When They Leave Us: Honouring the Grief of Pet Loss

By Naomi M. | Purple Phoenix Wellness

They were more than a pet. They were family. Your shadow. Your comfort. The one who knew your moods before you said a word.

And now they’re gone. And the house feels too quiet. The routines feel empty. And the grief… it’s heavy. If you’re grieving the loss of a beloved pet, please know this: your pain is real. Your grief is valid. And you don’t have to justify it to anyone.

The Grief of Losing a Pet Is Real Grief

Our culture often dismisses pet loss as “not that serious.” You may have heard phrases like:

  • “Just get another one.”

  • “At least it wasn’t a person.”

  • “It’s just a dog/cat.”

But for many of us, the bond we share with our animals is deeper than words. They become our emotional support, our therapists, our soul companions. They see us at our worst, love us unconditionally, and never judge us for our tears.

So when they’re gone, we don’t just grieve the loss of a pet—we grieve the loss of:

  • A daily presence

  • A routine

  • A sense of comfort and emotional safety

  • A nonverbal, soul-deep connection

  • A part of ourselves

Why Pet Loss Can Hurt Just as Much as Losing a Person

You’re not imagining it. Pet loss can feel just as intense—or more so—than losing a human loved one. Why?

  • There’s no social ritual. No funeral. No bereavement leave.

  • Friends may not understand or offer support.

  • We often grieve in silence, feeling ashamed for how deeply we feel.

  • And yet... that little life filled so much space.

Your grief is not “too much.” Your love was real. So your loss is real, too.

How to Support Yourself Through Pet Grief

If you're grieving a pet and feel unseen, here are gentle ways to honour your experience and care for your heart:

1. Create a Grief Ritual

  • Light a candle each day at the time you’d normally walk or feed them.

  • Place their photo, collar, or paw print in a sacred space.

  • Write a letter to them or speak aloud to say goodbye.

2. Name the Loss—Out Loud

Say it plainly: “I lost my best friend.”
“I miss their warmth beside me.”
“I don’t know how to be without them.”
Naming the truth helps validate it. There’s no shame in your sorrow.

3. Allow the Emotions to Come

Guilt, sadness, numbness, even anger—they’re all normal.
You might second-guess decisions, wonder if you “did enough,” or relive their last moments. This is a part of grief. Be gentle with yourself. You did the best you could with the love you had.

4. Don’t Let Others Dismiss Your Pain

If someone minimizes your grief, it doesn’t mean your grief is wrong—it means they don’t understand it. You are allowed to grieve deeply, even if no one else gets it.

5. Create a Legacy or Memorial

  • Plant a tree or flowers in their honour

  • Donate to an animal rescue in their name

  • Wear a piece of jewelry or create a keepsake

  • Get a custom portrait, tattoo, or pawprint stone

6. Receive Healing Support

You do not have to do this alone. I offer gentle, non-clinical grief support and energy healing specifically for pet loss. Through Reiki, guided ritual, and grief coaching, we can hold space together for the love and the loss—without judgment.

You’re Not Crazy. You’re Grieving.

Whether it’s been days or years, whether your pet was a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or any other being who brought you joy—your grief is real. And so is your healing. You don’t have to “move on.” You can move forward with love. You can carry them in your heart, not just your memory. And if no one else is holding space for your grief—I will.

 

If this blog speaks to your heart, I invite you to reach out for pet loss grief support. You are not alone in this.

Have questions or want to connect? Schedule a call here ➡️