Coping With The Loss of A Pet

The journey of caring for a pet comes with immense joy & inevitably, some sorrow, especially as we face the reality of a pet's end-stage health issues or their loss.

Losing a pet is an incredibly challenging & heart-wrenching experience. Our pets are more than just animals - they are family members who offer unconditional love, companionship & joy. When they pass away, the grief can be profound & overwhelming. Let us discuss coping with the loss of a pet.

Understanding Grief

Grieving the loss of a pet is a deeply personal experience & everyone processes it differently. It's important to acknowledge that your feelings are valid. It’s okay to cry, feel sad, or even feel angry. These emotions are all part of the healing process & there is no timeline to "get over it" or "move on".

Steps to Take When Your Pet Is Nearing the End

1. Say Goodbye:

Take some time to say a final goodbye to your pet. This can be a private moment or shared with family & friends who loved your pet as well. Re-assure your pet that you love them & that you will be by their side. Reminisce the Good times.

2. Notify Family & Friends:

Inform those who were close to your pet. They can offer support & may also want to say their own goodbyes. As a cat sitter & a rescuer, I have been honoured with the privilege of saying Goodbye to the cats I've taken care of.

3. Contact Your Veterinarian:

Your vet can provide guidance on what to do next, whether to let your pet go naturally or euthanize him out of kindness. Many vets provide home euthanasia so that your pet can pass on with dignity in the comforts of his own home.

Handling Your Pet's Remains

There are several ways to handle their remains. Here are some options:

1. Cremation: Individual Cremation:

Your pet is cremated alone & the ashes are returned to you. This allows you to keep your pet's ashes in an urn or scatter them in a meaningful location. Some cremation companies (e.g. Rainbow Paradise) offer sea scatter where they bring out a group of pet ashes to sea & scatter them on behalf of the owners. (Price: $120 & above, depending on type of pet & weight).

2. Cremation: Communal / Mass Cremation:

Your pet is cremated with other animals, but the ashes are not returned (e.g. Mobile Pet). This is a more affordable option. Price: $75 & above, depending on type of pet & weight).

3. Burial:

Unless you live in a landed property in Singapore, it is illegal to dig public grounds to bury your pet. However, some Muslim services offer traditional burial services in Singapore (e.g. At Takwa Pet Burial Services).

4. Aqua Cremation:

Aqua aka water based reductive/dissolution process (e.g. The Green Mortician), which is gaining popularity as an eco friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. (Price: $470 & above, depending on type of pet & weight).

Coping with the Loss of a Pet:

1. Keepsakes:

Creating a memory book or a remembrance video can be a therapeutic way to celebrate your pet. Collect photos, toys & write down memories that bring you joy. Some companies offer keepsakes such as jewelry made from your pet's ashes or fur, allowing you to keep a part of them close.

2. Hold a Memorial Service:

Holding a memorial service or celebration of life to honour your pet. This can be a comforting way to say goodbye & share memories with loved ones as you bid him farewell & send him off. Many cremation companies offer a memorial service.

3. Allow Yourself to Grieve:

It's essential to let yourself mourn. Cry if you need to, talk about your pet, and allow yourself to feel the loss. Do not feel compelled to take on another pet in hopes of replacing your loss.

4. Seek Support:

Reach out to friends, family or like minded people who understand what you're going through. Sometimes talking to others who have experienced similar losses can be very healing.

5. Self-Care:

Take care of yourself during this difficult time. Engage in activities that bring you comfort & joy, even if they seem small. Ignore naysayers who tell you, "it's just a pet" or "it's just an animal". Only you truly know the place your pet holds in your heart & shame on them for not understanding.

6. Charity and Volunteering:

Consider making a donation in your pet's name to an animal charity or volunteering at a local animal shelter. This can be a meaningful way to honor their memory by helping other animals in need.

Moving Forward

The loss of a pet leaves a significant void, but with time, the pain will ease. Remember that it's okay to feel sad & that healing is a gradual process. When you’re ready, you might consider opening your heart to another pet. This doesn’t mean replacing your beloved pet but rather honouring their memory by giving another animal a loving home.

Coping with the loss of a pet is never easy, but by taking the time to grieve, seeking support and finding ways to honour their memory, you can navigate this difficult journey & find peace.

For me, I get a tattoo of every cat that I have taken care of, that has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. This is my way of having them with me, Forever.