Helping Your Child (And Yourself) Through The Loss Of A Pet

Pets are awesome. From goldfish to guinea pigs, rats to rottweilers, we’ve been keeping furry friends for companionship and love since time immemorial. Everyone remembers their first childhood pet and the fierce devotion to them we had.

We all reflect, even in our adult years on the fond memories we have of walking them, feeding them and, if you owned a cat, the worried looks we got from teachers where our feline friends’ “affections” left us criss crossed with scratches. But while our pets and our relationships with them hold great meaning for us, they also add meaning to our relationship with others.

We all remember the first pet we got with a boyfriend or girlfriend and even if the relationship didn’t end well, it never colors our remembrance of our furry (or feathery or scaly) friends.

When we have kids of our own, many of us view the adoption of a pet as part of the parenting journey. After all, a pet can not only strengthen the bond we have with our kids, it can teach them responsibility, respect, and compassion while also teaching them how to cope with loss.

The loss of a pet can be devastating for us and for our kids. Nonetheless it’s as inevitable and necessary a heartbreak as splitting up with their first girlfriend or boyfriend. Here are some ways to ease the process for the whole family.

How to navigate the loss of a pet

It’s okay to grieve

Pets occupy a unique place in our lives, offering companionship, comfort, and unconditional love. Despite their inability to communicate verbally or perform human-like actions, they weave themselves into the fabric of our families. When a pet passes away, the depth of grief experienced by their human companions can be profound.

However, societal norms often minimize or overlook this grief, dismissing it as insignificant compared to the loss of a human loved one. This attitude can be particularly challenging for children, who may feel pressured to suppress their emotions to conform to expectations of stoicism.

It’s essential to recognize and validate the grief children experience when a beloved pet dies. Let them know that their grief is legitimate. Encouraging them to express their feelings, whether through tears, artwork, or conversation, fosters emotional processing and resilience.

By acknowledging the significance of their loss and providing a supportive environment for mourning, parents can help children navigate the complex terrain of grief and emerge with a deeper understanding of love, loss, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.

Find an appropriate memorial


Navigating the grieving process with children involves providing avenues for remembrance and honoring the memories of their beloved pet. An engraved memorial, such as personalized garden stones placed in a special spot in the backyard, can offer solace and serve as a tangible reminder of the joy their furry friend brought into their lives. These stones could bear the pet’s name, a meaningful message, or even a paw print imprint, creating a lasting tribute that children can interact with and find comfort in.

Encouraging children to participate in creating or selecting the memorial fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the process, empowering them to express their emotions and memories in a meaningful way. Additionally, engaging in rituals like planting flowers or holding a small ceremony around the memorial site can provide closure and facilitate healing.

By embracing the idea that grief is a natural part of life and offering tangible ways to commemorate their pet’s life, parents can help children navigate the journey of loss while imparting valuable lessons about love, compassion, and resilience.

Don’t be afraid to remember the good times

Sharing happy memories of their departed pet with children is crucial in honoring their bond and fostering a healthy grieving process. While it’s natural to want to shield children from sadness, reminiscing about the joyous moments can provide comfort and strengthen the connection they had with their furry friend.

Embracing both the tears and smiles that arise during these conversations allows children to express their emotions authentically and learn that it’s okay to feel a mix of sadness and happiness when remembering someone they love. By encouraging open dialogue about the good times, parents help children cherish the special moments shared with their pet and navigate grief with resilience and understanding.

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Hang fire before replacing your pet

Losing a pet can create a void in our lives that feels impossible to fill. The instinct to find a new companion is natural, but rushing into adopting a new pet without allowing proper time for grieving and healing can have unintended consequences. Each pet has a unique personality, and expecting a new one to seamlessly replace the previous may set unrealistic expectations.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the new pet will be different, with its own quirks and behaviors. Comparing them to the previous pet can lead to unfair judgments and negative feelings, both towards the new pet and within the family dynamic. Taking time to mourn the loss and reflect on the bond shared with the departed pet is essential before welcoming a new furry friend into the home.

Allowing a period of adjustment not only honors the memory of the lost pet but also ensures that the decision to adopt a new companion is made with clarity and consideration. When the time feels right, opening your heart to a new pet can bring joy and companionship, enriching your life in a different yet equally meaningful way.

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