What to say to a friend who has lost their furry friend?
How to support someone close to us who has to go through the long path of grieving?
I have been through the long tunnel of pain myself, after losing my beloved Argo.
I have also witnessed friends, acquaintances, and relatives who had to face this terrible loss.
That's why in this article, I want to help you by giving you advice on how to help and support a friend who has lost their pet.
How to Help a Friend who is Grieving
The emotion of grief can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know how to help a friend who has just lost their puppy.
I still remember the day when my dear friend Nancy lost her puppy Tod. It was a sunny day, and she was taking him for a walk in the park. While she was on the phone with me, I heard a loud noise and a desperate scream.
Nancy started shouting Tod's name, but there was no answer. When I arrived at the scene of the accident, I saw chaos: people were shouting, animals were barking, and Nancy was sitting on the ground crying. Tod had been hit by a car while crossing the pedestrian crossing.
From that moment on, Nancy started suffering from depression, and had to take a break from work to recover. We spent many hours talking about the pain she was feeling, and I tried to support her in the best way possible. After several months, Nancy started feeling better, but she never forgot Tod and the pain she felt that day.
The accident was so sudden and traumatic that we didn't have time to prepare for his loss. We found ourselves having to deal with pain and sadness instantly.
At that moment, I found it difficult to know how to approach her and give her the emotional support she needed.
Offering words of comfort and support? Or giving space and distancing for a while?
It was also difficult for Nancy to interact with other dogs and pet owners, including me, and this destroyed me.
I had the feeling that I didn't understand her... Then I stopped for a moment and tried to understand what kind of support I could give her.
Through this personal experience, I learned that there are many things we can do to help a friend who has lost their puppy.
Even small gestures can make a difference, such as sending a message of comfort, bringing food, or organizing a moment of sharing to remember the lost puppy.
The important thing is to show understanding, empathy, and closeness at this difficult time.
If you are going through a similar situation, I want to share some tips on how to help a friend in this difficult time.
Offer your emotional support
When someone loses their puppy, they often feel alone and isolated in their grief. Offering your emotional support can make a difference. Call or send a message to let them know that you are there for them, that you are willing to talk or listen, and that you share their pain. Let them know that they are not alone, and that you are always there for them. This simple gesture can do a lot to make your friend feel better.
Be present in a practical way
Offer your practical help to relieve your friend's burden. For example, offer to do the grocery shopping, cook a meal.
In addition, you can offer to participate in your friend's daily activities, such as taking a walk or watching a movie together. You could also offer to help with their hobbies or interests, such as playing cards or gardening together.
The goal is to offer your help in ways that relieve your friend's burden and allow them to feel less stressed and isolated.
Share memories of their puppy
One of the best ways to help someone who has just lost their puppy is to share your memories of him or her. Talk about the things you did together, the puppy's strange habits or extraordinary personalities.
These memories can make your friend smile and feel that their puppy is still with them through memories.
Meaningful gift Ideas for Help a Friends in Mourning
Finally, another way to help a friend who has just lost their puppy is to offer a meaningful gift, made from the heart.
I recently published an article on what to give to someone who has lost their pet.
Nancy was very pleased to receive a meaningful gift of her beloved puppy.
She positioned it just after the front door, so that when she enters, the first thing she sees is the sweet face of her Tod. Just like when she returned home from work, her puppy ran towards her greeting her.
Conclusion
In conclusion, losing a puppy can be one of the most painful experiences that a pet lover has to face and can cause a great deal of emotional pain. Offering your emotional and practical support, sharing your experiences, and listening to the needs of your grieving friend, can help make this difficult time a little less heavy.
Take care of your friend, they will be eternally grateful to you, but at the same time, thanks to these tips, you will be able to manage the situation and offer all the help possible.
A hug,
Helen
