For many children, the death of a beloved pet is their first experience with loss. It can be confusing and painful, even frightening. Yet, with gentle guidance, honesty, and inclusion, these moments can also become powerful lessons in love, empathy, and the cycles of life.

As our dogs grow older, their needs change. They may slow down, develop stiffness, or struggle with health challenges like arthritis, heart disease, or anxiety. As guardians, we want to give them comfort and care in every stage of life. One gentle and supportive option is Reiki—a holistic practice that can bring relaxation and balance to both pets and their humans.

When two dogs share their lives together, especially litter mates who have never known life apart, their bond runs deep. They eat together, nap together, play together, and often become each other’s constant source of comfort. When one of them dies, the surviving dog doesn’t just “move on.” The absence can feel enormous, and many dogs show signs of mourning that may surprise even longtime pet parents.

If you’ve ever lost a beloved animal companion, you know the depth of that grief. It can be overwhelming, disorienting, and lasting. And yet, in a society that often downplays or misunderstands pet loss, it’s easy to feel like you must minimize your pain or move on before you’re ready.

But the truth is simple and profound… Losing a pet hurts so much because the love runs so deep. And that love is unlike anything else in our lives.

Because love doesn’t end when life does

Losing a beloved animal companion can turn our world upside down. The grief is real, deep, and sometimes surprising in how much it hurts, especially in a society that doesn’t always recognize how profound these bonds are.

One of the most healing things we can do in the days and weeks after a pet dies is to create small rituals of remembrance. These don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. They simply need to be meaningful to you.