PETS ALWAYS BRING LOVE INTO A HOME…

This week, I want to talk to you about how pets always bring such joy and love into your home and can really wheedle their way into your heart to become a member of your family, so that you really then miss them when they are gone.

Pets always have such a unique way of bringing joy, love and companionship into so many people’s lives. You don’t have to be a previous pet lover to realise that it's no secret how pets quickly become very cherished members of a family and hold a very special place in hearts and homes. 

If no longer there, whether due to old age, illness, or other circumstances, the loss of a pet leaves behind a void that sometimes feels hard to fill. For some, this loss can be a deeply emotional experience, as they have been by their side through the highs and lows of their lives for many years. 

Their initial absence can leave people feeling lonely, sad, or even lost without having their constant presence and unconditional love anymore. While the pain of losing a pet is always very real and valid, it's so important to also remember the joys and memories they brought into your life. 

Whether it was purring cuddles, wagging tails, or other playful behaviour, happy memories are so important to hold onto, to keep their spirit alive in hearts. In times of grief, it's so important to also have the support of friends, family, or other pet lovers who can understand the bond shared with pets.

Here are some examples:

- A person who lived with their elderly cat for years may be devastated by the loss of a feline companion, but they can find comfort in looking at old photos and videos, or telling stories about the funny and heartwarming moments they or others shared with their furry friend over the years.
- A family who says goodbye to an elderly dog due to illness, faces emptiness in their home without their companion, especially if coming home without being greeted excitedly, or looking at places where they would be, but can find solace in speaking with others who have experienced similar loss.
- A child who has grown up with a pet bird as their best friend struggles to understand why their feathered companion is no longer with them, but their parents can help them create a collage or scrapbook of happy memories they shared together, to help them to cope with their grief.

I know that some people argue that emotional attachment to a pet doesn’t compare to the loss of a human, or that excessive grieving over a pet may prevent people from finding closure. However, it’s important to realise that losing a pet can be incredibly difficult and even heartbreaking for someone. 

So, this week, remember how pets always bring joy and love into a home, so their loss is emotionally challenging, but happy memories help in coping with grief. While the sorrow of losing a pet never fully goes away, over time, pain lessens and happy memories shine brighter. Remember, you are not alone!