Grieving for lost pet?

Question

I just lost my dog of 14 years and Im having a really hard time dealing with the grieving process. Im a practicing catholic but unfortunatly have found no relief in my faith. When a person dies you have the comfort of thought that someday you will be reunited and that death while sad is only temporary. Unfortunatley I have lost a family member now that I loved just as much that many people inside my relgion believe is a permanent goodbye. What do I do now to grieve, how do I comes to grips with the fact that my soul is going to live with this now for eternity. I believe that once I enter heaven my soul will be revived and I will be comforted by God and will no longer grieve for my loss. But unfortunatley right now this is little concelation. I just miss my little dog.

Answer 1

Sorry about your pet, rest assured your memory is there to keep it alive. That feeling of comming home from work and expecting your friend is sad, but that kind of memory is a great representation of how much of a good friend he/she was.

I hope this is ok, but I am an Atheist. But I do know a little about Catholicism. If you really believe in the Catholic faith, then just say a little prayer to St. Francis of Assisi, (patron saint of animals). It may help you fell better about your friend passing.

Answer 2

Eight years ago my 18 year old cat died. Less than a year ago a second cat, at the age of 18, also died. Both were very ill and I chose to help them rest. I miss both of them. When I think about the last one, I cry a little.
I have two more pets, right now. They are the "replacement kitties."
I am a Catholic, as well. I see my animals as my family members. I know I love them and that they have attachment to me. I have seen people bring their pets to church for a special blessing. In farm communities, priests go out to bless the animals.
Whether you do or do not believe that animals have the same kind of spirit that people do, there is a life force that you can see. Our pets are pleased to see us, follow us and comfort us. I think they return love, are altruistic and unselfish. As part of our family they must somehow have an eternal life with us, even if it is in memory. But, you know, my idea of heaven would be to see them again. And since God loves me, that is a possibility.
It will get easier to bear. It takes a couple years.
Be grateful you had a relationship with such a fine creature. Be at peace.

Answer 3

My beloved friend of seventeen years died a few years back. Not a single day goes by that I don't think about him and ache to hold him and see his eyes look upon me with love once again. People think they're helping by brushing aside our grief with phrases like "It was only a pet" or "Just go get another one," but they're not. We feel unwhole, but that doesn't mean that we want to fill the emptiness with just anything. We're trying to deal with it, not make it go away.

My advice would be to do three things:

1) Look through your photo albums and relive the happy times you shared with your friend. This is especially important if your pet died after a lingering illness. Don't try to blot out how he looked when he died, but also don't allow that to be the only way you remember him.

2) Find your favorite photograph of your pet, frame it, and sit it near the chair where you read or watch television. Look at your friend often and talk about him with your spouse or close friends. It's not morbid. This special being was an important part of your life. Death is only the end of his life. Now he lives in your memories. Keep his name in your mouths; laugh about the tricks he used to do and the mishaps he caused.

3) Build a memory garden, plant a tree, or create a foundation in your pet's name. Do something tangible to help you remember your pet. I found that this helped most of all. Now, each spring, I can say hello to my old friend with the coming of the blossoms.

Your pet now lives in you.

Answer 4

This is only my personal belief, but... I believe in a loving and merciful God who said that His eye is on the sparrow. I believe that some animals do give love to humans, and that love, wherever it occurs, is a manifestation of God. Animals are not made in His image, but they are made by Him, and carry some small part of His spirit. And most importantly of all, I believe that God does not allow love to be wasted. In some way or form, it always lives on. Where is it written that there are no animals in Heaven? It isn't. In fact, the Bible speaks of a world to come when the lion shall lie down with the lamb. Have faith in God. He knows the desire of your heart, and in time you will be comforted.

Answer 5

What makes you think that your pet is forever gone? Because some other person said so to make them selves feel superior to animals? I have never read anywhere in the Bible that God does not allow animals to live again either here or in the hereafter. Why do so many 'Christians' insist in trying to fit God into a box. He is God, He can do anything! I have lost more than one animal that was important to me and I believe that each one lives on.

Answer 6

im really sorry to hear about your pet and i wish you the best through out your grieving process. hopefully each day will get a little better that the last and the beautiful memories the two of you have created together in the past 14 years will carry you through each day.

Answer 7

I feel for you I really do, My daughter was/ is striggling with the same feeling's and it's beeen 3 years, i maurned the dog and very much miss her with all my heart but as an adult i know I must move on but I will post soem stuff that I found comfort in when the loss was new and i use allot of it for my daughter still , at times i still get very sad over the loss of my sweet Lady Abigail. Think of teh happy time's and know that she is watching over you , I was raised Catholic and very much beleive dogs can be our angels too... My daughter's angel is Abbey and she finds much confort in it....




Ideas For Dealing With The Loss Of Your Pet
Buy A Photo Or Figurine Urn: Knowing that your pets ashes are close and safe can be a great comfort. There are many different shapes and styles of urns to choose from.
Plant A Tree: A tree makes an excellent memorial and a constant reminder of the friendship your pet provided you.
Spend Time With Friends: Spending time with people that you care about can distract you from the pain that your experiencing.
Scrap Book: Many people find comfort in assembling a memorial scrapbook of their favorite photos of their lost pet. The scrapbook can then be brought out and browsed through during difficult periods.
Scatter Your Pets Ashes In A Favorite Location: If you choose to cremate your pet, you can ask for the ashes and scatter them in your backyard or someplace special that you shared with your pet.
Write A Poem: Poetry can be very soothing during times of grief.
Contact Your Local Pet Cemetery: More and more pet owners are taking advantage of the wide range of services provided by Pet Cemeteries. Ask your veterinarian if there are any in your area.





Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

*Author Unknown*

Answer 8

Man, I don't know if there is any consolation. Even though God has comforted me through many sorrows I don't know how to comfort you. If it can possibly help, then take comfort in knowing that miraculously (by the indwelling grace of God) a complete stranger feels bad for you.

Answer 9

Hey I know how you feel I'm a catholic to and I remeber when I lost my dog a priest was in my school and he told me directly that dogs have no soul so they won't go to heaven (i was 12.!:() but though heaven is a place for those who accept Jesus and follow him do not be so sure that your pets will not have eternal life... God created them for us and I believe he will accept animals into his kingdom since they didn't have a chance in life to sin. Don't give up hope that your little one is in heaven .... God Bless, and have faith in God, just don't give up. (and note st. francis who was too a animal lover believed that animals would be in heaven with us to ask st. francis to pray for you and that God may comfort your grief.)

Answer 10

You know I have very good friends who are Catholics and I notice the same thing with them, it's almost like they are taught to hate animals. It's weird and definitely not Godly of them.

Look at it this way man, your dog is in a better place now away from this cruel world and one day you'll see him again.