There’s no easy way to say goodbye to your pet. When faced with the realization that time together is now short, we want to commemorate our dear furry friend and make the remaining days special. Here are some suggestions from those who have been there:
Take Photos – Whether they’re candid shots of your buddy doing the everyday things he loves best, a professional portrait of your beautiful baby, or silly pictures with Santa, your little loved one will always be remembered. Don’t forget videos.
Go on Outings – Take your dog for a neighborhood walk, aided by a wagon or stroller if need be, to catch up on the ‘news’ that other dogs leave at mailboxes and bushes. Or if your pet is up to it, go for a day trip to the mountains or the lake. Visit the park, or simply drive around on a beautiful day with the windows rolled down. Sunshine and fresh air is always good to raise both of your spirits. Take your cat on a backyard bird watch or a bug hunt. With sunshine and fresh air, your little hunter or your big explorer may feel invigorated and satisfied.
Reunion Playdate – Get your dog’s favorite friends together, perhaps at the dog park, for a final round of tag – or just sitting in the shade, enjoying each other’s company.
Bucket List Day – Take your dog for a drive-thru burger, or bring home some really smelly canned fish or rotisserie chicken for your pet to enjoy. Let your dog go out in the rain and dig holes, getting as awfully muddy as he wants. Does your cat want to play with the ice cubes in a glass of water? Does your dog want to sleep on the sofa? Does your cat want to explore forbidden cabinets, drink from the faucet? Go for it! Help your cat get back up to the high places he used to enjoy, like the refrigerator. Put plastic containers and boxes up there for him to knock down. You may want to get a bubbling water fountain to play with, or put a warm comforter fresh from the dryer down for your ailing pet to rest in.
Long Cuddle Times – Peace, comfort, loving care. Help your ailing pet to be surrounded by these things in the final days. You’ll want to have a lot of special cuddle time with your cat or dog. Expressing how much you love them matters. They are intuitive and can feel your soothing words. It’s a good time to gently pet or groom your animal with a soft brush. Grooming makes them feel so very much loved and cared for.
Zoom Celebration – As time draws to a close, don’t forget the family. Grown children or those away at school may want to schedule a video visit. Or, if time permits, they may want to come back home for a celebration of their pet’s life with final hugs and kisses.
Reflect – You may want to keep a journal where you write down feelings you’re unable to express out loud. Then you can take the journal out and acknowledge these sentiments to yourself at a much later time when you’re rested and ready to process your grief. You may choose to turn it into an album with your photos, collar and tag, and other keepsakes.
Celebrating the Journey – There is the option to celebrate these precious companions’ brief but impactful lives before, during or after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. Their unique character and selfless devotion has been tremendous gifts to those they loved. Choosing whatever works best for your circumstances, coming together as a family to remember how your pet changed your lives is healing and loving – exactly the two things your cherished friend would want for you. Maybe we should celebrate them every single day.
Heron’s Crossing provides end-of-life care for pets in the Metro Atlanta area. In-home appointments with compassionate vets are available. If you’d prefer a home-like setting away from your home, our Decatur office is also available by appointment.