Saying the last goodbye to anyone is painful; however, it is more challenging when you know that the one who means the world to you will never return. People who love animals feel the same pain when they lose their pets. Losing your dog is one of the heart-wrenching experiences a pet owner can face. As a dog owner, Sarah Whitten Grigsby knows the pain of losing a pet dog. In her latest book, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog,” she enlightens on how to prepare for the final days of a dog while ensuring they feel comfortable and have a lovely atmosphere in their surroundings.

Most of us share our life journeys with our lovable pet dogs; pet lovers or owners can understand that when a dog falls ill, the inevitability of its last days is a poignant reality, as one can’t change this. So, this blog will prepare you for such difficult moments, offering some great resourceful insights from Sarah Whitten’s book as well.

How to Say Final Goodbye to Your Dog?

Saying goodbye to your dog, who means the world to you, is an intensely difficult experience; however, this experience also varies for everyone. Sarah Whitten suggests some universal steps in her book that you can take to say a final goodbye to your dog. These steps also make the process bearable and meaningful.

1. Creating a Peaceful and Comfortable Environment: A dying dog wants nothing but calm and familiar surroundings. It can be anything: any corner of your home, a small section in the yard, or your dog’s cozy and favorite space. Whitten supports the fact that a peaceful environment is a great source of comfort in the final days of a dog in her book. She further explores that a cozy atmosphere deals better against anxiety; however, she also states from her previous experiences as a pet dog owner that these small creatures love to relax in their finals and want their owners in their surroundings.
   
2. Always be Present and Attentive to your Pet: The last days of pets should be memorable enough so they can feel your presence until their last breath. Grigsby’s book, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog,” reflects on her personal experience when she lost her dog. She further highlights the importance of spending as much time as possible with your dog. Your Love, your attention, and your soothing words are precious to your pets; therefore, make sure to make them feel that they are loved in their final moments.
   
3. Express your Love as much as possible: Normally, your pets understand your feelings, your expressions, and also your language. When you express your Love, gratitude, and other feelings you have in the final days of a dog, they respond with more gratitude; this can be the best days of life as well.
   
4. Do Consider Professional Assistance: If you need any guidance, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for your pet dog. “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog” also recommends getting help from a veterinarian because treatment should be humane and peaceful, mainly in the dog’s final moments.

Also Read: 7 Ways to Heal After Pet Loss

What to Do Before Saying Goodbye to Your Dog?

It is cathartic for both the owner and the pet to suffer in such devastating moments, but you should prepare well to make your dog’s last moments memorable, comforting, and meaningful. According to Sarah Whitten’s book, some practical and emotional steps are essential while preparing for your dog’s final days; in the book, you find some simplified ways to say goodbye to your dog. Let’s explore:

1. Create a List of Your Dog’s Favorite Activities: If your dog is mobile and can participate in fun activities, you should create a bucket list of your dog’s favorite interests. There can be a variety of activities, including special treats, visiting their favorite park, and playing with them.
   
2. Keep them in a Calming and Comfortable Environment: During a dog’s final days, it is very important to ensure easy access to food and water. Some dogs also struggle with mobility, so make accommodations for them.
   
3. Capture your Favorite Moments: It is necessary to enjoy the remaining time with fun. You can take photos and make videos to cherish your dog’s final moments. This will eventually help you to bring comfort after your dog has passed.
   
4. Seek Hospice Care, if needed: Hospice care brings ultimate joy to a dog’s life. Sarah Whitten suggests that every pet owner prefers Hospice services, as they focus on maintaining the quality of life of pets rather than curing illness.

Also Read About: 10 Best Grief Recovery Books for Pet Loss

How do you Prepare yourself to Say goodbye to your dog?

You can’t predict the emotional toll of losing your loved one or your dog, as it can be overwhelming for many of us. In Sarah’s book, we find useful strategies to help us cope with the intense pain of losing a dog. Let’s have a look at these strategies:

1. Acknowledge Your Grief: The pain associated with saying goodbye to your dog is natural, as you can’t bring back a dying dog. This pain can only be reduced by expressing it as much as possible.
   
2. Read and Learn: There are a number of books available on strategies for preparing to say goodbye to your dog. But Sarah Whitten Grigsby‘s book, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog,” presents some valuable insights along with coping mechanisms. This book is a great source for understanding how to cope with such a situation, as Sarah shares her personal experiences and how she handled her dog’s final days.
   
3. Practice Self-Care: After losing your dog, you should consider your physical and mental well-being because the grieving process takes time. So, prioritize your health.