Pet Loss Anniversaries: Why They Hurt and How to Get Through the Day

Anniversary dates after losing a pet—one week, six months, a year, or any meaningful day—can intensify grief. In this video, Grant Hazell explains why these dates can trigger dread, intrusive thoughts, and a powerful yearning for your pet. He shares a compassionate approach to getting through: don’t push the feelings away. Instead, notice what’s happening, name it, and meet yourself with kindness.

Key takeaways from the video

• Anniversaries often make grief feel “closer,” more intense, and harder to ignore.
• Dread before the date is common—and it doesn’t mean you’re going backwards.
• Avoiding grief can increase the struggle; allowing it can reduce the pressure over time.
• Practice self-compassion: let the day be tender and a little slower if you can.
• Try “notice and name”: identify the emotion (sadness, longing, anger, guilt) without judging it.
• Plan a brief grief ritual (even 30 minutes): write, talk to your pet, light a candle, visit a meaningful place, or create a moment of remembrance.
• The pain is connected to the depth of the human–pet bond and the love that continues.
• Holidays can bring similar waves—lean into support, connection, and what matters most.