Losing a pet is an extremely difficult and emotional experience for many including myself, trust me when I say I know how painful it feels, I really do and I am here with you as you read this blog post.

As a beloved member of the family, the loss of your pet can leave a significant void in our lives. One of my beautiful pups had to be ethuanised at a very young age when I was a teenager and my best friend recently passed away due to old age. It feels like my world is crumbling apart but I am slowly accepting the fact that my pups are gone but they are in a happy place playing in heaven together. They will always be with us in our memories and will continue to play a huge role in our lives.

Here are some ways I am coping with the loss of my dog:

1. Looking through photos and videos of my dog
2. Building a custom puzzle of my dog
3. Creating a photobook of my dog
4. Writing down everything my dog loved and our happy memories together
5. Writing down all the goofy things my dog did
6. Talking to other people who are also grieving or had lost a pet
7. Talking to my family and friends about how amazing my dog was
8. Hugging my soft toys whilst I sleep 
9. Accepting that I gave my dog the best life he could ever live
10. Keeping some of his clothes, collars, hair and toys
11. Accepting that grief is the price we pay for love
12. Coming to realisation that it is best for our pets to go to heaven before we do. Just imagine how lost and lonely our pets would be if we passed away before them.

If you are reading this and you are worried about your pet passing away, just make sure to provide them with a happy life and live with no regrets. If you want to take them to the beach, take them, don't push it forward. Do things with your loved ones before it's too late.

If you don't already have a soft toy, try finding one that you can snuggle with at night. Soft toys, can provide comfort and a sense of security during the grieving process. They can serve as a physical reminder of your pet that has passed away and can provide a sense of continuity and connection to your pet. Hold onto your soft toy tightly and cry if you need to, it's all part of the mourning process.

Soft toys can also serve as a way to honor and remember the pet that has passed away. Many pet owners choose to have a special stuffed animal made in the likeness of their pet, which can serve as a lasting reminder of their beloved companion. Find a local or online soft toy shop that is able to offer custom plushies.

Your pet's final gift

Life with a pet can teach you a lot: how to live in the present, how to enjoy the simple things in life like fresh grass, how to love unconditionally, how to live with no regrets and teaches you what it feels to be alive. Those lessons don’t stop with their heartbeats. They will forever live with you as you continue to grow as an individual.

It's important to remember that everyone grieves differently and there is no right or wrong way to cope with the loss of your pet. Allow yourself to grieve in a way that feels right for you. Take care of yourself mentally and physically, and if you ever need help reach out to a family or friend who are understanding and are emotionally available. Your pet will always hold a special place in your heart.

Rest in peace to all the beautiful fur friends.