Navigating Pet Loss
Here is a poignant video tribute for a beloved pet. The artist Breanna Bell was commissioned to create a mixed media portrait based on a favorite photograph of the dog Hamilton.
Video Link:
Mixed Media Pet Portrait 🐕 Grieving the loss of pets 💔 Art Studio Sessions
As Breanna works through the process of developing this piece, she offers a peaceful and contemplative stream of consciousness on the meaning of the human-animal bond. Breanna recognizes and validates that pet loss grief is often disenfranchised grief. Breanna tactfully normalizes all the confusing and conflicting emotions that pet owners experience as they grapple with making decisions about end-of-life care for their pets.
Breanna emphasizes the importance of self-care and letting the grief and mourning process take the time that it needs. Each person’s journey through grief is very individualized. Certain things that help one person may not be as helpful to another, and vice versa. Some may benefit from discussing this life-changing event with a trusted counselor.
Consider some things that pet owners may do to memorialize their pets:
Hold a memorial service
Write a letter to their pet
Write up the story of their pet’s life to share with others
Create a garden stone to mark a physical space to honor and remember their pet
Personalize an urn for safekeeping and display of their pet’s ashes
Scatter ashes in a place that holds special meaning for their pet
Frame a favorite photo
Keep a journal
Collect cherished keepsakes like paw prints, nose prints, and locks of hair
Create or commission custom jewelry to honor their pet (some of which may contain ashes or locks of hair, or be personalized with paw or nose prints)
Store or display their personal effects like dog tags, collars, and favorite toys
Create or commission artwork in their pet’s likeness
Support their local animal rescue with a donation of time or supplies
For all those in need of support, please check out these resources:
Disclaimer: Dr. Hayes provides links to these resources but is not responsible for the content found there. Dr. Hayes has no financial relationship with any of the linked content. These links are provided for informational purposes and their inclusion does not constitute endorsement. Ariana and Breanna met in 2008 at the University of Montana where they were college roommates and played in the Grizzly Marching Band together.
Lap of Love Pet Loss Resources
Includes free virtual pet loss support group access, as well as paid 1:1 counseling and paid pet loss journey classes
Includes links to free virtual grief support groups, free virtual memorial art workshop groups, and various other outside links
List of free hotlines by geographical region
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Free and paid options to access chat support, video support, among others
Pet Parent Grief Support Resources
Short articles encompassing understanding grief and support for families
Two brochures on pet loss
Short articles on navigating grief, supporting those going through pet loss, and supporting other pets
A community of support from laypersons who have navigated similar situations
If you would like to create a free public or private/password-protected post to memorialize your pet hosted on this blog, please write QOLpetcare@gmail.com to contact Dr. Hayes.
