Pets are "undercover" angels
- laurasemotions
- Jun 26, 2024
- 5 min read
The love of a soul dog or soul cat is incomparable to anything on this earth. If you have ever had this experience, you will know what I am talking about. If not, you may have an idea after reading this article. I would like to use my words to offer comfort and practical tips for coping with grief.
I have shared my life with 2 guinea pigs, 1 cat and 2 dogs. These wonderful creatures were cared for by me until their last breath.
Our cat crossed the Rainbow Bridge when I was 25 years old. It was my first experience with the death of a beloved animal and I was very depressed for 2 weeks.
My first soul dog to cross the Rainbow Bridge was a Chihuahua called Eggi, he had Down Syndrome and his weak heart beat for the last time just before his sixth birthday. Even today I get very emotional when I talk about Eggi. He was an unparalleled ray of sunshine. Eggi took his last breath in April 2020 and it was the most difficult grief I have ever had to deal with. I was looking for straws to hold on to, because I missed my little darling so much!!!!
My heart was broken because I couldn't protect him, I even saw myself as a failure. During this time, I read a lot about animal communication. One book was particularly helpful to me. It is called "Animals in Spirit"* and was written by Penelope Smith. I have often recommended it to dear friends, but also to strangers who are grieving for their beloved animal.
And now we are in the year 2024, shortly after my soul dog Milly crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She spent 11 years with us and was unconditional love personified.
It came as a great surprise to me. She had a short, serious illness.
The typical thoughts come up again... what have I overlooked? What else could I have done?
This time is anything but easy, and luckily I am not alone. However, I realize that grief is showing up differently for everyone.
That's why I'm writing this article - on the one hand for myself, so that I can read my strategies again later - but also for you! You certainly didn't find your way here by chance ❤️❤️❤️
First of all, I would like to extend a big hug.
Let’s explore how we can get through this together.
The significance of grieving for pets
Many people feel the grief of a deceased pet just as intensely as the loss of a human friend or family member. Pets are part of our everyday lives, providing companionship and affection. It is therefore important to take grief seriously and give yourself the time and space to you personally need to grieve.
Practical tips for coping with grief
Acknowledgement of grief: The first step to coping is acknowledging the loss. It is completely normal to be sad and to cry. Give yourself permission to allow these feelings.
Remembrance rituals: Rituals can help you to process the loss. This could be a small farewell ceremony, planting a tree or creating a photo album. Such rituals give the pain a space and help to remember with love.
Talk and share: Talk about your feelings with friends or family who show understanding. Sharing with others who have had similar experiences can be particularly comforting. Online forums and bereavement groups also offer support. You are also welcome to leave your personal story here, in the comment section below.
Creative expression: Write a journal about the beautiful moments with your pet or draw pictures that depict your relationship with them. Creative expression can provide an outlet for grief and have a healing effect.
Professional help: If the pain is overwhelming and the grief does not subside, professional support from a therapist can be helpful. Specialized grief counsellors know methods to help cope with the loss.
Caring for mementos: A memento such as a collar, a favorite toy or a paw print clay plate can be a tangible reminder of the pet and provide comfort.
Self-care is now particularly important
Grieving for a pet does not disappear overnight. It is a process that takes time. Some days will be easier than others, and that's normal. Here are some long-term strategies for self-care:
Take care of your physical and mental health: getting enough sleep, eating healthy and being physically active are important. Personally, it wasn't easy for me to eat regularly, and I still struggle with it. However, when I make myself something particularly tasty or eat with my family, I find it easier.
New routines: Without your beloved pet, you will have to find new daily routines. New hobbies or activities can help fill the gap. Is there something you've always wanted to try when you have time? Now is the time!
Be patient with yourself: Allow yourself to grieve at your own pace. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve.
Essential oils: The use of essential oils can also contribute to self-care. My favorites, which I currently always carry with me, are: CONSOLE Touch = helps to process traumatic experiences ROSE Touch = the rose is the healer of the broken heart and can neutralize negative vibrations HOPE Touch = gives me the hopeful feeling that something beautiful will come after the pain ADAPTIV Touch = so that I am prepared for everything else that life presents me with on top of the grief
The calming scents help me to find emotional balance and alleviate the pain a little bit. I apply Rose and Hope directly over my heart.
Back to keyword “sleep”: I'm finding it particularly difficult to sleep in the evening at the moment, so I'm using a herbal remedy called “Serenity” Softgel capsules to help me gently drift off to sleep. Click on the picture if you would like to order the recommended oils and Serenity capsules.
Love transcends time and space
The loss of a pet is a deeply personal experience. It is important to know that grief is a natural process and that there are ways to deal with the pain. In time, the grief will lessen and the fond memories of your beloved pet will remain.
Use my tips and seek support if you need it.
Your pet brought you love and joy - and those memories will always be with you.
And if what Penelope Smith writes in her book* is true, your beloved pet may even come back to you in a different form ✨ I really hope so...
Loving, fragrant greetings from the heart,
Laura
*Amazon Affiliate Links. I receive a small commission for orders placed via the links provided. This is at no extra cost to you.
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