When looking for a creative and beautiful way to heal your heart after pet loss, have you considered writing a pet loss poem?

A poem can be a wonderful and loving way to remember your pet. Expressing your memories in a creative way by writing a pet loss poem gives you a chance to create a lasting memory.

Keep in mind you don’t have to be a poet or a writer to express your love for your pet. Writing down thoughts in a creative way can help you with your emotions and the pain of your loss.

There are many ways to write a tribute to your pet. If you are having trouble getting started, these are some of my favorite pet loss poems. Also consider the following 3 tips to help guide you deal with pet loss.

Make a List of One-Word Qualities of Your Pet

Your list could contain one word or one hundred words. Try and keep your list to single qualities. Your grief may surface, but keep in mind that your emotions are normal and those feelings can be added to your poem.

My client Sally had written these qualities on her list: silly, goofy, adorable, smart, sleepy, rambunctious, and loyal. When we talked about her list she cried and told beautiful stories of her pet Annabelle.

When she put the words into her poem Sally said, “I know I am not a poet, but I don’t care. My little creation is a gift from my heart to Annabelle. This is what matters most. My heart feels full every time I read my poem.” 

Make Your Second List by Describing Images

Your second list will include descriptions of your pet and the wonderful things you did together by using your six senses.

When you explore the relationship you had with your pet using descriptions that include sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste, and movement you have a chance to create a beautiful tribute that is unique for your healing journey.

Sally wrote some wonderful lines when describing Annabelle. My favorite was the beginning line in her poem where she engaged her sense of sight. This is how she described seeing the sun on Annabelle’s fur:

“Sunlight reflects on your fur with warm shiny sparkles.”

When Sally read this to me I was immediately picturing the rays of sunlight hitting Annabelle’s fur. I could envision beauty, kindness, and the loyalty between the two of them.

Write from Your Heart

Once you have your two lists just begin to write. Don’t worry if it sounds good or if it doesn’t make sense.

When Sally wrote her poem, she had a photo of Annabelle beside her. This may help you as well to inspire your feelings. Since your pet loss poem is for your own experience please don’t worry about perfection.

Remember, this is about the mutual love you experienced with your pet. If getting started writing a pet loss poem is difficult I have some favorites that I can share with you.

What one-word quality does your pet have? Can you describe an event with your pet using one of your senses? Please share the methods you use to grieve the loss of a pet. If you would, you could also share your poem.