Bringing a pet home changes your life forever. You spend years caring for their every need and enjoying the many moments of happiness they create. Unfortunately, owning a pet also means you’ll have to say goodbye to them one day. When that moment comes, reflect on their lasting impact by thinking about these aspects of pet ownership to make your grief easier to carry.
1. They Deepen Emotional Connections
No matter which type of pet you have, they provide constant companionship. You’re their greatest source of joy and comfort, so they quickly become the same in return. There’s nothing like seeing your dog beaming at you from across the room or feeling your cat nuzzle into your forehead as you fall asleep.
The emotional connection inspires people to bond with other human beings more deeply. You start treasuring infectious laughter with a more attentive heart because you’re actively aware of how much joy means to you.
You might also feel more empathy after a beloved pet changes your life. They rely on you for everything, inspiring greater compassion in your heart. It’s much easier to extend that feeling to others and enjoy fulfilling relationships.
Losing that pet is a reminder that life is short. The joy you feel in connections with people or animals won’t last forever. It makes every relationship more meaningful and every loss that much harder.
2. They Teach People About Grief
Some individuals experience the loss of their pet long before losing a human family member or friend. Teaching people about the grieving process is one of the lasting impacts of a pet after it passes. The emptiness in your home and the loss of emotional connection start the five phases of processing loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
These stages might not happen in the same order for everyone, but they’re all real, valid emotions you might experience after losing a pet. You’ll learn about yourself as you grieve, like how you might instinctively compartmentalize your feelings or need more help with daily responsibilities than usual.
It’s a good opportunity to learn about yourself and get help when needed. Your pet might guide you to a great therapist after they pass. They could help you prepare for other losses, too. When someone close to you passes away, you’ll know how to maneuver through and accept your grief because your pet’s loss changed how you understand yourself.
3. They Make Physical Activities Less Intimidating
Dog owners know what it’s like to take daily walks with their furry best friend. It’s a significant amount of time and effort, but it’s the highlight of your dog’s day. You wouldn’t want them cooped up inside, even if you may not have thought to exercise before they entered your life.
When your pup isn’t with you anymore, the lack of physical exercise is almost as noticeable as the empty food bowl on your kitchen floor. It’s impossible not to feel the impulse to grab their leash and head out the door, especially if you were lucky enough to live with your pet for a decade or longer.
Grieving your pet might be easier if you stay active. Without that four-legged friend in your life, you might not have discovered a passion for running, biking or other outdoor activities they loved. Their lasting impact causes many people to view exercise differently, ultimately improving your long-term health by making it a more essential part of daily life.
4. They Inspire Greater Confidence
Life is a series of learning opportunities. You might have known a few things about caring for a pet when you brought your home, but think about all the tricks you picked up as the years passed. You learned what certain health symptoms meant, when their bathroom habits needed updating and how to advocate for them at the vet.
Giving any pet a happy, healthy life inspires confidence. You cared for them the best you could by keeping an open mind. Every animal requires different types of care. Learning what yours needed and when proved that you can rise to any occasion. That confidence will carry you through the rest of your life, all because you decided to bring your pet home.
5. They Create Lasting Communities
Animals bring people together. Loved ones want to see your pet when they visit, and you’ve likely made lots of friends at the dog park or cat cafe. You’ve likely met people and developed meaningful relationships in moments where your pet was the central focus. Those people grieve your loss alongside you, cementing the lifelong communities your pet helped you build around yourself.
6. They Outline Chapters of Your Life
People often think of the first day they brought their pets home after those beloved animals have passed away. The time between those dates outlines numerous chapters of each pet owner’s life. Maybe you moved, changed jobs, lost friends or grew into your identity while your pet was by your side. Once they’re gone, you’ll always remember those times as part of your years with them.
This is one of the most challenging parts of grieving a pet. They’re in so many of your memories. They might have even inspired you to take the biggest leaps in life. Having a physical way to remember them creates a designated way to reflect on their legacy and process the many feelings that come along with that.
You’ll see the reminder of them in your home or around your property so they never feel truly lost. Whenever you see it, you’ll get a second to remember how happy you felt with them in your life. Relieve how confident they made you feel. Acknowledge that you’ll find that kind of love and happiness again. It’s what makes life worth living.
Pets Change Your Life Forever
Pets are a gift before and after they pass away. They leave a lasting impact for the better. Your time with them helps you grow before they teach you how you respond to the grieving process. Meanwhile, you get to carry their memories close to your heart. Pets provide some of the most meaningful connections, so it’s essential to value your feelings when it’s time for them to say goodbye.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw is a writer, editor and dedicated pet owner. He currently serves as the senior writer for Modded, a lifestyle magazine where he has explored topics on the joys of traveling with his dog, improving his home and working on his health.
