What is the best way to cope with the loss of a pet? My cat passed away a few w

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   teacherloves2cookposted 12 years ago

   What is the best way to cope with the loss of a pet?  My cat passed away a few weeks ago:(

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   ChristinSposted 12 years ago

   aww I completely understand what you are going through as we lost our dear friend a few months back and it was very painful.  Accept that it is a true grieving process and allow yourself to heal.  We took Sams bowl and a clipping of his fur and some other items to keep.  We also buried him in his favorite spot in the garden.  I couldn't find a headstone I liked so I am on the lookout for a gardenstone with a nice saying on it for him, but I took a cinder block and placed it over the grave and planted flowers in the block for him. 
   
   Make a scrapbook or something sentimental and place your favorite pictures in there.  You can also have other family members share their favorite memories and place those all in your scrapbook as well. 
   
   Time does make it easier to take.

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      teacherloves2cookposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for meaningful response.  I'm sorry to hear about Sam.  I will make a scrapbook for my cat.  That is a great idea!  It is very painful.  It gets a little better each day, but I still really miss her.  Thank you again.

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   Sherry Hewinsposted 12 years ago

   Sorry... It just takes time. I still miss my little dog almost six years after her death, even though I have other pets that I love. Now it's not so painful though, I'm used to her not being around. I think ChristinS has good suggestions. It's a lot like grieving for a person, cherish the memories and be sad as long as it takes.

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      teacherloves2cookposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your kind words.  I will cherish the memories I had with my cat.

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   Ask Ashleyposted 12 years ago

   For me, the best way to cope with the loss of a pet is to occupy your time with something more positive. Although making a scape book is a great idea as ChristinS noted, I think that's an activity best suited for the future when you aren't as down. I do agree, however, that a new hobby or some sort of activity is the key to pushing forward. I've also had friends get new pets immediately afterwards that also seems to help them, but everyone is different and a new pet could be the last thing on your mind. I hope this gets easier for you.

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   libby1970posted 12 years ago

   I've lost quite a few pets to old age. It still bothers me when I think about it.
   
   One way to cope is to remember them is some way. Take some pictures of them and put them in an album...that being the only thing in the album and when you think of that animal...look at it.
   
   
   Or...
   
   You could get a journal and write about the memories of your animal. This can always be a good thing. When we write things down it tends to help us heal better.
   
   Another positive thing is to maybe make a webpage in memorance of your beloved animal. This could relieve a lot of pain and at the same time be sort of a memorial to your pet.
   
   I am so sorry for your loss. It's never easy, but over time you learn to cope. Good Luck.

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   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   First of all, my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. My cat passed just a little over a year ago and my heart remains broken.  I have a new cat now that I have had for about 6 months and she is a sweetheart, so she helps fill the void because she is so wonderful and has some similar traits - mostly a very pleasing personality - to my cat who passed away.
   
   Grief is a very personal journey. The only way out is through. I think the best way to cope is to just feel your grief and express it in a way that works for you. Some people talk to friends; others prefer not to talk about their loss. You may want to look at other cats and you may not. Perhaps you want to set up some kind of memorial to your cat such as a donation to a local shelter or rescue organization.
   
   I still have my cats ashes - I have not decided where to sprinkle them, but I think it is good to have some closure of some kind and I plan to sprinkle them soon, now that warmer weather is here again. Perhaps in a garden in a park...
   
   You may want to look for a grief support group or find books about grief that help reassure you that what you are feeling is normal.
   
   You may want to make a box of memories - photos of your cat, etc. If you haven't got a framed photo of your cat out, you may want to have one made to place where you can look at it every day and remember your cat.
   
   Everyone grieves differently. I hope you find what works for you, and again, my deepest sympathy.

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   Faceless39posted 12 years ago

   Frame a photo of your loving pet............................ then go out and get a new buddy for yourself.

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   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   I am so sorry!! I lost a Dachshund that I had for 16 years. They become just like a part of the family. Give yourself enough time to grieve. When you think you are ready, I would definitely get another one to enjoy for years and years to come. Again I am so sorry.

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   TIMETRAVELER2posted 12 years ago

   This is a tough question.  I've lost many beloved pets, and it hurt like heck every time it happened.  However, until I grew old, I always replaced them and the new pet helped me to  get over the loss of the old one.  After time passed, however, losing my pets became too painful...so now I live without them.  It leaves a hole in my life, but it hurts less.

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