Have you ever lost a pet?
If yes, then you know difficult it is to bear the pain of losing someone you loved so much. For many people, the pain of losing a pet is equal to the pain of losing a family member and it can get more intense with time.
The grief can be different for everyone.
Some people might not get that emotional whereas others might be obviously hurting. If you aren’t able to identify how another person is feeling, it may difficult to offer the right type of support. In a delicate time like the death of a pet, the right words could be harmful if said the wrong way.
Even if you have lost a pet, your pain and your friend’s pain could be very different. The worst thing you can do when someone else is grieving is to compare your experience with theirs. As much as it makes you recall the grief you felt, you should focus on them and their needs.
Here are a few things you can do or say that would work for all types of situations.
What to Say When Someone Loses a Pet
Regardless of the situation, sending a condolence card to someone who just lost a pet shows you care. They will know that you are concerned about them and thinking of them.
You don’t need to write a long letter, but just a few words to express your condolence. Start with acknowledging the loss they have endured and then provide support and sympathy.
Here are a few things you can say in the sympathy card:
- I am so sorry for your loss. (Pet’s name) will be greatly missed.
- We can never keep them long enough. Sending you a lot of hugs and prayers.
- You and (Pet’s name) were so lucky that you had each other.
- I am so sorry for your loss. It was heartbreaking news. Let me know if you need anything.
- I know you are going through a lot. I will be here if you ever need to talk.
Time to Listen
If the grieving person wants to talk to you then you may not know how to respond.
There are lots of things you could say, but it is better to stay quiet and just listen. This is what they need the most right now. You are there to give your support based on what they need.
And if you have been through a similar loss of a pet, it is better not to share. You don’t want it to sound like you are belittling their pain. Keep your feelings to yourself and let them express as much as they want.
Ask Questions Carefully
Don’t ask unnecessary questions if the grieving person doesn’t want to share the details.
You can ask a few questions only if you are very interested and the other person seems open to sharing. If the pet had an illness, you may want to ask general questions about that.
A good way to connect is to ask them to share their memories of their pet. This will help them open up to you and focus on the good times they had.
Give a Pet Memorial Gift
One of the best things you can do is to help them to remember their pet at a time when they are missed the most. A personalized pet memorial gift shows how much you care about them and their feelings.
There are plenty of pet loss gifts available but something customized with their pet on it is very thoughtful and meaningful. If can get the pet’s photo, you can use it to make a customized gift to help them remember their pet forever.
Some of the best custom pet memorial gift ideas include:
Custom Pet Memorial Blanket
Honor the memory of a lost pet with a special memorial blanket that features four unique, custom pieces of art from your uploaded photos. With the pet’s name and custom background color, it is the ultimate sympathy gift for a friend who lost a pet.
Custom Pet Blanket
A soft, fleece blanket is a great way to enjoy quiet time. With a picture of a favorite pet on it, cozy time can still be a special way to stay close to a deceased pet.
Custom Pet Canvas
Immortalize a pet that has passed as fine art that will bring smiles to any space. Choose from both color and black & white styles in a variety of sizes. Combine pets or canvases to create a gallery of wonderful memories.
Custom Black & White Pet Canvas
Custom Necklace or Keychain
Keep a special pet extra close with a custom engraved necklace or keychain.
Available in a variety of finishes and sizes, you can even add a custom engraved message to the back!
Custom Pet Color Decal or Sticker
Custom pet stickers come in both color and black & white styles.
Black & white decal stickers are weatherproof and are especially popular in the windows of cars. For a dog that used to travel with you, it is a nice way to feel like they are still with you no matter where you go.
Color stickers are a great way to decorate a laptop, water bottle, or anything them that you look at often.
Custom Pet Phone Case
Cell phones are never far away, so what better way to keep the memory of your pet close than to have them on your cell phone case!
These durable cases are available for a variety of popular phone models and you can even add multiple faces if you like to carry around all of your pets.
Custom Pet Mug
Drinking coffee or tea is a good time to think about a pet and reflect on the simple joys in life.
Custom Pet Throw Pillow
With your pet’s face on a custom throw pillow, you can add a special touch to a favorite chair or couch. You could even use it to mark your pet’s favorite spot and feel like they are still close.
These customized and personalized pet sympathy gift ideas show you care, and the recipient will always remember you for it long after the bereavement process is over.
For more ideas, visit www.mypetprints.co.
Things You Should Not Say
Because you need to be careful when dealing with the grieving person, there are some things that you should not say right after their pet has died.
These are the statements that can hurt their feelings and downplay the importance of the healing process. Try not to say things like:
- He/She is in a better place now.
- Get over it, it was just a cat/dog, etc.
- Are you going to get another one?
- She/He was old and sick, so it is probably for the best.
- Don’t cry. (let them cry, it is a part of grievance)
- You will feel better soon.
The loss of a pet is a hard time for your friend, and you must be careful about what you do and say.
Remember...
Someone who has just lost a pet needs you to listen, help them in their grieving process, and for you to show your support and love.