Dogs hold a special place in the hearts of owners all around the globe, especially in the UK, where man’s best friends are often a core part of a family unit. So when the sad time comes to say goodbye to a furry friend, the feelings of grief can hit hard.
In this guide, we look at what makes a dog such a trusted and cherished companion, and how to help progress through the stages of grief following the final goodbye.
Truly a part of the family
Dogs are widely seen as integral members of the family. The daily routines of British households often revolve around their pet’s routines, from morning walks in local parks to cozy evenings by the fire. In families with children who are at an age where they’re growing in independence, and are in and out of the house at times, having a dog in the family offers a constant, knowing that your furry friend will be there, no matter what.
Whilst dogs are often in households with other pets such as cats and rabbits, the nature of dog ownership means that they are often not far from their owner’s side, and will travel with them much more frequently than other pets. This extra time with a dog across many years only strengthens an already close bond.
Emotional support in difficult times
Dogs are often a source of comfort and support, particularly in challenging times. In the UK, they played a significant role during lockdowns, offering companionship and mental health support, particularly to those with complex medical conditions who experienced periods of self-isolation and ‘shielding’.
The role that dogs play in the wider community, as therapy or working dogs, can make a loss even harder, especially if the service user relies on the dog for everyday tasks. Guide dogs and other types of working dogs are highly trained to alleviate some of the stress of every day life from those who need support the most, and working in tandem with their dog can make the human-animal bond exceptionally strong.
Grieving the loss of a dog
As with any grieving process, it’s important that you give yourself the time and space to heal in the right way for you. Nobody else can tell you the right or wrong way to grieve, because such things don’t exist.
You might find that you initially struggle to express your feelings, or inversely that your feelings are overwhelming. Both are natural, normal responses to the loss of a companion.
Some people find it helpful to bury themselves in hobbies or work, to keep them mentally distracted from the grief, whilst others need to shut themselves away in a peaceful and comfortable environment to process their feelings in privacy.
The pet charity, Blue Cross, have some excellent resources for helping you navigate this journey of grief, which can be accessed through their website. They also offer a range of channels to talk with volunteers who are available to support you during the process.
Remembering a lost friend
There are many different ways to remember the loss of a dog, which can be the perfect way to memorialise them for years to come. Here’s some of our favourite ways to remember them:
A custom keepsake: Create or purchase a piece of jewellery or artwork, such as a paw print pendant, a painting, or an engraved plaque. You’ll have a lasting reminder that will stay by your side, whenever you need to feel close to them.
Volunteering at a local dog shelter: Not all memorials are tangible, and giving your time to other animals in need can help you channel your love in a positive way. Seeing the positive impact of your actions on other animals can help you stay in touch with the warmth of the companion you lost.
Celebrate their favourite activity: Much of our time spent with our dog is out in nature, enjoying a walk, swim or a play in the local park. Though your furry companion might not be with you anymore, you can memorialise them and connect with memories of time well spent, by taking a walk around one of their favourite places.
This guide is dedicated to Winnie, whose sweet heart and big bark warmed the hearts of her family for many years.