Losing a beloved pet is a heart-wrenching experience.
Studies on Pet Loss have revealed that 85% of pet owners undergo grief comparable to losing a family member. However, societal and workplace support for those grieving the loss of a cherished pet can be lacking.
Show your support with these 11 gift ideas that express empathy and care.
Some posts maybe an affiliate link, which are noted below. If you buy the item through the link Courageously Living receives a small commission, at no cost to you.
1) Send them a sympathy card
Here at Courageously Living we know that sometimes having a card that doesn’t say “sorry for your loss on the front” is appreciated and is more likely to be displayed which can allow for more comfort. Our new notecard packs are available for pre-order, so you have them on hand when you want to send an encouragement or a pet loss card. Cards are printed at a USA printer.
2) Dog Photo Frame
Get them a Photo frame even better if you can add a picture of their dog, but if you don’t have any pictures it can still be a nice gift.
Go to Elegant Signs Dog Memorial Gifts on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
3) Hanging Stone Memorial
Having something to place in the garden or in the yard is sweet reminder of their beloved pet that is no longer here.
Etsy seller in the USA.
Go to Old Dog Engraving Memorial Pet Stones on Etsy
4) Stained Glass Cat
This is an artist on Etsy who makes beautiful stained Glass Cats.
This Etsy seller is from the Ukraine and ships to the US.
Go to Stained Glass Universe on Etsy
5) Comfort Cards for the Loss of a Beloved Dog
Courageously Living’s very own Comfort Set for the loss of a beloved Cat provides at least 25 days of comfort.
The recipient opens a card when they feel they could use some extra support.
Each of the 25 sealed cards acknowledges and gives permission for several emotions of grief.
6) Customized Bird Feeder
If you know their cat loved to watch the birds or their dog loved to chase birds this feeder might be a perfect gift for them. Letting them remember their fur baby when they see birds at the feeder. It is made in the USA.
7) Book: Losing My Best Friend
Losing My Best Friend by Jeannie Wycherley as almost a 5 star rating on Amazon. It provides relatable stories, ways to help other pets and children cope with the loss and provides comfort to the person grieving.
Go to Loss of My Best Friend on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
8) Send them some pictures of their pet
If you have pictures of their pet or them and their pet, send them a text with some of the pictures.
Wait a few days to a week before you send the pictures though. Try to time your text when you think they will be home or in a spot to process receiving them.
Mostly likely they will be appreciative to get pictures they didn’t have before, but its quite possible to bring up emotions and some tears. So be mindful on when you send the text.
9) Book: Signs From Pets In the After Life
This book provides validation that Pets do come back visit and check on their human.
Note from Tara, Courageously Living’s Founder: I was lucky enough to grow up in family where it was common to talk about visits from loved ones who are in the spirit world. But not everyone had that upbringing. This book is great doorway to walk through if you think you might be getting visits from your fur-baby. Hint, you are! When I lost my German Shepherd, Marney, right after college, I would smell wet dog in random places where there was no wet dog. It was Marney’s way of saying “Hi, I’m around.”
Go to Signs From Pets In The AfterLife on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
10) Send them a text
Set a reminder to send them a text after a month or so when most people have moved on with their own lives and have forgotten about the loss. The recipient of you text however is mostly likely still having moments of grief.
A sample text could be:
“Hey! Thinking about you today and checking in to see how you doing today. I know its been a few weeks since you had to say good- bye to (Pet’s Name). Just wanted you know I’m thinking about you.”
11) Comfort Cards for the Loss of a Beloved Cat
Courageously Living’s very own Comfort Set for the loss of a beloved Cat provides at least 25 days of comfort.
The recipient opens a card when they feel they could use some extra support.
Each of the 25 sealed cards acknowledges and gives permission for several emotions of grief.
Shop Now