At Paws and Memories, we understand the deep bond between humans and their beloved fur kids. When the time comes to say goodbye, the grief can be overwhelming, and it often feels like a part of our hearts is missing. As we built this community, we wanted to create a space that honors those emotions while offering support and understanding.
Grief is a complex journey, and over the years, several theories have emerged to help us make sense of it. Among the most well-known are Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's Five Stages of Grief, where we move through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, and John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, which explores how our bonds with loved ones shape our grieving process. While these theories offer valuable insights, we found that one model particularly resonated with us and aligned with the mission of Paws and Memories: the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement.
What is the Dual Process Model?
The Dual Process Model, developed by psychologists Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut, is a comforting approach that recognizes the ebb and flow of grief. It suggests that coping with loss involves two intertwined processes: loss-oriented and restoration-oriented activities.
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Loss-Oriented Activities focus on the emotions surrounding the loss—allowing yourself to grieve, remember, and honor your beloved companion. This might include looking through photos, sharing stories, or simply allowing yourself to feel the sadness that comes with the absence of your furry friend.
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Restoration-Oriented Activities involve adjusting to life after the loss. This can be anything from taking on new routines to finding ways to fill the space left by your pet’s passing. It also includes moments of distraction, where you engage in activities that temporarily take your mind off the grief.
The beauty of this model lies in its flexibility—it acknowledges that grief isn’t a linear path. Some days, you may feel like you’re drowning in sorrow, while on others, you might find a glimpse of peace in a new routine or activity. The Dual Process Model allows you to oscillate between these states, understanding that both are essential for healing.
Why We Chose This Model
At Paws and Memories, we believe that everyone’s grief journey is unique, and the Dual Process Model honors that. It doesn’t dictate how or when you should feel certain emotions; instead, it provides a gentle framework that encourages you to take things at your own pace. This aligns with our mission to create a supportive, empathetic community where there’s no “right” way to grieve.
We chose this model because it mirrors the reality of losing a beloved fur kid—there are moments when you need to sit with the pain, and there are moments when you need to take a step towards finding joy in life again. The Dual Process Model offers a balanced approach, allowing space for both grief and healing. It’s this balance that we strive to reflect in our content, our products, and our community.
As you explore our website, we hope you find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. Whether you’re here to memorialize your beloved companion, connect with others who understand your pain, or simply find a moment of solace, we’re here for you. Grief is a journey, but it’s one that we can walk together—one day, one memory, one small step at a time.