We're never really ready to say goodbye to our furry friends. Sure, we know that pets don't live as long as we do, but once they become part of our family, it's tough to picture life without them. And even though they can't talk with us, one look into those soulful eyes is all it takes to feel like we can face whatever life throws our way.

Losing a pet can leave us confused, feeling lost, and needing comfort. While there are many different ways to cope with grief, exploring the power of words can be surprisingly healing. Sometimes, writing down your thoughts or reading what others who have experienced something similar have said can help you cope with sadness, anger, nostalgia, and all those intense feelings that surround death.

And it's not just about dealing with your grief. Words of comfort can be a lifeline for others, too. Sending a thoughtful quote to a friend who's lost a pet can remind them they're not alone in this. From inspiring poems to heartfelt sympathy cards, we've compiled a list of pet loss quotes to help you and your loved ones navigate the tough journey of losing perfect companions.

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How to Grieve The Loss of a Pet

While we all face grief at some point, there's no one-size-fits-all way for pet parents to deal with it. Your personality, the context of the loss, and your unique bond with your pet all play a role in your grieving process, and it might look different from how your family members process it, even if they were close to your pet, too—and that’s okay. 

There is no one-size-fits-all playbook for handling grief, but there are a few things that will help you begin the process of healing. 

First, remember what you feel is normal and give yourself time to adjust. Second, don’t lose sight of the good things. Whether you prefer to lean on others or to grieve privately, you can keep your connection alive through the memories you shared with your pet. It might be a slow and sometimes painful process, but allowing the beautiful memories of the time you spent together to surface can help you overcome challenging emotions while holding onto the happy and loving moments you shared.

Get creative with how you remember them. Words offer endless possibilities—try reading poetry or writing letters to your beloved companion. Putting words on paper can help you recall all those daily moments that made your time memorable. Write about waking up to their adorable face or delve into the day they became part of your family.

Words can also be a heartfelt way to provide comfort to loved ones grieving the loss of a cherished pet. Don't worry if you're not a wordsmith—-there are plenty of beautiful pet loss quotes that may capture what you want to convey. And remember, these don't have to focus on loss. Sometimes, celebrating a unique bond can be just as meaningful. The key is choosing something you think will lift their spirits and show you care.

Words of Comfort for Pet Loss

Reaching out with kind words can help validate emotions, create a sense of connection, and offer hope when someone is struggling. By acknowledging their loss, you're showing that you understand how much their pet meant to them. Your message can also gently remind them that, with time, the pain may become easier to bear. 

Need a little inspiration? We have compiled a selection of powerful quotes to cope with loss. These might help you find the right words to comfort your loved one—-or find comfort yourself.

16 Quotes To Cope With Pet Loss

  1. "No one can fully understand the meaning of love unless he's owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes." - Gene Hill, Outdoor Writer.
  2. "If there is a heaven, it's certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them." - Pam Brown. 
  3. "You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." - Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish Novelist, Essayist, Poet and Travel Writer.
  4. "Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn't ever know we had." - Thom Jones.
  5. Reunited one day - "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went." - Will Rogers.
  6. "Everyone is taught that angels have wings, but the lucky ones of us find they have four paws." - Jury Nel.
  7. "Honor your grief and the pain you feel when you lose a beloved pet. It is the first step toward healing." Karen A. Anderson.
  8. "Our beloved pets teach us more than we could ever have expected, and they love us more than we could have hoped." - Unknown.
  9. The ultimate joy - "Pets are not just animals, they are gifts to us that bring love and joy to our lives." - Bob Barker.
  10. A love that's never lost - "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us." - Helen Keller.

You can also find inspiration in quotes that aren't specifically about pets. For example:

  1. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell, Scottish Poet.
  2. "It will take mind and memory months and possibly years to gather together the details, and thus learn and know the whole extent of the loss." - Mark Twain - American Writer
  3. How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Winnie The Pooh.
  4. "Don't cry because it is over; smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss."Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in times of sorrow." - Robert Louis Stevenson.
  5. "Death ends a life, not a relationship." - Jack Lemmon.

Pet Quotes from Eterneva Customers

At Eterneva, we interact with so many amazing pet owners who share such incredibly deep connections to their animals. When someone joins the Eterneva community, they often share their stories—-and the love they have for their furry friends—-as part of their grief journey. 

We are proud to be a part of the healing process, working with pet owners to create lasting keepsakes they can carry with them forever as a reminder of those remarkable connections. Here are a few quotes from Eterneva customers about their special animals.

  1. “To me, he was much more than a dog. I often refer to him as my soul dog. We just got each other. We were inseparable.” - Melanie, about her dog Apollo
  2. “Barnabee was my first baby who was solely mine and he was the sweetest and strangest creature. I feel lucky that I got to care for him as long as I did…he did for me what pets do for a lot of us: he always brought me into the present moment.” - Maddie, about her hedgehog Barnabee
  3. “You have given me so much, Orio, and taught me so many wonderful things. But, I think most importantly, you showed me what it means to give unconditional love, and to be loved unconditionally.” - Emilie, to her dog Orio

Other Ways To Help Someone Going Through Pet Loss

Looking for ways to help someone through pet loss? Along with comforting words, there are other things you can do to help them keep their pet's memory alive and begin the healing process. Remember to keep an eye on how each person handles their grief—-as we said before, everyone is different, and you know your friend or family member best. Guide them toward what might work best for them, whether hanging out with friends, taking some quiet time to reflect, or getting creative with projects. 

1. Organize a Memorial Ceremony: 

Why not help them plan a memorial for their pet? It doesn’t need to be big or complicated—just a small get-together to remember their precious cat or beloved dog. You could light a candle, share stories, and encourage everyone to express their feelings in a cozy, supportive setting. 

If they're religious, you might even say a prayer. Perhaps ask Saint Francis (known for his ministry to the unprivileged and his care for nature and animals) to look out for their pet's soul.

2. Send a Little Something Special

We all could use a pick-me-up when times are tough. Why not surprise them with a little something to brighten their day? Maybe it's their favorite cupcake from that bakery they love, a cozy cup of hot chocolate, or even a sweet framed photo of their pet. 

3. Give a Hand with Scattering Their Pet's Ashes

This is a big step; your friend might appreciate some help here. Why not ask them if they have a special place in mind for their pet's final resting spot? Maybe it's that beach their pup loved or that hiking trail they always explored together. Once you know, offer to take care of the details. You could pick a day when most of the family can make it and maybe even help come up with kind words to say goodbye.

4. Create a Customized Keepsake

Have you considered creating a special keepsake for your loved ones? It could be a tangible reminder of their whole life together, offering comfort and a sense of connection whenever they miss their dogs, cats, and other pets.

If you're looking for something unique, why not ask your friend about using a small portion of their pet's ashes to create a memorial diamond? With Eterneva, you can transform them into a stunning diamond with just half a cup of ashes or fur.

This process isn't just about the end product. By choosing this option, your friend becomes part of a supportive community. They'll have the chance to connect with others going through similar experiences, share stories, and find inspiration for moving forward. It's a great way to validate their feelings and find comfort in shared experiences.

Uncover the Ideal Option Tailored to Your Friend's Character

Remember, everyone grieves differently. Whether sharing comforting pet loss quotes or creating a memorial diamond, what's most important is to find what works best for each of us. It's a personal journey of remembering and honoring our pet's soul.

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