At some point, the time comes when we have to say goodbye to our beloved dog forever. Old age, illness, or an accident bring to an end what has been many wonderful years together. Saying goodbye to their dog with dignity is very important to most dog owners.
The most comforting thing is still when your dog passes away peacefully at home. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Then, as humans and dog owners, we have the responsibility to perhaps bring about their release. The so-called euthanasia (see corresponding article), is not an easy step and weighs heavily on most people. Trust that your veterinarian will advise you responsibly on this decision so that your dog suffers as little as possible and is allowed to go at the right time. Some veterinary practices offer to perform euthanasia in your dog's familiar surroundings. Even though it may be very difficult for you, it can help your dog to have you, a familiar person, close by in its last moments, whether at the practice or at home.
You want to give your dog a dignified final resting place. But what might that look like?
If you own a property and it meets certain requirements, you can bury your dog there: The property must not be located in a water protection area or next to a public park or public path. Your dog's grave must be at least half a metre deep and two metres from the property boundary.
In your own garden, you have the opportunity to create a ritual in peace, to say goodbye, to erect a gravestone or something similar. You can also keep it simple and know that your dog is well laid to rest.
Here you have the option of individual or collective cremation. With individual cremation, you can take an urn with the ashes home with you. With collective cremation, the ashes are placed in a communal grave.
You may also find a place in a pet cemetery where your dog can find their final resting place. You can choose a communal grave, a single plot, or an urn plot. It is best to inquire locally about the exact conditions.
This is an unusual way to remember your dog. The dog's ashes are compressed so strongly that they become a sparkling stone. You can then have this set in a ring or wear it on a necklace. This allows you to keep your dog with you in a special way.
You can also leave your dog's carcass with your veterinarian, who will arrange for disposal. There is a fee for this service. Your dog's carcass will then be cremated with those of other animals in a animal carcass disposal facility. Of course, you can still say goodbye to your dog and honor their memory.
Saying goodbye to daily companionship is one thing. The other is the grief over the loss. Everyone deals with this differently. One thing is certain: it's okay to cry. For many people, the loss of a dog also causes intense emotional pain.
The most important thing is that you allow yourself to grieve and don't suppress your feelings, even if some people may not understand how you can cry over a dog. After all, your dog was your best friend, companion, family member, and part of your life. You are allowed to cry, and you are allowed to be angry and deeply moved. Let your emotions run free. Suppressing them will not bring you peace of mind.
Talk to other people. Get in touch with like-minded people, talk to your family and friends – don't keep your pain to yourself. Share memories and be open to tips on how to process your grief.
Manifest memories. Write about your dog, look at pictures, put together a video of your experiences. Be creative and express what you feel. This will allow you to honor the positive and deal with the pain intensively. You will also have a wonderful memory that will never fade. Perhaps you could get involved in animal welfare or give your love to dogs that need it most? Maybe in memory of your deceased dog.
Many dog owners also miss their daily walks when their companion is no longer there. Continue to go out into nature—and into the world. Transform your grief by looking at beauty. Let yourself be inspired to go further. Perhaps at some point, the idea of giving a new dog a place by your side to walk part of the way with you will grow. Feel for yourself if and when the time is right.
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