They say you’ll never forget your first love. The same goes for your first pet. When we lose our first pet, it can be really jarring. The house may feel emptier, and your family may feel like a piece is simply missing.
Ripple is here to support our clients throughout every step of losing their first pet. We have put together a few tips to keep in mind to help you and your family along the healing journey.
Ask for help.
Losing your first pet can really take its toll, perhaps more so than losing future pets, because you simply don’t know what to expect – any feelings you have are completely valid. Don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones for support if you find it too overwhelming. This may mean asking them to organise the after-care of your pet, or looking after the children while you do so.
Also, talk to your workplace about taking mental health leave if you feel the sadness is affecting your work. It’s very shocking to lose a pet, and most workplaces, especially if your manager has had a pet themselves, will be very understanding.
Talk about your feelings and encourage your family to do the same.
Keeping things bottled up only makes it harder to heal in the long run. It may be hard to talk about losing your pet, but it’s an essential part of the process to talk about how you are feeling. With every feeling of sadness, there is a happy moment to remember with your pet. Grief is the price we pay for love. Keep bringing those joyful, funny memories to mind and practice gratitude when you talk about your pet.
Often children ask a lot of questions because they find it comforting to understand a situation. Try not to shut down these questions, and engage with them as best as you can. If you are feeling too sad to chat too much about it, ask an aunt or uncle, or even their teacher to help communicate with them regarding the loss and what it means.
Say a proper goodbye.
There’s a reason that nearly every culture in the world has funeral traditions – it is an essential part of mourning. Holding a memorial ceremony for your pet can be a really great way to help you move through your grief.
When your pet undergoes aquamation or cremation, your family is given their ashes in a vessel of your choice. Pick a favourite spot of your best – maybe the park or the beach, scatter the ashes and share your favourite stories about your pet.
It’s incredible the difference saying a proper goodbye can make to your feelings of missing your pet.
Organising After-Care of Your Pet – Aquamation
Ripple hopes to offer our clients support during this sad time through our expertise in aquamation.
Pet Aquamation is an environmentally friendly and affordable alternative to cremation. We find that pet owners find comfort in the fact that their pet is returning to the earth in a completely natural way, representing the earthly cycle of life we are all a part of.
To learn more about pet aquamation or for support when you lose your pet, please do not hesitate to contact our professional team on 0478 782 782 or email info@rippleaquamation.com.au.
