to plan for the final goodbye orhave and think about the life you had with your
not. It is important to remember that you candog. Share your stories and photos with family
and will live through this difficult time not just forand friends who love you and your dog. Ask
yourself, but for your beloved furbaby asthem for their recollections.This celebration of
well.Those of us who choose to improve our livesyour dog will help to remind you that above all he
and those of animals by living with canineshe wanted you to be happy and that his/her
companions know that our animals want, abovehappiest moments were spent being with and
all, for us to be happy. Living through your dog'sliving with you. Respect your dog's life by
death is a tribute to him or her.Follow the W O Ocontinuing to live yourself.Free yourself
F technique to begin to live through the pain:WaitFinally, free yourself from the pain and the guilt
The death of a pet is a highly emotional timethat inevitably come with the death of a loved
during which it is hard to make decisions veryone. Know that your dog is at peace and does
clearly. The first step to living through this time isnot blame you for his/her death. Open yourself
simply to wait. Take some time to breathe, toup to living and loving. When you free yourself to
calm yourself and to think about what needs tolive, you will allow yourself to be open to new
be done.Write your thoughts and ideas down in apossibilities. Work to improve the lives of other
journal, make a to do list, let yourself grieve. Notdogs through volunteer work or donations.
allowing yourself the necessary downtime will justEventually you may want to share your home
make the process more difficult.Own your feelingswith another pet. Life has unending potential if you
Step two is to really come to terms with yourallow yourself to live.Living through the death of a
feelings and accept them. You will feel the entiredog is not something that happens overnight.
spectrum of emotions. It is reasonable to expectTake the time that you need to come to terms
that you will feel angry and betrayed, that you'llwith the death, but don't prevent yourself from
be overwhelmed by sadness, or even that you'llliving. Know that you are not alone; your canine
laugh when you have a funny memory of yourcompanion is always in your heart and always
pet.Whatever the feeling you're having, accept it.wants the best for you. Remember the steps:
Use a journal to write down your feelings, it willWait, Own your feelings, Offer your memories,
help you to see the progression in your emotions.Free yourself. Follow the WOOF and live happily.