
Pets bring vital energy to our homes and lives. Pets communicate many messages about love and connection. Care tenderly for all pets throughout their precious lives. The interspecies dance of love softens and expands the heart.
-Laura Staley
I grew up surrounding by pets- dogs, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, a bird, a turtle, many fish and a rabbit. Seemed like we were the family always at the pet store. So I knew as an adult, I definitely wanted pets of my own. Our family as had had three dogs over the year, and when our last dog passed away, we decided to get a cat this time around. A new animal for all of us. Our rescue cat, Sylvester, has been such a sweet and loving addition to our family. He’s currently curled up on my office chair as I write this… and I can’t imagine life without him.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: The many mental health benefits of having a pet, possible grief symptoms after a losing a pet, and self-care ideas after the loss of a beloved pet.
The many mental health benefits of having a pet:
- Low anxiety/stress levels
- More fun and excitement
- Feel less alone
- Give life more meaning and purpose
- Bring more play into your life
- Unconditional love
- Bring more present
- Extra love and support
- Help your kids mature
- Be part of your exercise routine
What else would you add here?
Grief symptoms after losing a pet may include:
- Crying and sadness
- Loneliness
- Fogginess/brain fog
- Trouble sleeping
- Low energy
- Emptiness/the house feeling too quiet
- Anger
- Trouble concentrating
- Eating changes
What else would you add to this list?
Self-care ideas after the loss of a beloved pet:
- Allow yourself time and space to grieve
- Be gentle with yourself
- Find a creative outlet
- Talk to a therapist
- Feel your feelings
- Spend time with loved ones
- Snuggle under a blanket
- Have a warm drink
- Rest your body
- Consider getting another pet (when you’re ready!)
What other self-care ideas would you add here?
Pets can add so much unconditional love into our lives. It’s also so devastating when we lose them. If you’re struggling right now over the loss of a pet, know that you’re not alone. Extra support from your doctor or a therapist in your area may also be helpful. I’m sending lots of love and compassion your way.