Just recently, I have laid my 13-year-old Pomeranian and Bassett Hound mixed dog to rest. And honestly, that was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make. Having a pet that has lived with you for that amount of years is not considered just any old pet, they are family. And most pet parents as I like to say treat them like family. So it is only natural to feel remorse and grieve when they pass away. The older my dog became, the more I noticed how sick she was becoming. In the past, I could not imagine a day where I would have to make a decision and consider euthanasia. And while I kept that thought in the back of my mind, my dog developed arthritis and cataracts in both eyes. She also would have more accidents around the house due to her weakened bladder and occasionally regurgitating her food. After watching her constantly bump into walls and the lack of eating her food, I knew that it was time. The day before, I spent as much time as I could with her and I fed her any treats. The morning of, my husband and I cuddled with her, talked with her, and fed her favorite meal, chicken. Taking her to the vet was her last ride, and at that moment, I was a little at peace.

When the doctor confirmed that she was gone after putting her to sleep, I lost it. Seeing her rest so peacefully confirmed that she was no longer with me anymore and it hurt. And at that moment is when my grieving started. I personally experienced The 5 Stages of Grief. After leaving the vet, coming home to an empty house was the awakening. I was in denial and shocked. Walking around the house, crying hysterically and not seeing her was heartbreaking. Once I calmed myself, I grew angry at myself for my actions. And then I continuously asked myself if I had done the right thing. Was that the right decision for her? Was I a good pet mom? Did she know how much I loved her? And that caused me to become depressed. Thankfully my husband was right there to comfort me. However, after a couple of days, I grew to accept that fact that she was gone. It helped to think that she was in a better place and was not in pain. I often imagining her running around in the clouds, happy and free. And that is what keeps me going.

At the vet hospital, they have the option to have your pet cremated and that was the option that we wanted. Where I live, I do not have a yard to bury my dog, so I did the next thing. I know that everyone would not choose this option but the company that my vet refers to are amazing. Paws Wags and Whiskers are a pet crematory company who cremates animals individually, than with other animals. They are the nicest, warmest, and comforting people I have communicated with, especially at a difficult and sensitive time. They walked me through the process over the phone and advised me of my options. Personally, I did not want to purchase an urn, though they did place my dog's ashes in a complimentary, decorative container, along with a lock of fur, and a certificate of the cremation. In addition, I also purchased two paw prints to have that included my dog's name on them. Everything was done in a timely manner. I highly recommend to anyone who has to experience a death of a pet.

Everyone grieves differently when it comes to a pet, but I am here to say that does get easier. Many people will ask you if you are going to get another pet soon, and I want to let you know that it is okay if you did not. Yes, getting another pet will help comfort you in your grieving times, but always remember that your new puppy is not the dog that has just passed. Do not become upset at yourself or the new puppy if he or she are not similar to your other pet. Give yourself time to heal and re-adjust. Once you feel that you are ready for another responsibility, you will know. Some ways to help me grieve was to place all of my dog's belonging in a box. I have not given away any of her things yet, though I will in the future. Some people are different. Some would prefer to keep things just the way they were as if the pet is still there. If that helps you realize that your beloved pet is no longer here, setting you into reality could help, though I will not advise of it in the long run. That could turn into a constant, depressing reminder, and then you will never get over your deceased pet. Slowly, put some things away where you cannot see them everyday and try to move on. Do not feel bad for moving on, your pet would want you to be happy.