Dealing with Loss of Your Dog
I lost my lovely Isabelle just over 2 years ago at almost 16, and have recently had several friends lose their dogs. Given that many of us consider our dogs family members and have an such a close bond with them, this loss can be extremely difficult. It is important not to ignore or feel ashamed of feelings of intense grief. Be patient with yourself as the grieving process can be long. Try to celebrate the life of your beloved dog, rather than dwelling on the loss. Sometimes talking about the loss, tributes, memory albums or videos, songs, poems and kind words can make you feel better. Reminiscing about the past may help keep your dog with you in spirit.
Do you know the Rainbow Bridge Poem? Any other poems or songs that might help? Share your feelings and experiences.
Send us photos of your dog if you would like them to appear in our “In Loving Memory” Gallery – Marcy wrote a beautiful poem for Poncho HERE
Or contact us if you would like help doing a special tribute video to celebrate your dog (possibly small cost).
Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown..
BE SAFE and TREASURE YOUR PETS Happy Wordless Wednesday
We recommend these great books to help cope with loss written by community members.
Rescue Me, Maybe
By: Jackie Bouchard
A love story inspired by both of Jackie’s angels, Bailey and Abby. Rescue Me, Maybe is a story of loss, love and self-discovery, while dealing with loss. Buy HERE
The Power of Pets – 7 Effective Tools to Heal From Pet Loss
By:
Our pets are our family and friends and when they pass we feel the loss so strongly because of the emotional connection and unconditional love we received from them. The Power of Pets empowers people to take the necessary steps to transform grief into healing by offering 7 Effective Tools that can be used successfully in your healing journey. Buy HERE
I love that rainbow bridge idea, brought a tear to my eye. I might borrow that for some of my clients who are grieving due to losing their loved one. This is one of the harder parts of my job, helping patients pass peacefully and while I truly believe that in many circumstances it is necessary, I often struggle with what to say to people as we do the deed. I do try not to fill the air with pointless babble, but a few words can make an enormous difference. When you don’t know if that person has a belief in heaven, the idea of a rainbow bridge is fairly neutral, and just a lovely idea. Thanks for posting.
Thanks so much- I felt the same way. It is such a friendly, gentle but neutral image of hope at a difficult time. Sometimes celebrating the happy memories can help too.
You can’t let other people determine your grief for you. When you are close to a pet, it takes time to grieve the loss and nobody can determine that time for you.
I agree- you never know how long it will affect you and how strongly. XS