How to Deal with the Loss of a Pet

Dog owners who have experienced dog bereavement will understand how emotional and heart-breaking grief can be.

So, in 2017, Barking Mad – the UK’s most-trusted dog-sitting provider, founded Dog Remembrance Month (September), a platform for like-minded dog owners who are suffering from grief, to support each other and share experiences.

Every year Barking Mad share their advice on coping with dog loss and emphasise that it is normal to grieve when you have lost a beloved pet.

How to deal with the loss of a dog or pet

• Talk through your thoughts with a friend, family member or support group. The pain of dog loss can feel overwhelming, but ignoring your grief won’t make it go away, so make sure you talk to someone about how you are feeling.
• Join the Dog Bereavement & Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Facebook group here.
• Consider organising a ceremony to honour their memory – you may find comfort in gathering family and friends to remember your beloved dog.
• Do something in your dog’s memory – this could be planting a tree in the garden or making a charity donation.
• Take your time – when dealing with any type of grief, it is important to take the time you need to process the loss.

Barking Mad Dog Sitting Hosts

If your dog has sadly passed away, you will likely experience many different emotions. Your home may feel painfully empty and you may feel like you can’t make the emotional commitment to becoming a dog owner again. But at Barking Mad we are proud to offer a solution to dog companionship without the emotional responsibility of becoming a dog owner again. Barking Mad dog sitting hosts care for dogs on a temporary basis while their owners are away.

Managing Director of Barking Mad, Rachel Stewart said: “We understand that dogs are a massive part of the family, so suffering the loss of a dog can be extremely upsetting. Over the 20+ years that we’ve been in business, we have been very lucky to have helped many people who’ve experienced dog loss and simply aren’t able to commit to owning another dog, but benefit greatly from regular doggy-companionship.”

“Our host families range from retired people who enjoy having a canine friend to stay for a short time, to families who cannot commit to being a full-time dog owner. Becoming a Barking Mad host gives bereaved dog owners a chance to care for affectionate dogs without the emotional commitment of becoming a dog owner again. Our host community find comfort in looking after dogs for a short stay and temporarily fill the dog-shaped hole in their hearts and lives.”

If you would like to know more about the benefits of joining our host community and spending time with lovely dogs, please complete our online form and your local branch will be in touch with more information.

For more information on Barking Mad click here.

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