Having a pet is both joyous and rewarding, but the passing of a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences to go through. It’s hard not to feel a sense of loss after losing your best companion. The passing of our dear Mitzy was devastating for my family. I’d like to take a moment and talk about how you can grieve for your furry friend who has passed away.
We’ve all been there: not just in the dog-walking business, but also as humans. Someone we care about — whether it be a friend, family member, or a pet — has suffered a loss. And while they deserve our support and sympathy, some of us falter when trying to extend this too. But what if you’re the one who has suffered a loss? How exactly do you want others to act?
If you are feeling sad, you’re not alone.
When you’re feeling down, there’s no shame in seeking support from others. But if you’re struggling with the death of a pet, it can be hard to know where to turn.
That’s why we have created our Sympathy For A Pet program for all of our clients who have lost a beloved animal companion. We understand that when someone close to us passes away, it can be very difficult to find comfort in others—especially when the loss is so unexpected and difficult to process.
With our Sympathetic For A Pet program, we will send flowers and a card to your home or office expressing our condolences at this difficult time. We know how hard it is to lose an animal—they become part of your family—and we want you to know that we are here for you during this time of grief and sadness.
Sympathy For A Pet
When you’re grieving the loss of a pet, it’s important to remember that everyone grieves differently. Some people like to talk about their loss, while others prefer to be alone with their thoughts. If you know someone who has lost a pet, try your best to respect their wishes and understand that they may not be ready to talk about the death of their animal.
Here are some tips on how to support someone who has lost a pet:
- Offer your time and effort by helping them clean up after the service or burial; this can be hard work and it can also be very therapeutic.
- If possible, offer up any services you can provide such as dog walking or house sitting; this is a great way for them to get out of the house and keep busy without having to worry about their pets needs being met.
- Offer an ear if they want to talk about how they feel; sometimes just talking things through helps us heal faster than we realize!
Sympathy For A Pet
Losing a pet really sucks. That’s just the truth. From the minute they come into our lives and hearts, they are part of the family. They join vacations, sit with us while we eat and comfort us when we are sad. When their time comes to cross that Rainbow Bridge, we are left with big holes in hearts.
How do you fill that ache of a pet death? While a pet sympathy card doesn’t fix things, it helps knowing you’re surrounded by love. It can be tricky finding the right words to make a person feel better after losing someone so important. And we’re here to help with a few pet sympathy card message suggestions to help ease the pain of no longer hearing those sweet little paws scampering across the floor.
Remind Them of the Good Times With Their Pet
When a pet dies away, it can put you in a tricky spot. Bringing them up may be painful and do we really want to cause even more hurt? But our pets are all that is good in life. Reminding people of the amazing times and great things about their beloved pet will bring a smile to their faces.
“Thinking of you after the loss of your sweet cat. He will be missed by many but will live on with the precious memories he left behind.”
“I am so sorry that your sweet kitty died. She will continue to live on in your happy memories of her, and she will patiently be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge to reunite with you once again!”
Don’t Be Afraid of Silly Pet Memories
Let’s be real, our pets are perfect to us but even they have those moments when we have to shake our heads. Bring up those moments. Remember the time when Sparky pooped in your shoe and then you put it on? Sure, it was frustrating then but it later becomes one of those things you think about and laugh. And in this moment, those times are the ones we want to remember.
“I want you to know that I’m sending all the hugs and love. Your sweet, spunky girl was truly a family member, and she will be missed beyond words. I’m sorry I’m not there. I know she’s back with her best bud and probably bossing them around and stealing their treats right now.”
“I am so sorry for the lost of your sweet cat. He was a beautiful kitty and very loved. I remember the first time we met and his gorgeous eyes. Find joy in the memories you have and trust that he is in a good place and in good company at the Rainbow Bridge.”
Let Them Know You Are Always There
Losing your pet is truly losing a member of your family. They are with you every day for years and the emptiness after they pass is real. It can leave such a hole in a person’s heart. So be sure to let your friends and family know that you are here for them. Lend an ear and a shoulder to cry on as they grieve.
“Dogs are really the sweetest, purest things in our lives. We’re so sorry to hear about the loss of your fur baby. You’re in our thoughts.”
“We are so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is really hard. We love you guys and know this must be a hard time for you. Know that we are thinking of you.”
Send a Pet Photo
Maybe you have some amazing photos of the adorable pet that has passed. Be sure to include some! It may seem a bit weird but pets are like children. Photos will allow the owner to remember their pets as they were, loving and sweet. And after the hurt isn’t so bad, they’ll be able to look at photos and smile.
“I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet dog. I hope the memories you have of him help soften the sadness that you’re feeing. I’m happy I was able to meet and cuddle with him. I wish I was able to experience his whole life. He was the sweetest puppy!”
“Those ‘just a dog’ people can go sit on a cactus. You’ll miss her always and no other will ever be able to take her place. Pics sent to you with nothing but love.”
Donate to a Pet Charity
A great way to honor a lost pet is to donate to a pet-related charity. When you’re picking a charity, consider the location the pet was originally adopted from or a place that has a connection to the pet. Making a donation in honor of a lost pet is a great way to remember them.
“No one can truly understand why dogs are called ‘mom’s best friend’ until they have experienced the loss of one.”
“‘If there are no dogs in heaven when I die, I want to go whoever they went.’ — Will Rogers”
Remind Them of the Lucky’s Pet Life
It can be a comfort to hear how much a pet’s life was enriched by their forever family. Don’t be afraid to let the owners know how much they did for the pet and how lucky their furry friend was to have them.
“I’m so sorry about your feathered friend. I know you gave him the best life a little parakeet could ask for and he loved you for it. I’m sending you love, good thoughts and a big hug. I’m here, always.”
“I’m sorry to hear to hear about your dog’s recent passing. You gave her a great life. She was always super happy and smiling in every photo. I hope that you take comfort in the many cherished memories of her.”
Send Sweet Words of Comfort
“I was so sorry to hear about your sweet pet crossing over the Rainbow Bridge. She was a sweet, funny, adorable member of the family and I know losing her is heart breaking. I’m sending my love to you all as you grieve her loss.”
“Sending our love to you and your family as you grieve over the loss of your pet. Nothing loved is ever lost. Although he has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He will always be beside you and watching over you in spirit.”
