Memorial Resources

On losing a pet — resources, words, and small things that helped people who came through this before.

What to expect: Losing a pet is grief. Real grief — the kind that surprises you by its size, that doesn't follow the timeline you expect, that catches you on a Tuesday for no obvious reason. The fact that they had four legs doesn't change any of that. Be patient with yourself.

Practical things: Take photos of their bed, their food bowl, the spot they slept in — before you change the room. You don't have to keep the photos. Just have them. If you have other pets, they're grieving too. They may eat less, sleep more, look for the missing one. This passes. Decide later about ashes, paw prints, and other keepsakes. There's no deadline. If you want a portrait, take your time choosing the photo. The one that reminds you most of who they were is the right one.

Resources: The ASPCA Pet Loss Support Hotline is 1-877-GRIEF-10. Pet-loss.net is a peer support forum. Lap of Love offers in-home pet hospice and end-of-life care nationally. The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (aplb.org) lists grief counselors who specialize in pet loss.

If you'd like a portrait when you're ready, we're here. No rush. — The Northstar Paws Studio