Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Pet

Lottie

I had to put my dog Lottie down the other day. She’s the third dog I’ve lost within four years. So it’s hit me hard. In honor of Oslo, Otis and Lottie, I share this blog post with you. Her ashes will soon be scattered under the apple tree along with Otis and Oslo.

Those of you with pets understand that special kind of love that exists between humans and our pets. It’s built on trust, companionship, and the quiet moments that speak louder than words ever could. That’s why losing a pet can feel like losing a part of ourselves—a loyal shadow, a source of unconditional love, a constant in the unpredictable world we live in.

Whether it’s the wag of a tail at the front door or the gentle purring at the end of a long day. Our pets become deeply woven into of our daily lives. So when they’re gone, it leaves a silence, a void, that echoes in unexpected ways.

Grief Is Real—And It’s Okay

Some people may not understand the depth of pain that comes with losing a pet, but that doesn’t make your grief any less valid. Pets aren’t just animals, they're family. They share a part of our daily routines, comfort us during hard times, and ask for so little in return.

Grieving a pet is also deeply personal. Some feel it right away—a wave of heartbreak that hits all at once, that’s me. After walking out of the vet’s office, I sat in my car and wept. Others experience it more slowly, in the subtle absence of those everyday moments: an empty bed, a leash untouched, the sound you keep expecting to hear but never comes.

There is no “right” way to grieve, and no timeline you’re obligated to follow. So be patient with yourself. I'm practicing this now.

Honoring the Bond

Finding ways to honor your pet’s memory can be a helpful part of the healing process. This could mean creating a photo album or scrapbook, planting a tree in their memory, writing a letter to them, or even just lighting a candle and sitting with your thoughts. My vet gives a lovely candle, so this is what I do, plus writing this post.

You also might find comfort in telling stories such as remembering the silly habits, the quirks, the times they made you laugh when you needed it most. Sharing those memories with friends and/or family can bring light into the darker moments. And if you're not ready to talk about it yet, that’s okay too.

Hester and Mavis with Lottie

It’s Okay to Feel Lost

Losing a pet can change the atmosphere of your entire home. It can feel empty in places you didn’t expect. You might find yourself instinctively calling their name or hearing phantom footsteps in the hallway. This is normal. It’s a reflection of how deeply they mattered to you.

My two-year granddaughter keeps pointing to the area where Lottie’s bed was and asks, “Doggie?” I’m sure she’s picking up on my grief as well as just asking, where is Lottie?

This is also a time to lean on your support system. If your heart feels too heavy to carry it alone, consider reaching out to others who understand such as friends, family, or even grief counselors who specialize in pet loss. You're not alone in this.

When (and if) You're Ready

Some people eventually open their hearts to another animal, while others choose not to. There's no “correct” choice. Just know that loving another pet is not replacing the one you lost. It’s honoring the love they gave by choosing to love again—if and when that feels right for you. This is what I’ve done in the past. But with Lottie, I had decided she was my last dog. Now I’m not so sure since we lost her much sooner than I expected. So, I need to give myself some time.

Your pet wouldn’t want you to feel stuck in sorrow. They’d want you to remember the joy, the walks, the cuddles, and all the moments you shared. But most of all, they’d want you to know how deeply loved you were.

Beulah and Lottie

A Final Word

The loss of a pet is one of life’s quieter heartbreaks, but it runs deep. If you’re in that space right now as I am—missing the sound of paws on the floor, the warmth curled up beside you—please know this: the love you shared was real, and it doesn’t disappear. It becomes part of you, stitched into your memory, a soft echo that never truly leaves.

Grieve as you need to. Love as you remember and hold on to the truth that you gave your pet a beautiful life and they gave you theirs in return. Don’t be surprised if at some point when you least expect it, you hear them in the distance or get a glimpse of them out of the corner of your eye. This is a visit from their spirit. As a psychic medium and animal communicator, I often get short visits from my pets especially during those few weeks and months after their passing. I know Lottie will be back for a visit from time to time just as Otis and Oslo have done, which gives me comfort. Soon her ashes will be scattered under the apple tree along with Otis and Oslo.

If you're grieving a loss right now, my heart is with you. If you would like to share a memory of your pet, you are welcome to do so. Sometimes talking about them helps keep their spirit close.

"Everyone is taught that angels have wings, but the lucky ones of us find they have four paws.”

– Unknown

Namaste’

Stephanie