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It’s never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but if you know it’s imminent, you might begin to plan for the inevitable. Even if the emotional pain is too much to bear, you’ll still have to deal with a few realities.
Speak to Your Kids
Your children will be upset by your dog’s passing. The best thing you can do is talk to them ahead of time and gently inform them that their dog is unwell and will soon be resting peacefully. Try to provide only as much information as each child can comprehend, and be prepared to field some questions. It might help to inform them that the dog will no longer be in suffering after he dies. Preparing the kids will also allow them to say their final goodbyes.
Enjoy Your Dog’s Company
Set aside some time for you and your dog to be together. If he’s still able to walk, take him for a leisurely stroll through one of his favorite neighborhoods or parks. Sit with him and stroke his fur if he can’t move very much. During your last few days together, make sure to show your dog that you love him.
Take Photographs
Consider snapping a few more pictures while you still have the opportunity to spend time with your pet. These may not be the best photographs of your dog, but you may need them later. These photographs might serve as a reminder that your pet’s time has come and gone, and that he is now free of pain and suffering.
Preserve Your Dog’s Paw Print
Keepsakes can provide you with something tangible to cling onto after your pet has passed away. Paw print kits are available, and you can make your dog’s footprint with them. You could find having anything your dog touched reassuring later on.
Preparing for the End of Your Dog’s Life.
Even though it’s going to be hard, you need to think about what you’ll do with your dog’s body when he dies. Making plans in advance will relieve you of the weight of decision-making while you are grieving.
Cremation
If you want your dog’s body cremated after he dies, your vet can help you organise it. If you want your pet’s ashes returned to you, you may have to arrange a private or individual cremation, like those provided by Paws To Heaven.
After the death of your pet, you must also determine whether you will be keeping or scattering their ashes. To keep them safe, you’ll need to put them in a container. An inexpensive ceramic canister can suffice, or you may like to invest in a more formal burial urn.
Recovering from Loss and Grief
A pet’s death affects each person differently, and there is no one correct method to deal with grief. Let yourself cry, and don’t care about what others think. The longer you wait to express your sorrow, the longer it will take for you to heal.
In some cases, losing a dog is as emotionally traumatic as losing a family member, particularly if you’ve had your dog for a lengthy period of time. Do not hesitate to consult a bereavement counselor if you are struggling to accept that your dog’s life is coming to an end, or if you suffer from severe depression after he passes away.