Losing a dog can be one of the hardest experiences you face. You may wonder, “What happens to my dog after it dies?”
This question can bring both sadness and comfort as you cope with your grief. During the 19th century, the status of domestic animals began to rise, and people started to honor their pets more after death.1
Coming to terms with your beliefs about your dog’s afterlife can provide comfort as you navigate the grief and mourning process following their passing.
Growing Beliefs in a Pet Afterlife
A new study shows that pet owners increasingly believe in an afterlife for their animals, using gravestones and memorials to express this hope of reunion. An analysis in the journal Antiquity examined over 100 years of pet cemeteries in Newcastle and London, finding more gravestones referencing pets’ immortal souls. (ref)
Dr. Eric Tourigny, who authored the study, noted that few 19th-century gravestones mention an afterlife, though some express hope for reunion. By the mid-20th century, more gravestones suggested owners expected to meet their pets again.
Examples from the paper include simple 19th-century gravestones like “Topsey, loving friend.” By the 1950s, inscriptions became more explicit, like one for “Denny,” a “brave little cat,” which stated, “God bless until we meet again.”
During this time, religious symbols and references became more common on gravestones. (ref)
Increasing Recognition of Pets as Family Members
In the study, Dr. Tourigny found that pet owners are more likely to see their animals as family members. Many gravestones started using family names, although some early users placed them in parentheses, suggesting their pets weren’t considered full family members, according to an Analysis of Gravestone Records at the Metropolitan Pet Cemetery in Moscow. (ref)
In the Antiquity study, Tourigny also observed that owners often referred to themselves with familial terms like “Mummy,” “Dad,” or “Auntie.” While it’s hard to measure precisely, Tourigny noted that most gravestones were likely for dogs, though the number for cats and other animals increased over the 20th century.
The gravestones studied date from the 1880s to the 1980s. Since then, cremation has become a more common way to honor a pet’s passing.
Comforting Beliefs about Pets
Comforting beliefs about dogs and their afterlife exist across various cultures, providing solace to pet owners dealing with loss. Here are some notable beliefs:
The Rainbow Bridge
One of the most popular concepts in Western culture is the Rainbow Bridge, a mythical overpass that connects heaven and earth. According to this belief, dogs who have passed away find themselves in a beautiful place free from pain and suffering.
Here, they are rejuvenated and retain their joyful spirit, waiting for the day they will reunite with their owners. The idea emphasizes the enduring bond between humans and their pets, offering comfort to those grieving the loss of a beloved animal.
Native American Beliefs
In Native American cultures, there are various beliefs regarding animals and the afterlife. Many tribes view animals as spiritual beings that possess their own souls.
Some traditions hold that after death, a dog’s spirit may guide its owner or other animals in the spirit world. This connection reflects a deep respect for the role animals play in life and the afterlife, with a belief that they continue to watch over their human companions.
Buddhism
Buddhism presents a rare perspective on the afterlife of animals, including dogs. It teaches that after death, a dog’s spirit remains on earth for seven days, during which it may visit loved ones.
Dogs are part of the samsara, the cycle of life and death, and their future depends on their karma. Well-behaved dogs might reincarnate into higher forms, including humans, though they may not remember their previous lives. (ref)
Christianity
Historically, early Christian thinkers like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas argued that animals lack eternal souls.
Augustine believed animals had “sensitive souls” that perished with their bodies, while Aquinas claimed only humans possess immortal souls. Over time, views among Christian denominations evolved.
Pope Paul VI has been quoted saying, “One day we will see our pets in the eternity of Christ,” to a boy whose pet dog had died. Similarly, during a 1990 papal audience, Pope John Paul II stated that “animals possess a soul, and humans should love and stand in solidarity with our smaller brethren”. (ref)
Dealing with Grief & Finding Solace When Your Dog Passes
Dealing with the grief of losing a pet can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some ways to cope with your loss and find comfort during this difficult time:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s essential to allow yourself to feel your emotions. Grief can manifest in various ways, including sadness, anger, and guilt. Recognizing that these feelings are normal and valid is the first step toward healing.
2. Create a Memorial
Honoring your pet can be a meaningful way to cope with your loss. You might create a memorial in your home or garden, compile a photo album, or even write a letter expressing your feelings.
This act of remembrance can help you process your emotions and celebrate the joy your pet brought into your life.
3. Talk about It
Sharing your feelings with friends, family, or a support group can be incredibly helpful. Discussing your grief with others who understand can provide comfort and a sense of community.
There are also online forums and local pet loss support groups that can connect you with others going through similar experiences.
4. Consider Professional Help
If your grief feels overwhelming or persistent, seeking professional support from a therapist or counselor experienced in pet loss can be beneficial. They can provide guidance and tools to help you navigate your feelings.
5. Create New Routines
After losing a pet, your daily routine may feel disrupted. Establishing new habits or rituals can help you adjust to the absence. Whether it’s going for a walk, volunteering at an animal shelter, or adopting a new pet when you’re ready, these activities can bring a sense of purpose and healing.
6. Reflect on the Joy
Take time to remember the happy moments you shared with your pet. Reflecting on the joy they brought into your life can help you focus on the positive memories rather than just the loss .
7. Practice Self-Care
Finally, prioritize self-care during this challenging time. Engage in activities that bring you comfort and joy, whether that’s spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a favorite hobby.
Ultimately, coping with grief and finding solace in what awaits your dog after death is a personal journey. Whether through spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, or personal reflections, these practices can help ease the pain of loss and foster a sense of connection to their beloved companion.
Source:
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.