Losing a pet is always devastating

TThe loss of a pet can be one of the most difficult things to deal with. From the moment you realize they are gone, to when you actually have to say goodbye, there's a range of emotions that come along with it.

Here are five tips for dealing with this difficult time in your life:

1. Get through it together 

Pets aren't just animals; they're members of our families. When someone dies or leaves, we usually turn to close friends and family members for support. It's important that you don't try and go through this alone too!

Make sure there is someone who will listen without judgement as you grieve over your lost friend.

2. Embrace memories

Think back on the good times. Remember the funny things they did, their unique personality, or all of the great memories you've made with them. It will help to remember what a wonderful companion your pet was and how much joy he brought into your life.

3. Don't hide away

Many people find it hard to get out after losing a loved one because it's so painful when faced with reminders that they are gone. In some cases pets can serve as those emotional reminders but now is not the time for isolation! Get back on social media, go talk to friends about what happened, and make sure there is someone who will take care of you while you're feeling sad. Life moves on even if you're not feeling up to it.

4. Talk to your kids

If you have kids, this is a good time to talk about death and how to deal with the loss of someone close. It's important that they understand what happened, so they know where their feelings are coming from and why some people may be sad around them.

5. Saying goodbye

This can be one of the hardest parts but set aside sometime before the pet has passed away where you'll say all those things you've been meaning to say or do for him or her in order to make peace with it when he or she does pass away soon after. You don't want any regrets left over!

Make sure there is someone else involved, like another family member who's there with you. You may feel guilty for not being able to do more or feeling like it's your fault, but those feelings are normal when losing someone close. Talk about how you're feeling openly in order to get through the grieving process and find a way to move on again.

Wrapping Up

Of course, losing a pet is one of the hardest things you can go through, but as explained, hopefully these five ways of dealing with it will help you get through it a bit easier

• Get through it together - lean on family and friends who understand how much of a family member your furbaby was 
• Embrace memories - talk about your furbaby and share photos and stories 
• Stay active and try not to hide away - distract yourself to avoid dwelling if you feel like you are spiraling 
• Have kids? Talk to them - Kids need to understand what happened in an age appropriate way, help them to do that!
•  Say goodbye to your furbaby - Write a letter, have a conversation or just think of the things you feel were unsaid to your fur family member.

I hope that these tips helped guide you through this difficult time, and would love to know from you, if you've experienced the loss of a fur-baby, what did you find helpful in getting through it?