Remember that you made the best decision you could under the circumstances.
There is no way you can know what could have happened differently had you noticed, for instance, that your dog was sick earlier than you did. When you notice yourself thinking along these lines, try to gently redirect your thoughts to the happy times you shared with your dog and remind yourself that you provided them with many happy years.
Although painful, it may be useful to remember how sad you felt to see your dog suffer. If you can remember that pain, your guilt may subside as you recognize that your dog is no longer suffering. You may also remind yourself that your dog relied on you completely to decide when to end their life, so making that decision was like your last gift to them to end their suffering.
Remember you cannot change the past. If you believe in a higher power, you can ask for forgiveness. Try to focus on the positive memories you have of your dog and all of the love and care that you gave to them over the years.
This exercise can elevate your mood and help you realize the depth of love you had for your dog. It can reinforce to you that you made the right decisions. You can bury the letter where your pet is buried. Try to remind yourself that you and your dog did not speak the same language, so there is no way that you could have known about some of the symptoms they were having due to illness. Don’t blame yourself for missing things when there is no possible way you could have known.
Close friends or relatives may have stories of your dog they’d like to share with you. Reliving those good memories will help you focus on more positive times with your dog.
A therapist can offer coping mechanisms and support as you move through the grieving process.
A therapist may also be able to connect you with support groups for others dealing with the loss of a pet. There are online support groups for those who are suffering with the loss of a pet as well.
Positive experiences can help lead to positive feelings. Try to do things that bring you pleasure so that you are not so trapped with your feelings of guilt and regret. Also, don’t rule out the possibility of getting another dog when you feel ready. Getting a new dog does not mean you have forgotten your old dog, only that you are honoring his memory by providing a safe, loving home for another dog in need.
You can choose to keep your writing private or share it with friends on a blog. If you choose to share with others, you may benefit from their feedback and their experiences dealing with the death of a dog.
The scrapbook will be a wonderful repository of all of your good memories of your dog. The more positive memories and feelings you create, the less room there is for guilt.
You can also scatter your dog’s ashes along a favorite hiking trail or visit a place that was special for the two of you.
You can also ask friends or family members to donate in your dog’s name as well.
