Saying goodbye is hard. Dogs are members of the family. Dogs share the good and bad times with unconditional love. 
How do you heal? Here are five ways to cope with the loss of a dog.
Join a support group or see a counselor
Being alone may seem the best way to grieve. If you desire open up and attend a support group. The choice is yours but talking with a third party may provide comfort.
Support Groups:
Mary Jeanne Murl, LMFT, LCSW, 303-745-0860, satchsmom@yahoo.com
Ever Life Memorials www.everlifememorials.com/v/pet-loss/pet-loss-support-groups.htm
Counselors:
Jan Cook, MA, LPC, CACIII, Chrysalis Counseling Center Inc., 231 Airport Blvd., Ste. E, Aurora, CO 80011, (303) 360-0900, chrysalis231@email.msn.com
Nancy J. Cronk, 303-766-3123, AnimalClergy@aol.com, www.InterfaithOfficiants.com/CompanionAnimalClergy.html
Memorialize the dog
Write a tribute for the local paper, hold a funeral, cook their favorite dish or simply write a letter. Dog memorial websites pay homage to your friend and many are free:
Grieve with your loved ones
Explain the loss of the pet to children as a normal part of life. Let the child grieve in their own way. Encourage them to draw a picture, create a poem or sing a song in honor of their doggie friend. Speak of your memories with family members, friends and neighbors.
Give your other animals extra attention
Animals grow strong attachments to each other and when one is gone they will notice. They grieve in different ways and may be more clingy and restless. Grieve with them and show them extra kindness.
Get a new pet – carefully
If it feels right, get a new dog but introduce the pet carefully into the family. Steer away from a copycat dog as the new dog will have large shoes to fill and it will be a challenge not to compare.
The grief process is difficult. Take the time you need to heal, talk, cry, laugh and remember. These are the ways to cope with the loss of a dog.
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