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Loss > Saying Good-bye
Saying
Good-bye
When
a person dies, there is often a network of family, friends and professionals
to help loved ones with the painful process of grieving. There is usually
a memorial service where the family says good-bye and expresses their
sorrow, and it is expected and accepted that family and close friends
will need sympathy and assistance in the days ahead. When a pet dies,
those left behind are often alone with their grief.
Just
as with the death of a person, it is important to say good-bye to your
pet to formalize the death and help you with your grief. Here are some
suggestions on how to memorialize your pet's life:
Record happy memories in a journal or a letter to your pet.
Make a photo album or collage containing vivid recollections of times
you two shared.
Plan a memorial service with readings, music and other rituals that
focus on your pet.
Make a donation in your pet's name.
Do volunteer work to help other animals.
These activities
help to honor the animal while accepting the finality of the death. A
better understanding of the stages of grief may help you work through
your feelings.
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