🤍 Caring for Yourself While Supporting Your Family Through Pet Loss & Euthanasia

Home Cat EuthanasiaHome Dog EuthanasiaPet Grief SupportSupporting Families with Children
Written By Emma Andrew

Supporting Yourself While Helping Children Grieve the Loss of a Pet
Love & Toe Beans - Gentle In-Home Pet Euthanasia Brisbane & Greater Brisbane Region
📍 Brisbane | Moreton Bay | Ipswich | Logan | Redlands

Losing a beloved dog or cat can feel like your whole world has shifted. As a parent or caregiver, you might find yourself trying to be the steady anchor, answering your child’s questions, guiding your family through grief, and holding space for their sadness. But amidst supporting your family, it’s easy to forget that you’re grieving too.

At Love & Toe Beans, we support families across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Logan, and Redland Bay during the heartbreaking moments of pet loss. Whether you're navigating the decision for in-home euthanasia or comforting your family in the days after, this guide is for you, the loving adult who deserves care, too.

1. Honour Your Own Grief

Grief doesn’t only belong to children. You’ve lost a member of your family, and that pain is real. Whether it’s sadness, guilt, relief, or exhaustion, your emotions are valid.

  • Let yourself cry. Speak openly to your children about your own sadness.

  • Write in a journal or express feelings through art, music, or nature.

  • Let go of the pressure to “be strong.” Grief is not weakness, it’s love in another form.

2. Be Gently Compassionate With Yourself

Grief is not linear. Some days might feel easier; others, impossibly heavy. The key is self-compassion, not perfection.

  • Talk to yourself as you would a friend.

  • Let go of guilt if you feel joy or laughter, these are healing moments.

  • Give yourself grace for the messy days.

3. Don’t Walk Alone: Build a Support Network

You’re not meant to carry this alone. Surround yourself with people who care.

  • Lean on friends or family who listen without trying to “fix” things.

  • Join a pet loss support group, either online or in-person in the Greater Brisbane Region.

  • Consider professional counselling if grief feels too heavy to carry.

We’re also here for you; Love & Toe Beans offers compassionate support and guidance throughout your family’s grief journey.

4. Delegate and Set Boundaries

You don’t have to manage everything.

  • Say yes to help with meals, school pickups, or chores.

  • Don’t feel obligated to attend social events while you’re still healing.

  • Be honest with loved ones about what you can and can’t manage right now.

5. Model Healthy Grieving for Your Children

Children look to you as their guide, not just for what to do, but how to feel. When you show them it’s okay to grieve, you give them permission to be real too.

  • Share your own feelings: “I feel really sad today because I miss Bella.”

  • Show how you care for yourself: “I’m going for a quiet walk to help my heart feel a little lighter.”

  • Encourage your child to share their memories and feelings in return.

6. Rebuild with Gentle, Consistent Self-Care

When your emotional reserves are low, even small acts of self-care can make a big difference.

  • Rest when you can, even if sleep is interrupted.

  • Nourish your body with comforting, healthy meals.

  • Walk in nature or do light stretches to relieve emotional tension.

  • Try breathing exercises, mindfulness apps, or quiet tea breaks.

7. Find Joy Without Guilt

Grief and joy can live side by side. Smiling or laughing doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten, it means you’re healing.

  • Share happy stories about your pet as a family.

  • Create a small memorial garden or photo display.

  • Make space for both tears and laughter in your home.

8. Your Grief is Yours, There’s No “Right Way”

Whether you want to be surrounded by people or need solitude, your grief journey is valid.

  • Don’t compare your process to others, there’s no timeline.

  • Let your needs evolve. Some days you might want to talk; other days, you may just need quiet.

  • Check in with yourself regularly: “What do I need today?”

9. Know When to Reach Out for More Support

It’s okay to need more help. Reach out if you:

  • Feel emotionally numb for a long time

  • Struggle to care for yourself or others

  • Experience intense guilt, anxiety, or depression

  • Can’t talk about your pet without overwhelming distress

You are not alone. Whether through therapy, pet loss counselling, or gentle guidance from our team at Love & Toe Beans, support is always available.

💛 Love & Toe Beans Is Here for You

Supporting your family through the loss of a pet while holding your own grief is a tender, courageous act. At Love & Toe Beans, we’re here to walk beside you, whether it’s through our in-home pet euthanasia services across Greater Brisbane, grief support resources, or simply being a voice of compassion during one of the hardest moments of life.

If you’re in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, or Redlands, and need support, please reach out.

🧡 With love, comfort, and gentle toe beans,
The Love & Toe Beans Team

📍 Serving the Greater Brisbane Region:

  • Brisbane

  • Moreton Bay

  • Ipswich

  • Logan

  • Redlands

Emma Andrew
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