b'by Keenan KnopkeHealing After theLoss of a PetThe relationship we have with our pets is a unique and spe- share memories of your pet and express your thoughts. Makecial bond. It is truly like no other relationship we have in our a scrapbook personalized with photos, special memories oflives. Pets offer us unconditional love and are always there things you did together and other mementos. The process offor us, no matter what kind of mood we are in. Our loving writing your feelings, thoughts, and experiences down willpets are often the one constant, give you the opportunity to workcomforting and dependable rela- through the pain and the sorrow.tionshipwehavethroughdiffi- Hold a Ceremonycultandchangingtimes.They Holding a ceremony to remem-areourcompanions,walking beryourpetcanbeextremelypals, sounding boards, and even helpful. It gives you the opportu-bedmates. Thats why losing a pet nitytoacknowledgetheloss,can be even more traumatic than sharememoriesofthepetandlosing a family member, and the createafocusforthefamilytogrievingprocessissimilar,psy- openlyexpressemotions.Whilechologists say.some people may think having aBecause of this special bond celebration of life for your pet iswithourpets,havingprofound unnecessary, dont allow them tofeelings of grief after their loss is takethisspecialtimeaway.expected.Ouranimalcompan- Create a ceremony that best fitsions bring out the best in us, so you to pay tribute to a pet whowhen we lose them, we often feel wasanimportantpartofwehavelostpartofourselves. your life.Becauseofthisitscommonto Create a Memorial feelintensefeelingsincluding A permanent place for you todeep sadness, anger or even anxi- go and remember your pet can beety.Thisrangeofemotionsis Puck, a longtime contributor to The New Barker aspecialpartofyourhealingnormal and understandable. with Heather Schulman. He crossed the process. Whether under a tree inWhilethereisnoeasyor Rainbow Bridge in December 2022. your backyard, in a pet cemeteryquickwaytogothroughthe or on your mantel, it is anothergrieving process, here are six ways to help you heal and get way to honor and express your love for your pet. Gardenthrough this difficult period after a pet loss. stones, statues and jewelry to commemorate your pet are alsoAllow Yourself to Grieve popular choices and can easily be found online or in yourYour pet was not just a dog or just a cat. Your com- local community. panionwasamemberofthefamilyandhisdeathisa Dont Rush to Replace Your Pet tremendous loss in your life.Often though, people dont feel The temptation after the death of a pet may be to runthey can openly express their feelings of grief over a pet. But, out and get another one right away. In fact, you are oftenjust as with any other feeling of grief, it is important to allow encouraged to do so by family and friends. Although it mayyourself to openly and honestly grieve. Give yourself permis- sound like a good idea, take your time before adopting a newsion to cry, express your emotions and process your grief in pet. Even though your home is quiet and feels empty, itsa healthy method.oftenbesttowaittoworkthroughgriefandlossbeforeExpress Your Feelings building a relationship with a new pet. Studies advise thatCreatingajournal,scrapbookorpetobituaryon you should avoid getting a pet that looks like your previousCurlewHillsPetCemetery.com can be a very effective way to pet or the same breed. Adopt one that is different from yourhelp you process your feelings. Through journaling, you can former companion.70THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'