The holiday season should be a time of fun and good cheer. But, if you’ve recently lost a pup, the idea of not having your best pal around for the holidays can really put a damper on your spirit.
Personally, I believe the best way to make it through the holidays is to keep your pet’s memory alive and well in your home. Truly, I think this is what your dog would want–to be remembered and cherished as a loyal member of your household.
How do you keep your pup’s memory alive? Here are a few suggestions…
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#1: Give Back to Dogs In Need This Season
For years, your dog enjoyed a happy life in the comfort of your home. However, there are so many dogs who are not as fortunate.
If dogs could talk, I would bet that your pup would suggest that you help out another dog this holiday season who could use a little extra love.
Instead of sitting at home and mourning your pup, get out there and do some good in your pup’s name! Go on a shopping spree at your local pet store and donate the items to a rescue in your town. Or, volunteer your time at a local shelter where you can help walk dogs, clean cages, etc.
It doesn’t matter whether you contribute your time, money, or both! Any little bit of help can go a long way for dogs in need this season! And it will really help you to connect with the spirit of your dog and feel better…
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#2: Continue to Include Your Pup’s Memory in Holiday Traditions
Your dog might not physically be around anymore, but I promise you his/her spirit is very much alive!
For this reason, I encourage you to continue to carry out your favorite holiday traditions while commemorating your pup.
For example…
- Be sure to hang your dog Christmas ornament while trimming your tree
- Don’t forget to put up your pup’s handmade stocking on the mantle
- Go ahead and bake your pup’s favorite holiday dog cookie–then distribute them to other pups in your neighborhood!
Doing these things is sure to bring back many happy holiday memories of the times you and your pup spent together!
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#3: Plant an Evergreen Tree
Many people place memorials in their gardens or backyards in honor of pets that they’ve lost.
If you own your property and are able, I suggest planting an evergreen tree.
Why? A few reasons…
- Evergreen trees signify everlasting life and are a great reminder that while your dog might not be on earth anymore, his spirit lives on!
- Planting a tree is an environmentally friendly way to remember your pup.
- Every year during the holidays you can decorate your evergreen tree outside in your dog’s memory.
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#4: Share Your Favorite Dog Stories
Talking about the pet you lost might be difficult, but it’s a great way to remember all the wonderful times you shared together.
While you’re hanging out with your friends or family bring up stories about the time your dog accidentally knocked over the Christmas tree or the time he was naughty and stole a bite of the pumpkin pie!
These stories are sure to bring a smile (and maybe even a few laughs) to you during a difficult time.
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#5: Consider Adding a New Furbaby to Your Family
After the loss of a pet, you might think that you could never adopt another dog. How could you possibly go through the heartbreak of losing a dog again?
Or, you might feel guilty about the idea of “replacing” your dog who has passed with a new pup.
Adding a new dog into your family is a big decision. But, if you have the time and finances to do it, here’s what I want you to know…
Your dog would be proud of you for opening your home and your heart to another pup in need.
There are so many dogs who need loving homes, and I can guarantee that your pup in heaven would be happy to share his home with a dog who needs a family.
If you feel the time is right, visit your local shelter and gift a dog the gift of a new home for the holidays in honor of your beloved pup.
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#6: Change the feelings that you have when you think of your dog
There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the dogs I’ve lost in my life, such as my beloved Peanut.
But here’s the thing…
Every time I fall deeply into my feelings about Peanut I only feel LOVE, JOY, GRATITUDE, and THANKS for such an amazing dog that graced my world for 13 years.
Peanut’s memory is nothing but good to me. Sure it still hurts when I think of her and I often shed a tear, (probably most weeks I will have tears roll down my cheeks as I remember her) but they are happy tears! I let the raw emotion of my love for her pass through me and then I feel good. I breathe deeply and I remember what unconditional love she had for me.
Peanut is alive and well in my life, and in my memories, and you can read Peanut’s beautiful tribute here!
But remembering her during the holidays and all year round and honoring her spirit makes it easier to find comfort while she is no longer here with us.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. And don’t forget to keep your pup’s memory alive!
Oh and follow this link if you’d like to listen to the song I wrote for Peanut after she passed away.
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Cheers,
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~Doggy Dan 🙂
