Healing

Given time, healing will occur for the grieving owner. However, there are several things you can do to help facilitate the healing process:

Give yourself permission to grieve. Only YOU know what your pet meant to you.
Memorialize your pet. This makes the loss real, helps with closure and draws in social support. It also allows you to express your feelings, pay tribute and reflect.
Surround yourself with people who understand your loss. Let others care for you. Take advantage of support resources for bereaved pet owners.
Be patient with yourself. Do not let others dictate how long mourning should last.
Learn all you can about the grief process. This will help you realize what you are experiencing is normal.
Give yourself permission to backslide. The grieving will dissipate and your life will be "normal" again. Be aware that holidays, smells, sounds or words may trigger feelings.
Accept the feelings that come with grief. Express them through talking, writing, singing and/or drawing.
Get lots of rest, good nutrition and exercise.
Indulge yourself in small pleasures.