Losing a forever friend is heartbreaking.  Sometimes it feels like no one in the world understands your loss, or the special bond you shared.  Losing a companion animal is unique for everyone, and there is no single right way to deal with the grief.  Here are a few tips and resources that the folks at Claw Theory hope may help.

Check out the available resources at the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)  is a nonprofit association.  They provide a centralized registry of pet bereavement counselors, free online chatrooms facilitated by specially trained pet bereavement counselors, a comprehensive bibliography, and other resources.

Ask yourself, Am I behaving in a way I’d want my friend to see me?  If the answer is no, look for ways to cut through the devastation and try to do something positive. Loss is often accompanied by  intense feelings of guilt, sadness, anger, or depression.  But we can do more than leaving a nostalgic section of nose prints left behind on a car windshield (yes, that happened).

In addition to seeking formal support, there are a number of simple, small ways to honor a departed friend.

• Remember the Good: What was your companion animal’s favorite activity, toy, or spot to nap?  Take time to go to that special park, or set aside that favorite toy someplace where it can remind you of the joy, not just the loss.
• Picture the Love: Create a special photo album or scrapbook with those stored photos on phones and computers, or select your favorites to frame.
• Share the Love: Donating to the shelter or rescue group where you adopted your companion animal is a great way to honor your friend.
• Make Something: A token can help.  A clipping of hair for a locket, a paw print can become a framed decoration, a story or poem can be healing.
• Plan ahead: The seasons will probably bring reminders of your loss.  A year of firsts will keep the loss fresh in your mind as you celebrate a first birthday or holiday without your companion animal’s company.  There is no time limit to grief, so continue to honor your friend as time passes.

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”  ~ Sidonie Gabrielle Colette