Coping with Pet Loss Over the Holidays
The holidays, chock full of family gatherings and much-needed downtime, can be tough for those pet owners who are grieving over the death of a pet. Memories and feelings of loss come up strongly, but remembering furry loved ones who've passed away doesn't have to take the joy out of your holidays. Accepting your feelings, talking about them and doing creative things such as making scrapbooks of your pets and volunteering at your local animal shelter can help you to begin the New Year with your memories in the right place.
For advice about coping with feelings of loss, please ASPCAS's Pet Loss Hotline at (877) 474-3310—and if you have children who are missing old pets, take a look at our ways to help kids better understand their feelings.