How do you make yourself feel better when your pet dies?

animal<3: How do you make yourself feel better when your pet dies?
Recently my friends lhasa apso died. She has been really depressed and unsure of wether to get another pet(another pet like a small dog or maybe a cat) or just to stay away from other pets for a while. She feels bad about getting a pet because she feels like she will be betraying her old lhasa. I don’t really know what to tell her. Help?

Answers and Views:

Answer by minik107
shell get over it

Answer by Owlwoman
I believe all animals who die are now running through the fields of the gods.

If she somehow contributed to it’s death – she must forgive herself. Her Lhasa would love her to get another pet- a cat might be the answer.

Answer by thanksapantsfull
let her know that it’s completely normal to feel depressed, losing a loved pet is the same as losing a member of your family, b/c that’s what they are. She should take her time about getting another pet, if she rushes out to get one to fill the void, she may wind up comparing it to the old dog too much and that will make it harder on her, and not fair to the new pet. She will know in her heart when the time is right to get a new pet.
When my dog died last year, it was very hard to deal with for quite some time. Even now I’m getting a little teared up thinking about how much you never really realize how much you love them 🙂 I put together a shadow box with some pictures of her, the pawprint imprint they made at the vet’s before they cremated her, and her ID tags. I hung it in a spot where it’s not in my face all the time, but I can stop and look at it and remember the times we had together. Maybe try doing sometime like that for her, or with her, to help her feel better and get a little closure.

Answer by Shane
I suppose it depends on your friend. I could never get another dog if mine died. She will always remember the good times if she decides to get another dog or not. It will take time to get over it because a dog is part of the family. Hope she ok. 🙂

Answer by Envy meh
Tell her to think of the good memories it had with her pet. When she feels like she’s able to care for another pet tell her to take her time and find one.

Answer by Lona F
idk sorry but i hope u feel better and every thing is fine.

Answer by Peanut
3 weeks ago my german shepard, Samson died of lymphatic cancer. It was so, so fast and unexpected. For 12 years since he was a puppy we were inseperable, he even went to work with me. He saved my life when he was about 3 years old. I know what it is like to lose a baby and this feels almost the same. Everyone has to mourn and for each it will take a different amount of time. The most important thing is that we let ourselves go through each step of the mourning process…While I am telling you this, I am trying to also convince myself that I can do this…I still cry every single day, I sleep with his leash every nite and I keep a little clipping of his hair in my pocket wrapped up, it helps give me strength..I still have to come up with $ 200 to “bring him home” so this whole process has a ways to go. I needed him very, very much and I know he would still want me to be protected everywhere I go but I can’t move on yet…There are actually groups you can attend, which I am considering..contact the humane society. Tell her they are still with us and I know they would want us to be happy..we will see them again.

Answer by Megan
Just don’t think about it. My mom had her Brussels Griffon die and she was (i think she still may be) depressed a little. But anyways, don’t think about it. Distract yourself with something. Until your friend’s heart heals for what has happened just try to distract her from the situation. Good thoughts may end up in crying, and thinking about it does the same. So remember this, don’t think and distract.

Answer by Alicat 42
I lost my cocker spaniel about a month ago. It can be pretty hard for a pet lover. I’ve never been with out a dog in my life. A lot of people say getting a puppy or a kitten is a good way to get over the loss of a pet.

Personally I really try to keep myself busy doing things like volunteering, things to go out of your way to do, things that aren’t just daily routine. I think getting your friend out and about would really help. I’ve been volunteering at our town library and elementary school for a childs reading program. Being around people and hearing how their day went, or their stories kept my mind away from thinkinng about it.

Another thing to telll your friend that I always remind myself of is that yes, its sad and its really hard to get on with out your best friend, some one who was constantly around you is suddenly gone. But think of all the happy times your dog brought you, all its little quarks, things that made you laugh. Because you should never let this one moment of sadness out-weigh all the great, fun moments. That dog brought a whole life of happiness and fulfillment into their life and that sad time is hard, but dont let it replace all that the dog brought.

Right now I’m waiting to get a dog, I’m trying to get accepted into post secondary and hopefully move out. I have a cat who I have a strong bond with and I totally understand what your friend means by sort of betraying her pets memory, I dont want to betray my cat’s bond with me by getting a new dog lol maybe thats silly. It’s okay though to be silly.

I think the best idea though – I dont have this option, small town 🙁 – maybe help her look into volunteering time at an animal shelter, walking dogs, spending time with the animals so they dont have to just sit in their kennels/cages. And hey, she might just make a connection with a critter there who could help her move on.

Its tough. You see that animal every day, morning to night and all of a sudden, they’re just gone. It’s stupid to just say get over it. You’re friends pretty lucky to have someone like you who cares enough to try and help & understand.