Bereavement

Bereavement Support & Advice

Losing a dog, especially one who served alongside you or shared your life so closely, can be profoundly painful. At Hero Paws, we understand that these dogs are not just pets.

They are partners, protectors, routine, purpose, and family.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. We hope the guidance below offers support, reassurance, and permission to take things at your own pace.

Stay Connected

Spend time with the people who know you best. It can be tempting to withdraw, but staying connected to friends, family, or your support network can make a difference. Talking openly about how you’re feeling, or simply being in someone’s company, can help you feel less alone.

If you need support, it’s okay to say so.

Be Patient With Yourself

Grief doesn’t follow a timetable. Some days may feel manageable; others may feel overwhelming. Notice what feels particularly hard, certain places, routines, or moments, and allow yourself time to process them.

There is no rush. Healing happens in its own time.

Take Care of Yourself

Grief is exhausting, emotionally and physically. Try, where possible, to:

  • Get rest
  • Eat regularly
  • Keep some gentle structure in your day
  • Continue activities that bring you comfort or calm

Looking after yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary.

If you need support, it’s okay to say so.

Grief Is Personal

Everyone grieves differently. Some people find comfort in movement, walking, swimming, being outdoors. Others prefer quiet reflection, writing, creating, or talking through memories with people they trust.

Some may find professional support helpful. All responses are valid.

Is It Normal to Feel This Bad After Losing a Dog?

Yes, absolutely.

Dogs are often our constant companions. They shape our routines, anchor our emotions, and offer loyalty without conditions. Losing them can feel disorientating and deeply unsettling.

  • Their grief isn’t always recognised or understood by others
  • They were the dog’s sole caregiver, which can bring guilt
  • The bond was unique and unconditional
  • The loss was sudden or unresolved
  • Or because the grief began before the loss, during illness or decline

People often struggle because:

One owner described it as:
“When my dog died, it felt like the world stopped and the ground fell away beneath me.”

Many people are surprised by the intensity of their grief. You are not weak. You are responding to love and loss.

Understanding Grief

You may have heard of “stages” of grief, but real grief is rarely neat or linear.

Often, people move back and forth between deep sadness and everyday functioning. One moment you may feel numb or heartbroken, the next distracted by daily life, and then back again.

Grief is not a straight line.
It’s more like a tide, it ebbs and flows.
And that is normal.

Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief is the sadness or anxiety felt when you know loss is coming, for example, when a dog is ageing or unwell.

This is a natural response to love, but it can sometimes pull focus away from the time you still have. Simple routines, gentle affection, and staying present can help ground you in each moment.

Coping One Day at a Time

Grief doesn’t disappear, but over time, it becomes something you learn to carry.

Some people find comfort in:

  • Keeping familiar routines where possible
  • Creating small moments of calm or enjoyment
  • Grounding exercises (for example: naming things you can see, touch, and hear)
  • Trying new activities that don’t hold painful memories
  • Creating memory boxes, writing, or walking in honour of their dog

If grief begins to feel overwhelming, speaking to a trained professional can help. Support is not a sign of weakness.

Work, Grief, and Time Off

Many people find it difficult to function at work after losing a dog, especially one who was a daily presence or working partner.

Pet bereavement leave isn’t always recognised, but you may find it helpful to speak honestly with your manager or HR team about what you’re experiencing. You don’t need to pretend you’re fine.

We believe this kind of grief deserves understanding.

Coping One Day at a Time

Grief doesn’t disappear, but over time, it becomes something you learn to carry.

Some people find comfort in:

  • Keeping familiar routines where possible
  • Creating small moments of calm or enjoyment
  • Grounding exercises (for example: naming things you can see, touch, and hear)
  • Trying new activities that don’t hold painful memories
  • Creating memory boxes, writing, or walking in honour of their dog

If grief begins to feel overwhelming, speaking to a trained professional can help. Support is not a sign of weakness.

Work, Grief, and Time Off

Many people find it difficult to function at work after losing a dog, especially one who was a daily presence or working partner.

Pet bereavement leave isn’t always recognised, but you may find it helpful to speak honestly with your manager or HR team about what you’re experiencing. You don’t need to pretend you’re fine.

We believe this kind of grief deserves understanding.

How to Talk About Your Loss

If you’re struggling to find the words, a simple structure can help:

Fact – Feel – Need
“My dog has died. I feel heartbroken. I need a little time and space to process this.”

This can be especially helpful at work or with people who may not know what to say.

If you’re supporting someone else, listen. Be present. Don’t minimise their loss.

When Will It Feel Easier?

There is no set timeline for grief.

Over time, the pain may soften. You may laugh again without guilt. These are signs of healing — not forgetting.

You don’t “get over” a loss like this. You grow around it. And that takes time.

Be kind to yourself.
Your grief reflects love, and love never disappears