A goodbye letter to the pet you lost, in your own words
Written by hand · Sealed with wax · Sent as one link
Grief for an animal is real, and it can feel lonely when people around you say it was only a pet. This letter is for you and for them, so it can say things you would never say out loud. A good one names the small daily habits, because those are what the house now feels empty of.
Free · No sign-up needed · Sent as a link
Ways to begin
“The house is too quiet without you, and I keep listening for your paws in the hallway.”
“I never found the right way to say this at the vet's, so I'm saying it here: thank you for choosing me.”
“You were with me through the move, the bad job and the long winter, and I don't think you ever knew how much that held me up.”
What to write
1. Write about one ordinary routine, like the morning walk, the spot on the sofa or the sound of the food bag, instead of general praise.
2. If you carry guilt about the final decision or something you missed, say it plainly once, then tell them what you hope they understood.
3. Skip the effort to make it sound wise. Write the way you talked to them, including the silly nickname.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it strange to write a letter to a pet that has died?
No. Putting your feelings into words is a common way to process loss, and it doesn't matter that the reader can't answer. Write it as if you were talking to them on the couch, and keep it as long or as short as you need.
Q. Can I keep the letter private, or share it with only one person?
Yes. You seal the letter with wax and can add a password, so only people you tell can open it. It is sent as one link by any messenger, text or email, and writing, sealing and sending are free.