As we enter a new year, you might also be entering a new life after the death of your beloved pet.
The emptiness after the loss
At first, the idea of a life without your pet seems impossible, as you are overwhelmed by the grief after the loss. And the hole and the emptiness left behind after the death of your pet is almost unbearable.
The need to create new routines without your pet
Your life as it used to be has been turned upside down, and you have to figure out how to live without the animal companion who meant so much to you. And soon you’ll be facing the need to create new habits and routines, creating a life where your pet is not with you in his physical form.
Feeling guilty about “moving on”
One thing that might be blocking you here is the feeling of guilt about moving on; a feeling that you are somehow abandoning, forgetting, letting down your deceased pet.
But “moving on” or creating a new life after the death of your pet and abandoning him or her is not the same thing. The guilt and hanging on can actually hold both you and your deceased pet back.
Allowing life to go on
Moving on is inevitable – you both need to move on: you with your life and your deceased pet in the afterlife. And as you allow your pet to move on in the afterlife and yourself with your life, you’ll find it easier to feel the love and gratitude for your deceased pet and the life you had together and use that to create something positive in your life, to make a difference for someone who needs you.
Steps you can take
One way of moving on while honoring the memory of your pet is to create something in your pet’s honor, for example a website where you share your pet’s life and lessons, so that others might get comfort and support.
Another way could be helping out in a local animal shelter. Or you could help the animals where you live, such as feeding the birds, providing nesting areas and food for other wildlife in your garden.
And if you had a dog who died, then there’s another practical thing you could do. If you for instance miss your walks with your dog and meeting other dog owners – and if you feel it’s too soon to get another dog – you can see if you can arrange to take other people’s dogs for walks; ask friends, family, neighbors, or put an add in the local paper.
The world needs someone like you – someone who cares
The above are just suggestions – be creative. The world needs your love and caring. Use what you’ve been through and what you’ve learned from your pet to make a difference today.
Share in the comments below, how you are using your experience and the lessons from your pet to make a difference in your own life and in the world.
Read also: Life After Pet Loss: A simple mindset shift that helps you heal
