Saying Goodbye to Maggie: Navigating Life After Losing a Pet

I waited a while to draft this ... my heart was too broken to put my grief into when we lost our Maggie girl. For anyone who has ever had a pet, there's a certain kind of love that only a pet can give—a quiet, constant companionship that weaves itself into the very fabric of our lives. For me, that love came in the form of Maggie, a sweet little toy fox terrier who brightened our home for 14 and a half beautiful years.

Maggie wasn’t just a pet; she was a piece of our family story. She was the first dog my husband and I had together, a tiny ball of energy who filled our home with joy and laughter. When my husband passed away in 2017, Maggie remained a comforting reminder of the love we shared. She stayed by my side through grief, offering the kind of unconditional presence only a loyal dog can give.

She was also there to welcome my son into the world, becoming one of his tiny protectors. The bond between a child and their first pet is something truly special, and watching their relationship grow over the years was one of my greatest joys.

Now, with Maggie gone, our home feels quieter. Losing her is more than just saying goodbye to a pet—it feels like closing yet another chapter of my life, one that holds so many memories of my husband, my son’s early years, and the life we built together.

Moving Forward After Losing a Pet

Grief over losing a pet is real and valid. It’s okay to feel the emptiness deeply. It’s okay to cry, to reminisce, and to take time to adjust. As I try to move forward without Maggie, here are a few things that are helping me—and might help you if you’re facing the same heartbreak.

1. Honor Their Memory

   Create a small space to remember your pet. We have a memory box that contains her ashes, collar, and a picture of her, along with a mold of her paw print, on a mantle so we can feel close to her. A girlfriend of mine also had a tree planted in her honor, and I made a pillow for my son using a picture of her.

   
   

2. Talk About Them

   Share stories with family and friends. sometimes we tell “Maggie stories,” remembering the funny things she used to do. It keeps her spirit alive in our home and reminds us that the love doesn’t end, even if she’s no longer here.

   
   

3. Be Gentle With Yourself

   Grief doesn’t follow a straight line. Some days you might feel okay; others, the loss will hit you all over again. Give yourself permission to feel everything without rushing the process.

   
   

4. Keep Routines That Bring Comfort

   Maggie was part of so many daily habits. It’s strange now, not having her trot alongside us. But maintaining

   
   

5. Consider Giving Love Again When You’re Ready

   It doesn’t mean replacing the pet you lost. No one could replace Maggie. But sometimes, opening your heart to another animal when the time feels right can be a beautiful way to honor the love they gave you.

Always in Our Hearts

Maggie may no longer be underfoot, begging for treats or curled in her favorite sunny spot, but her love is still here—woven into every memory of our family. She taught us loyalty, comforted us through loss, and gave my son his very first taste of the pure joy that comes from loving a dog.

We sure do miss you, sweet girl. Thank you for being with us through it all.