The loss of a pet can be one of the most isolating experiences. Within a single moment, your entire world has changed in a real and heavy way. And it's hard to understand until you've walked through something like that yourself.

I know because I’ve been there.

If I’m being honest, I never understood how someone could weep over their pet. Or why they made such a big deal over the loss of a dog, until I lost mine a few months ago. 

All at once I lost my everyday greeter, and the companion who knew my routines. She was always there to help me cook and clean. And she was always excited to go for a walk or take a nap on the couch. She was with me wherever I was. And then one day, she wasn't. And in that moment, I understood exactly why people weep the way they do.

I found it difficult to talk about the loss of Asha, because no one really knew what to say. I guess that's true of grief in general but I really wasn’t prepared for that in this context. So instead of talking to people, I did what I normally do, I started drawing again.

Before I knew it, I had designed an entire collection of cards that marked my favorite moments and memories with my pup. 

I was excited because people would finally have access to a card that said something they couldn’t say themselves.  And then I realized that was only half of the equation.. What would they write inside? 

And that's where this post came from.

I created a list of 6 simple things you can say or write when a person has lost a pet. Whether you can relate to it or not, I hope this list helps you support the people in your life who are grieving the loss of their furry friend. 

Without further ado, let's get into it. 

1. my favorite memory of (name) was... 

2. (Name) was so lucky to have you.

3. I can't imagine how hard this is.

4. My favorite thing about (name) was...

5. You gave (name) the best life.

6. I'll never forget the way (name) would...

Phrases like these do a lot more than “sound” good.  They give space for the things that matter the most. 

Like their pet’s name. Think about it, the pet owner just went from saying their pet’s name aloud every single day, to never saying it again. That moment when they’ve read their pet’s name in a positive context like a memory is really powerful and healing in itself.

Speaking of memories, these phrases also make space for the specific things that made their pup irreplaceable. A pet owner can list a hundred reasons their pet was the best. But hearing one of those reasons come from someone else, or hearing something new entirely … that's priceless.

These phrases also give space for you to honor the pet owner, not just the pet. Chances are that pet owner sacrificed so much to love that pet well. And questions still linger.

Did I do enough? Did I make the right decisions? Could this have been avoided? Should we have gone on more adventures? Why didn’t I walk them more?

Sometimes all a grieving pet owner needs to hear is that they did a good job. And that they gave their pet the very best. 

This list gives more than any “I’m sorry” can. It gives you the opportunity to honor the pet and to honor the person who loved them the most. 

And that’s the best gift you can give someone walking through this type of loss.

The Lovely Letter Co. exists for the moments like these... For the moments that deserve to be shared but can be difficult to know how. If you need the perfect card for a pet lover, you can browse here or you can visit the entire shop here.