How Long Does It Take To Grieve Over the Loss Of My Dog?

Grieving is a journey without a definite ending. In a way, you never stop grieving over the loss of your dog.

You miss your dog. You miss his physical presence. You feel guilty about the loss especially in cases of euthanasia or accidental death (i.e. the recent pet food recall). You miss the unconditional love and acceptance you received. You grieve the missed opportunities, such as the summer trip you and your family had planned to take the dog for hiking in the mountain.

Some people will pass through the deepest, most heart-wrenching pangs of loss in a matter of a few weeks or a few months. After a few months, the deep pain and grief softens. While it softens, you are still grieving and this can last for a year or two.

The First Year Of Grief

According to some experts, the hardest phase of grieving happens in the first year. This is because you are constantly reminded of your loss. Take these instances.

• When your dog’s birthday rolls around, you feel sad.
• When your vet sends a letter reminding you that your beloved dog is due for shots or checkups, you feel distress.
• When your groomer calls to confirm your dog’s next grooming appointment, you feel doleful.
• When the pet boutique sends you their quarterly catalog, you feel jealous or angry looking at those model dogs posing for the camera.

The “Firsts” Grieving Experience

There are many “firsts” that you experience in the first year without your dog. And these “firsts” are the hardest of all to handle especially routines. Often times you feel awkward as if you’ve forgotten or missed doing something

• The first time you go to a park without your dog.
• The first day that you don’t have to prepare food for your dog.
• The first weekend that you don’t have to groom or bath your dog.
• The first time you walk pass a dog toys’ aisle without picking up something for your dog.
• The first anniversary of your dog’s passing.

As you come upon these “firsts,” you will probably feel waves of sadness again, no matter how long it’s been since your dog passed away. But remember, you only experience a “first” once, and then move past it. The next time you experience the same event, it won’t be as raw. You’ll grow stronger while your grief softens. The happy times and good memories you spent with your dog begin to outnumber the days filled with pain and sadness. But you never really completely stop grieving.

As the days go by your grief lessens or softens, you’ll come to accept the loss, or at least learn to live in a world without your beloved dog. Every now and again waves of emotion will run over you. Sometimes it may not feel like anything is happening. You’ll have a good day and then a few bad days—one step forward, two steps back—that’s perfectly normal.

It is important to acknowledge your grieving process and allow yourself to feel these emotions, no matter how painful they are. While you are feeling your pain, you are in the process of healing and eventually you will grow stronger. In time you will become accommodated to this “new” world around you. When acceptance arrives, you’ll be able to re-enter life and open your heart to love again—perhaps for a new puppy?