There’s something uniquely painful about losing a beloved animal. If you’ve been through it, you know – it’s a kind of heartbreak that can’t be explained, only felt. After losing my sweet Skywalker, I found myself navigating deep grief, and I wanted to share a bit of that experience in case it helps even one person feel less alone.

Losing Skywalker broke my heart.

He wasn’t just a cat. He was my family, my protector, my shadow, my comfort. We were together for 17 years – that’s a lifetime of love, routine, and memories. And when the day came to say goodbye, it gutted me in a way I still don’t have the perfect words for.

If you’ve ever lost a pet, you probably understand this kind of pain. The house feels different. Quiet in a way that’s hard to bear. You find yourself looking for them in their usual spots. Reaching for the food bowl. Listening for the sound of their paws.

And here’s the most important thing I want to say: It’s okay to grieve. Really, truly grieve.

Our pets are family. They’re with us through all of life’s ups and downs. They give us unconditional love, comfort, and joy – and they ask for so little in return. So when we lose them, it’s not “silly” or “too much” to mourn that loss. It’s normal. It’s human. It’s love.

Everyone grieves differently. Some cry daily. Some feel numb. Some want to talk about their pet all the time. Others retreat into silence.

However it looks for you, it’s okay. There’s no timeline. No checklist. No “right” way to do this.

After Skywalker passed, I gave myself permission to sit with my grief. To let it all be there – the sadness, the guilt, the gratitude, the quiet. And while nothing can erase the pain of that loss, there are things that helped me move through it.

If you’re grieving right now, here are a few things that might help:

5 Things You Can Do to Cope with the Loss of a Pet

1. Let yourself feel everything – without judgment

Grief is complicated. One minute you’re okay, the next you’re sobbing in the kitchen because you saw their empty food bowl. That’s normal. Let yourself cry. Let yourself feel angry or guilty or heartbroken. Don’t rush yourself to “move on” – just give yourself space to be in it.

2. Create a memory ritual

Honoring your pet’s memory in a meaningful way can help your heart begin to heal. Light a candle, create a photo album, write a letter to your pet, or make a donation in their name. I created a little space for Skywalker with his photo, one of his blankets, and a candle – a space to just be with his memory and feel connected.

3. Talk to someone who understands

Not everyone “gets it” when it comes to grieving a pet – and that can make you feel isolated. Reach out to someone who does. Whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or an online support group, talking about your grief with someone who truly understands can be incredibly healing.

4. Take care of yourself – gently

Grief is exhausting, emotionally and physically. Try to eat nourishing food, drink water, move your body a little, rest when you need to, and give yourself grace. You don’t have to be productive or “back to normal.” You just have to get through one moment at a time.

5. Keep their love with you

They may not be physically here, but the love your pet gave you? That doesn’t go anywhere. It lives in the memories, in the lessons, in the joy they brought. You carry that with you always. Sometimes, talking to them – out loud or silently – helps. I know Skywalker’s spirit is still with me and I talk to him all the time. That love doesn’t end.

Your grief is valid. Your love was real. And you are not alone.

If you’re in the thick of this right now, my heart is with you. Be gentle with yourself. Let the tears fall. Let the memories come. Your pet mattered – and so does your grief.

If you feel like sharing your story or a memory of your beloved pet, I’d love to hear about them. Their lives deserve to be remembered.

Let it be messy. Let it be real. Your grief is valid. And your love – that deep, beautiful love – is forever.