Is A Pet Loss Gift Appropriate?

When a friend suffers the painful experience of pet loss, a gift can ease their grief. Though I find that many people consider giving a gift when a friend loses a beloved pet, few actually do so as they feel it may bring more pain than comfort.

I assure you this could not be further from the truth.

When I lost my beloved dog Billy a few years ago, I was inconsolable.  And although I have since adopted two new dogs, Billy’s picture still sits on my bureau. 

Unfortunately, there was little more on the market at the time than a few books on pet bereavement, which hardly covered the depth of my feelings.  After all, Billy had been there through my father’s death, the loss of countless relationships and finally bringing me into my new home before he simply couldn’t hang on anymore.  His loss was nothing short of devastating. 

My spiritual connection to Billy still exists to this day, and even now I can still see the tilt of his head in my minds eye or laugh at his crazy antics, which makes me smile. 

All pets give us a sense of our own mortality and losing them can be very isolating.  After I lost Billy I noticed that most people allotted me a three-week mourning period.  After that, the world began to rotate on its axis again. 

As recently as two years ago, the thought of a pet loss gift was almost absurd.  Today, countless books are being published about pet spirits and experts are beginning to emerge to tell us where our beloved babies are now.  I am a believer in all that is spiritual and I can feel Billy sometimes in the room with me.  Love is something that never goes away. 

Last week I discovered Rainbows & Bridges; An Animal Companion Memorial Kit.  There is a simple set of flash cards included that ask thought provoking and healing questions pertaining to pet loss.  And as I reviewed the cards, I reflected upon Billy and realized what a wonderful and thoughtful thing it would be to give someone a pet loss gift.

One of the cards was titled: I Remember You.  And, if you have a close memory of your pet, tears may flow, yet the spiritual healing behind realizing that you’re not alone in your grief is very comforting. 

There is a journal to record your experiences and a book that takes you deep into your own experience.  And, whether you read it page by page or you choose to open it to a page and absorb the material; it works to walk someone through what can be a very poignant time. 

I love the idea of giving someone a pet loss gift, and if you are looking for something you may find the perfect gift in Rainbows & Bridges; An Animal Companion Memorial Kit.