6 Heartwarming Ways to Comfort Someone Who Has Lost a Pet
Losing a beloved pet can be one of life’s most difficult experiences. It can bring a deep sense of grief, sorrow, and emptiness that no amount of words can truly express. While it’s not easy to see someone going through such pain or having the words to console them, here are 6 heartwarming ways you can help comfort someone who has just lost their pet - whether that’s by creating lasting reminders, expressing sympathy through gentle gestures, or even sending a thinking of you gift. Read on to discover how small gestures can make all the difference when it comes to helping with your loved ones in their time of need during mourning.
Sadly, the idea that pet loss is not as painful as the loss of a human family member still is held by some people. This can cause a grieving person to bottle up their emotions. This is never a good idea.
Having their feelings recognised by others can certainly help towards the grieving process and be of comfort to them. Of course, no matter what you say or do, it cannot bring back their beloved pet, but kindness always goes a long way.
The most important thing to remember is that by acknowledging the loss of a pet you are showing you understand the pain the owner is experiencing. You do not need to have personally experienced pet grief directly yourself but sending a message of care and sympathy is a special gesture.
These days pet loss is recognised by experts as being a sad and painful experience much akin to losing any family member. Those of us who have experienced it may find we can talk about it much more than in the past, but for many it may still be difficult.
You may not know this already but the inspiration behind Jin Designs Cat Collections comes from dealing with pet grief. You can read more about this in the blog post Inspiration Behind the Cat Designs which explains how Designer Jinny came up with these special designs.
Jinny had the pain of losing of a beloved cat when she was growing up and at a time when such loss was not spoken about so much back then. She tells her story in the blog post Cats Sleep Anywhere - the Sleeping Cat Story. Both of these blog posts show how important our pets are to us and how, in both life and death, they remain very close to our hearts.
If there is someone you know, a friend, family member or a work colleague who has recently lost a pet and you want to do something for them, here are 6 suggestions for you.
1. Send a simple card
There is no right or wrong type of card to send. You may want to send a more formal card which says, ‘Sorry for your loss,’ or one with flowers on or even a card with a portrait of a pet.
There are all kinds of cards with beautiful poems to express your sentiment. You could even send a simple greeting card and write your own words inside. A short message is all you need to write and it will really show you care.
If you are unsure about what to write or what sort of card to send then you could consider giving a gift instead.
2. Give a mug as a gift
Mugs are practical gifts. But they also have a special place in our daily routines. You can read more about it in a previous blog post on 5 Reasons Why Giving a Mug as a Gift is a Perfect Idea. By choosing one especially for the person who has lost a pet you are sending a message that you care. Every time they use the mug it will be a reminder that you were thinking about them.
Some mugs can provide comfort. Some can also be a reminder of a much loved pet. Sitting Cat and Sleeping Cat were designed for those who love cats, and for those who have loved and lost.
3. Send a ‘Comfort’ Gift
Comfort gifts can range from candles, flowers, plants, luxury biscuits or chocolates and so much more. Often, when people experience loss they can forget to look after themselves. You could send them a few items from the list to help them to remember to take care of their own well-being as they go through their loss.
4. Grow Wildflower Seedballs
There is nothing more heart-warming than seeing life grow after death. Wildflower Seedballs are a touching way to remember a loved one. Planting flowers can be really beneficial to our mental and emotional health too - as well as helping the environment. Wildflowers are a source of life and you can scatter seedballs just about anywhere there is sunlight, soil and a place to grow. Perhaps an area where a much loved pet liked to roam, or where they settled in the garden.
There are a number of Seedball choices but one has been designed especially for cat lovers. Forget-me-Not mix is the flower of choice and the pretty blue flowers will appear between April and October.
It's a touching way to remember those we love. And to see flowers and nature blossom and grow is a wonderful way to keep memories close.
5. Give a small token
Sometimes, something small and beautiful is the perfect way to show sympathy. A keyring is an ideal token to remind them of their dear pet. Jin Designs silver plated keyrings are simple, stylish and thoughtful. They can be used as a keyring or as a charm on a bag. It is not only a thoughtful token but a beautiful keepsake to remember a special cat or a dog.
6. Send a symbolic gesture
Not all family pets are cats or dogs. People grieve the loss of birds, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs and numerous other animals. You could send a Robin Enamel Pin. The Robin is symbolic of lost loved ones returning to let you know they are with you. This can also be relevant for a pet. When robins appear... facts and folklore about Britain's best loved bird will explain this in more detail.
A Robin Enamel Pin can be worn on a lapel or placed on a bag or scarf. It can be carried around with ease in a purse or bag so they keep it close by. It is ideal as a symbolic reminder that their lost loved one is always around. It is also the perfect gift to let your friend, family member or colleagues know you acknowledge their grief. In many ways, by sending a gift or card that acknowledges the loss of a pet, you are also recognising the importance of their lives to others.
Grief is a powerful emotion and the loss of a beloved pet can be devastating. It's okay to not have all the answers or feel uncomfortable when you don't know what to say. Just being there for your friend and family member, letting them talk and really listen to them are some of the best ways you can help.
And if you want to leave a physical reminder of your support, there are many very thoughtful gifts available specifically designed for pet loss like mugs, candles, seedballs and keyrings that honour the memory of their furry companion. By keeping some of these heartwarming suggestions in mind, you may find some solace when comforting those close to you going through this difficult transition.
