5 Keys to Getting Through the Holidays Without Your Dog

Whether this is your first holiday season without your beloved dog or not, getting through it without your four-legged friend by your side can be really difficult. Here are 5 keys to making it a bit easier to manage.

1.       Remember there are no rules when it comes to grief. Don’t let anyone try to tell you how you should feel, how long grief should last or what it should look like. Honor whatever feelings come up for you.

 2.       Surround yourself with people who respect Key #1 above! It’s important to express your feelings and ask for support when you need it; however, share only with those you know can respect where you’re at on your grief journey. 

3.       Practice the art of forgiveness. Look within yourself to see if you are holding any ill feelings toward yourself or another. Perhaps you’re feeling upset with your dog for leaving you alone for the holidays. Perhaps you’re angry with yourself for decisions made regarding your pup’s treatment at life’s end. Maybe you’re blaming the veterinarian or maybe there was an accident that you think could have been avoided. Whatever it is, remember this is the season for forgiveness and generosity of spirit. Where and to whom can you show just a bit more? Try starting with yourself! 

4.       Find a way to include your dog’s memory into your holiday celebration; you could make or purchase a special ornament with your dog’s picture or using your dog’s tags. Did your dog have a special blanket? Use it as a Christmas tree skirt. Don’t celebrate Christmas but give gifts for other seasonal celebrations? There are many wonderful customized gifts you can give yourself or a family member to keep your dog’s memory alive and help him feel just a little bit closer; wearable gifts like socks or t-shirts or maybe  a custom pillow, which can all be adorned with your dog’s picture. Turn her leash into a belt; I did this and I love having something from my dog so close to me. There are so many creative gifts that can help keep your pup’s memory alive. 

5.       Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude! Remember that the importance of gratitude cannot be overstated. To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Be grateful for the forces that brought you and your dog together in the first place and for every day you shared together. While it may be hard to feel grateful when you’re missing your dog, the more you can focus on the gratitude and love you have for your pup, the less painful your experience will be.

If you’d like some help bringing the feelings of gratitude and love into your heart, I’ve created a special meditation for just that reason. Get $5 off until the end of the year (no code needed). Learn more by visiting https://www.marykorst.com/products/connecting-heart-to-heart