Introduction
This is not an easy post for me to write. Even now, tears fill my eyes as I type these words. I thought I had grown stronger since my pet passed away, but grief has its own rhythm — it comes and goes like the tide. Losing my beloved dog was one of the hardest experiences of my life. The silence left behind was overwhelming, and every corner of my home reminded me of what I had lost.
But I also know this: life must go on, and the love my pet gave me is still alive in every memory. In this article, I want to share, from my own journey, how I slowly walked out of the shadows of grief. Maybe, if you are in the same place I once was, my story can offer a little light.
1. Letting Go of Regret
At first, I was haunted by endless "what ifs." What if I had taken them to the vet sooner? What if I had fed them differently? What if I had noticed the signs earlier? These thoughts were a heavy chain, dragging me deeper into guilt. But eventually, I realized: no amount of regret could change the past.
What mattered was that I loved my dog deeply, gave them warmth, care, and companionship, and that they knew they were cherished. Letting go of regret was the first step toward healing.
2. Allowing Myself to Cry
In the early days, I tried to “stay strong,” but all it did was bury the sadness deeper. One day, I broke down completely, and I cried until I couldn’t anymore. To my surprise, crying didn’t make me weaker — it made me calmer. It was as if every tear carried away a small piece of pain.
At work, I sometimes excused myself to the bathroom just to cry for a few minutes. At home, I let the grief wash over me. And each time, I felt just a little lighter afterward. Crying became a form of release I no longer tried to resist.
3. Preserving Memories
I remembered something from the movie Coco: “Death is not the end. Forgetting is.” That line stayed with me. I began preserving everything that carried my dog’s memory — toys, collars, photos, even small tufts of fur I had saved during grooming sessions.
I backed up all videos and photos, storing them on multiple drives. I didn’t trust only one device; these were too precious. Each memory became a thread that connected me to my pet, reminding me that love still existed, even if life had ended.
4. Finding My Own Faith
During my pet’s illness, I prayed at several temples. I begged for more time, for a miracle. When the end finally came, I told myself I’d never believe in anything again. But over time, little signs, coincidences, and even comforting dreams shifted my perspective.
I no longer believe in distant gods, but I do believe my pet’s spirit is at peace. I believe their love still surrounds me. Sometimes, I imagine them as a guardian angel, still looking out for me as I once looked out for them. This belief brought me comfort when nothing else could.
5. Creating Rituals of Farewell
When my grief felt too heavy, I turned to simple rituals. They weren’t religious, but deeply personal. Sometimes I lit a candle next to my pet’s photo. Other times, I placed their favorite treat in front of the picture, just to feel like I was still sharing something with them.
On one quiet evening, I wrote a letter to my dog, telling them everything I hadn’t said before they left. These rituals didn’t bring them back, but they gave me a way to channel my emotions into love rather than despair.
6. Staying Occupied
I discovered that empty time made grief worse. So I began filling my days with work, hobbies, and even long walks. Staying busy didn’t erase the sadness, but it gave my mind less room to spiral. Over time, I found moments of peace amidst the busyness.
7. Practicing Self-Care
Grief often leaves the body tired and the heart heavy. I forced myself to eat warm meals, drink hot soup, and dress comfortably. These small acts of self-care mattered more than I expected. Taking care of myself was not a betrayal of my pet — it was a way of honoring their love by continuing to live well.
8. Not Facing Grief Alone
I reached out to close friends and family, especially those who understood how much my pet meant to me. Talking about the funny, sweet, and silly moments we shared brought both tears and laughter. Grief became a little lighter when it was shared.
If you feel isolated, don’t be afraid to seek pet loss support groups online. Many people know exactly what you’re going through, and their empathy can feel like a lifeline.
9. Discovering PetDecorArt on TikTok
One night, while scrolling on TikTok, I came across a video from PetDecorArt. They made custom wool felt pet replicas — handcrafted likenesses of people’s pets. I froze. Something about it spoke directly to my heart.
I hesitated at first. Could a handmade replica really help with grief? But eventually, I decided to order one. I sent in my favorite photos of my dog, and began the long wait. Over a month later, the package arrived.
When I opened it, I cried again — but this time, the tears were different. Inside was a tiny wool felt replica of my dog. It wasn’t just an object. It was as if a piece of my pet had returned home. The moment I held it, I felt comfort where emptiness used to be.
Now, that little replica sits on my desk. Every glance reminds me of my dog’s love. It doesn’t erase grief, but it transforms it into something tender, something I can keep forever. It was the unexpected step toward healing I never thought I’d find.
FAQ
Does grief for a pet ever go away completely?
Not completely. Grief softens with time, but love leaves an everlasting mark. Instead of “getting over it,” most people learn to live alongside the memory.
How can I preserve my pet’s memory?
Through photos, letters, small rituals, and memorial keepsakes like custom felted replicas. These give physical form to the love that remains.
Is it normal to cry months after losing a pet?
Yes. Grief has no timeline. It’s normal to feel waves of sadness months or even years later. Allow yourself to feel — healing is not linear.
What if I feel guilty for moving forward?
Remember: living well honors your pet. They gave you unconditional love, and they would want you to carry that love forward, not bury yourself in sorrow.
Do memorial products really help?
For many, yes. Having something tangible to hold or look at — whether a photo frame or a custom portrait — can bring comfort during difficult moments.
Conclusion
My journey through grief was not quick, nor was it easy. But step by step, through crying, remembering, self-care, and sharing, I found a way to live again. The most unexpected part of healing came from stumbling upon PetDecorArt on TikTok — and receiving a custom wool felt replica that gave me comfort when I needed it most.
If you are grieving your beloved pet, know this: you are not alone. Allow yourself to cry, to remember, to seek comfort in rituals or keepsakes. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means carrying their love in new ways. And in that sense, our pets never truly leave us. Their love becomes part of who we are, forever.
