For non-pet owners, it may be difficult to understand pet owners who have just lost a pet. But for many. a pet's death is as impactful as the death of a friend or a sibling. For many pet owners, their pets have accompanied them unconditionally for years at home, and losing a pet is just like losing a family member. From us as pet owners to you, here are ways that we have dealt with the loss of our pets:

1. Grieve freely. Don't be embarrassed or ashamed for feeling immense sadness towards an animal. Some people may assume that pet loss is smaller than human loss, and devalue your feelings towards the situation. But it is, after all, an animal that loved you and likewise! Some others may not understand the grief, but it should not invalidate your feelings of sadness towards the death.
2. Seek support from fellow pet-owners. Similarly, it is good to confide in fellow pet-owners who may or may not have experienced the loss of a pet. They would be able to understand your sadness and what you are going through. For instance, you may look to friends in your social circle, or even online forums and groups.
3. Recall fond memories about your pet. It would be helpful to look back on the good memories of your pet. You may choose to write it in a journal, or even share it with your friends. This helps guide closure in the grieving process and also allows you to appreciate and celebrate the good times that you had with your pet.
4. Take care of yourself. It may be difficult to carry on with 'normal life' in grief, but it will help you to ensure you eat well, sleep well and rest in this grieving period. Planning out routines and sticking to it may also help you live through the grief.
5. Stay connected to friends, family or even surviving pets. Some of us, may feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness after the loss of a pet, given that we spend so much time with them. Try to spend time with someone every day, or even spend time with your surviving pets each day. While some might think that this would create a sense of guilt for enjoying life apart from their furry friend, this actually helps you in the grieving process, and it is okay to enjoy these moments of company with someone else as well.

At Singapore Pets Cremation, we are passionate about the topic of pet grief as we feel that its not often talked about. Yet, the loss of a pet is profound—it is of losing a kindred soul who loved us unconditionally and accompanied us in our moments of life.