by Shelly Morton

Created on: January 25, 2007   Last Updated: January 29, 2010

To many people, a dog can be more than just a pet. They are partners, children, friends, and confidants. Unlike humans, a dog is completely capable of unconditional love and faithfulness. The loss of such a companion can be devastating under any circumstances, so how does one deal with such a loss? Well, let's begin with my story:

Last spring I lost two beloved dogs, one to a heart attack, and the other to kidney failure. Needless to say, I was heartbroken. It took a long time to get to a point in my life where thinking of these pets didn't bring sadness, but joy at the memories I had with them. Now, some may say that they were just animals, I should have just gotten over it and moved on, but pet lovers like me know that's not possible. I had lost two family members, two huge parts of my life. But I made it through, and I'm going to tell you how.

Remembering:

The first thing that I believe is very important is to find some way to memorialize your dog. Both of my pets have marked graves, places I can visit, and still feel connected to them. I have decorated the sites in ways that reflect my dogs' unique personalities and make a point to visit on special occasions. A lot of small veterinary clinics have pet cemeteries available to their clients, and for a small fee, will order a grave marker, personalized by your request, and bury your pet respectfully. Another option is to bury the pet on your own property. Personalized markers can be order through the Internet or certain catalogs for reasonable prices.

A couple of more unconventional ways to honor your dog's memory is to donate to a shelter in it's name, or to plant a tree in its honor. Both options are helpful to society and the environment. Imagine, every time to drive by your local Humane Society, you'll be able to smile, knowing that a donation in Rover's name is helping another animal. Or, as you watch that tree in your back yard grow, soak up the sun, and produce fresh oxygen, that you'll be reminded of your wonderful times romping in the grass with Rex. Though I have not yet donated in a pet's name, I have planted trees and flowers in honor of my animals and taking care of those plants are healing in the grieving process.

I also recommend keeping a picture of your dog on display in your house, along with saving his collar, favorite toy, and/or feeding dish. These will be tangible keepsakes that you can pull out whenever you're feeling especially lonely without your dear pet and a photo will help you

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