What Has Helped? What Comforts?, Suffering from loss Options

[Leonpup]

I am still struggling- I can't believe my little Leon is gone. I'm sorry- I just keep trying to get more and more advice from people. I can't stop thinking of him. I don't like feeling this way- I just want to be with him again. Does anyone have any advice on how to feel close to the pets we have lost?

-Rebecca

[LS Support]

hi rebecca,

i always tell people to do something that keeps you busy that relates to your pet or animals in general. much like i did with this site. i built it over a couple of weeks back in 1996 when tribble died, and it took my mind off my sadness AND also was a tribute to him.

you can arrange pictures, a memorial, build a one-page website, write poetry, help other animals, volunteer at a shelter, etc. you will be surprised how much it can help!

[Eliza]

Dear Rebecca,

I definitely felt like you did when I first lost my Winnie (nearly 17-year-old calico kitty) three months ago. I wanted to continue thinking about her and honoring her and, like you said, feeling close to her. I ended up reading a lot of books about an afterlife for animals (because I was desperate to know that she was O.K. and living on elsewhere). The best one I found was "Animals and the Afterlife" by Kim Sheridan. (It's available on amazon.com, if you're interested.) I also held weekly candle-lighting ceremonies for her, volunteered at an animal shelter, started putting together a scrap book, and generally allowing myself plenty of time to think about her, talk to her, and allow myself to feel wretched at not having her here with me anymore. Over time, things have gotten better. I still miss her every day, and sometimes have crying fits, but memories have gotten sweeter and more comforting. And I now truly believe that she is in Heaven, still loving me, and waiting for our reunion.

Wishing you peace and healing,
Eliza

[cody33dog]

Try adding an on-line memorial. I just recently lost my Cody and I feel the same way you do. Its hard to deal with. I just try to think of the good times. It helps sometimes. Its ok to cry. I do that a lot too. Try talking with someone who knew how much you loved your beloved pet.

[lewcynt]

Dear Rebecca,

After Odin passed away, I would spend some time in deep thought and meditation. Remebering certain things that he. Remebering how he smelled, the touch of his fur, the weight of his body and how much I loved him. I would then try and send that love to him. And often enough, I would feel him with me. I would tell him how special he was to me and how much happiness he gave me and how lucky I was to have him in my life. It may feel that the pain will never go away. Just give yourself time to grieve. You shouldn't feel bad over how you feel. Its been almost 6 months and there isnt a day that goes by when I don't think of him. Sometimes the loss of him hurts like it just happened. I cry and wail like a baby. Sometimes I can remember him with loving and happy thoughts and smiles. I know that where ever he is though, he is waiting for me.

I hope you find the comfort and solace you need.
Take Care,
Cynthia