Forever Inside the Heart: Holding On to the Memory of Pets

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Yvonne Bronstorph, with her book Dogs with Attitude, shows us that the memory of pets is forever inside the heart. And if you want to keep the light forward, the onus is on you.

Pets are more than just animals (and always remember that they are). They can also be family, confidantes, and tireless sources of love.

And when the time comes that they have to leave us, the silence they leave in their wake is deafening; your chest feels empty, and the heartaches with a grief that can feel surprisingly profound.

Why Pets Are Forever Inside the Heart

The bond between humans and animals is a powerful and complex phenomenon. It’s a relationship that is built on unconditional love.

Outside of offering us companionship and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, pets provide us with a sense of purpose, giving us someone to care for and nurture. This is especially important in today’s alienated society. There have been countless research that shows interacting with pets can be physiologically beneficial: lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormones, and increasing levels of oxytocin, the “love hormone.”

For many, pets are more than just companions; they are family.

Often, pets are the only witness to our joys and sorrows.

_{Photo by Matheus Bertelli}

Acknowledging the Pain of Loss

With everything mentioned above in mind, it’s no wonder then that the loss of a pet can leave a gaping hole in our hearts. The grief we feel when they are no longer with us is real and valid–and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. As such, it’s important to allow ourselves to mourn as we would mourn the passing of a loved one.

Grief is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

The stages of grief–denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance–can manifest in various ways after the loss of a pet. You might experience disbelief that your furry friend is truly gone, feel anger at the circumstances of their passing, or even bargain with a higher power to bring them back. These feelings are extremely normal–nothing is as normal in the world as losing someone you care deeply about, whether it be a person or an animal.

Helping Others Hold on to Memories

If you know someone who has recently lost a pet, offering your support and understanding is crucial. Acknowledge their pain and let them know that it’s okay to grieve. Avoid minimizing their loss by saying things like, “It was just a dog” or “You can always get another one.”

Instead, be empathetic and compassionate.

There is nothing more painful and hurtful to the well-being of an individual than being denied the opportunity to grieve.

Moving Forward with Healing

The pain of losing a pet can never completely disappear. But like all grief, it will lessen over time. Healing is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to grieve at your own pace, and don’t feel pressured to “get over it” quickly. Your time is yours, not anyone else’s.

As you begin to heal, you may find that you have room in your heart for another pet. Whether or not you actually go with it is your decision alone. This is something personal that will touch upon your very being, and there is no right or wrong time to bring a new animal into your life. For some, welcoming a new pet can be a way to honor the memory of their previous companion and continue the cycle of love and companionship. For others, it may be too soon, and that’s perfectly okay.

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Remember, the love you share with your pet will forever be a part of you. Their paw prints are imprinted upon your heart, and their memory will live on in the stories you tell to others, the photos you keep with you, and the love you continue to give to other living beings on this green, green earth.

They may be gone, but they are never truly forgotten.

They remain forever inside your heart, a testament to the enduring power of the human-animal bond. And that love, that connection, is something that can never be taken away.

Yvonne Bronstorph’s Dogs with Attitude is available for purchase on this website. If you want to grab a copy now, please click this link to take you to the appropriate page.

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Yvonne Bronstorph

Yvonne Bronstorph is a Jamaican-born author known for her heartfelt storytelling and inspiring themes. Educated in both England and Jamaica, she draws on her diverse experiences to craft engaging narratives. Her notable works include "Dogs With Attitude," a charming collection of stories about the unique personalities of her canine companions, and "A Journey Through Life," a reflective poetry collection exploring love, grief, and faith. Yvonne's writing resonates with readers seeking connection and inspiration. Through her books, she shares valuable life lessons and the beauty of everyday moments, making her a beloved voice in contemporary literature.

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