Grief Support

Immediate Support Options When You Need to Talk:

Pet Loss Hotlines: 

Lap of Love Pet Loss Resource Line: 855-352-LOVE (5683)

• • • A compassionate resource for pet parents, veterinary teams, and friends. You can call to speak with a professional about your grief and get guidance on how to cope.

    • Website: https://www.lapoflove.com/pet-loss-support/pet-loss-resource-line

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline: 508-839-7966

• • • A free, confidential phone service staffed by Tufts veterinary students who have received special training in grief counseling. This is a great option for finding a supportive and listening ear.

    • Website: https://vet.tufts.edu/petloss/

Tangible Support Exercises:

The Grief Jar: Making Space for Your Love

When you lose a beloved pet, you may believe that your grief will one day shrink or go away completely. But what often happens is something even more profound: you learn to grow around your grief. The sadness may remain, but as you move forward, you bring more love, joy, and new experiences into your life, making space for both the happy memories and the moments of sorrow.

The grief jar is a simple, gentle practice that helps you do just that. It provides a physical place to collect and hold onto your most cherished memories. To start, you'll need a clear glass jar. Whenever a happy memory of your pet comes to mind, take a small slip of paper and write it down. It could be a silly habit, a cozy nap, a funny story, or a simple moment of love. Fold the note and place it inside the jar.

Over time, your jar will begin to fill with these beautiful, loving memories. On days when grief feels heavy, you can open the jar and read a few of the notes, reminding yourself of the joy and comfort your pet brought into your life. The grief jar isn't about forgetting the pain; it's a tangible way to remember that even in sadness, your heart is full of moments to treasure forever.

Pet Memorials

After losing a beloved pet, you might find comfort in creating a special place to honor their memory. Making a pet memorial is a loving way to celebrate their life and the special bond you shared. There is no right or wrong way to do it—the most important thing is that it feels meaningful to you.

Here are a few simple ideas to help you create a lasting tribute:

• A Memory Box: Find a small, beautiful box and fill it with your pet's favorite things, like a toy, their collar, or a special photo. You can also add notes of your favorite memories with them. This is a private and personal way to hold onto their treasures.

• A Garden Stone or Plant: Place a small stone with their name on it in your garden, or plant a tree or a special flower in their honor. As it grows, it will be a living reminder of your pet's life and the love they brought you.

• A Photo Album: Create a small photo album or a digital slideshow with your favorite pictures and videos. Looking through happy moments can bring a sense of warmth and peace when you need it most.

• A Donation: You can honor your pet by giving back to others. Consider donating to a local animal shelter or a pet rescue organization in their name. This helps other animals find the same loving home your pet had.

Creating a memorial is a gentle step in the grieving process. It's a way to hold on to the love forever and keep their memory alive.