110 Letters & Goodbye Messages to My Dog Who Passed Away

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Plus, sweet ways to honor the memory of your furry friend

Co-authored by Moira Khan and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 Fact Checked

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Heartfelt Messages

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Inspirational

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Comforting

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For Memorials & Urns

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Famous Quotes

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Short Letters

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Other Ways to Honor Your Dog

When your beloved dog passes away, it can be one of the most difficult losses to bear. Honoring your canine companion with meaningful words is a wonderful way to process and share your feelings. Read on for a variety of short messages you can use for your dog who has passed away, including heartfelt, inspirational, and comforting thoughts and sayings, plus letters written to your dog. We'll also cover other thoughtful ways you can honor your dog's life, along with advice from psychologists, therapists, and grief counselors.

Tributes to a Beloved Dog That Passed Away

Licensed psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, says "pets are not just little furry soulmates, but they also teach you lessons about life." Honor that idea with one of these meaningful goodbye messages:

Heartfelt: Happiness is your cold nose and warm belly.
Inspirational: You’ll always remain forever young and are forever free.
Comforting: You taught us the meaning of unconditional love.
Phrases for Memorials or Urns: To my angel in fur.
Famous quotes: No amount of time can erase the memory of a good dog. — Leo Dworkin

Section 1 of 7:

Short Heartfelt Messages for My Dog Who Passed Away

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Share meaningful wishes to honor your dog’s life. You can send these messages to your loved ones in a text or use them in a pet memorial post on social media. According to grief counselor Michaela Hudson, grieving the loss of a pet is “the same process” as mourning a person you loved. “Be patient with yourself while adjusting without them being there.”^{[1]
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Michaela Hudson
Grief Counselor

Expert Interview}
- I loved you for your whole life, and I’ll miss you for the rest of mine.
- My companion is gone, but their memory lives on.
- The most difficult thing about having a dog is saying goodbye.
- Grief is not a sign of weakness, but the price of love.
- Happiness is your cold nose and warm belly.
- Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and all of them are right (especially me).
- You left your paw print on my heart.
- You’re an angel that had fur instead of wings.
- When you feel me in your heart, look up and I’ll be right there.
- Sleep well, my sweet pup. You gave me a lifetime of love in too short a time.
- You were my shadow, my joy, my friend. In my heart, you’ll never end.
- You showed me love without a single word, a gift I’ll always carry forward.
- Your wagging tail was my daily reminder of life’s simple joys; thank you for that.
- Rest easy, my angel pup. Heaven’s gain is my heart’s ache.
- You may be in heaven, but your love fills every corner of my heart here.
- You brought so much joy to my life. I’ll miss you dearly, but you’ll never be forgotten.
- Saying goodbye is never easy. You’ll forever have a special place in my heart. Rest well, my furry friend.
- Your love was my everyday miracle.
- You were my sunshine on 4 legs.
- Our love story has no ending.
- You will forever be our little pup.
- It was you who turned our house into a home.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Adam Dorsay, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in assisting adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness.

Michaela Hudson is a grief counselor who is known for her heart-centered approach to healing and aftercare.

Jacqueline House, LMFT-A, is a therapist who helps her patients through problems such as anxiety and life transitions.

Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II, is a therapist who specializes in depression, anxiety, life guidance coaching, and anger management.

Section 2 of 7:

Inspirational Dog Loss Sayings

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Inspire others with words of love about your furry friend. When writing a tribute to your dog who passed away, try to keep your message positive. Therapist Jacqueline House, LMFT-A, believes that “it’s good to share positive emotions to help yourself through that grieving process."^{[2]
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Jacqueline House, LMFT-A
Therapist

Expert Interview}^{[3]
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- Run free, sweet soul. You’ve earned the skies after being my best friend on solid ground.
- Though you’ve left this world, your spirit lives in the joy you shared.
- You taught me to love deeply and live simply; lessons I’ll never forget.
- Your life, though short, was a masterpiece of love, loyalty, and light.
- Gone from my sight, but never my soul; your love inspires me to keep going whole.
- I’ll always keep your paw print on my soul.
- Wait for us and we’ll see you again someday.
- You’ll always remain forever young and are forever free.
- You were worth every chewed-up shoe and early morning walk.
- You are our forever golden [boy/girl].
- You played fetch with our hearts, and we’ll never forget you.
- I see you every time the sun shines and feel you in every breeze.
- More than just our pet dog, you’re our hearts beating as one.
- Our love goes on, even though we have to say goodbye.
- You made every day an adventure full of love.
- Forever grateful for all the joy you brought to our lives.
- To my perfect pup, and my best friend.
- You will always be our golden ray of sunshine.
- Your healing ways continue to touch us every day.
- You were love in its purest and best form.

Section 3 of 7:

Comforting Phrases for My Dog Who Passed Away

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Find solace in words that pay tribute to your best buddy. While it’s true that others can comfort you when grieving the loss of a dog who passed away, it’s also possible to create your own comfort when experiencing pet loss. House suggests “honoring your pet by talking about the good that they've done for you and the strength that they've given you. Focus on remembering them by that happy feeling."^{[4]
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Jacqueline House, LMFT-A
Therapist

Expert Interview}
- In the stars above, I see your twinkling eyes, reminding me you’re still nearby.
- I hope you’re chasing endless squirrels and napping under golden skies.
- You’ll forever be running in our hearts.
- You were my once-in-a-lifetime dog.
- You were a perfect friend from your wet nose to your furry toes.
- You gave me everything I could ever want from a dog, and so much more.
- Love knows no boundaries, especially death.
- You taught us the meaning of unconditional love.
- Your spirit runs free, and your memory stays right by our side.
- Thank you for choosing us as your family.
- To our faithful canine guardian watching from above.
- You will forever be our bravehearted, gentle soul.
- We’ll remember your loyalty for eternity.
- You taught us the meaning of unconditional love.
- Rest in peace to my favorite nap pal.
- Heaven just got the best [boy/girl] all to themselves.
- You changed my life forever, my favorite doggie.
- May you find endless treats on your journey.

Section 4 of 7:

Short Phrases for Dog Memorials or Urns

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Engrave these loving words on a memorial to preserve your love. These messages have to be very succinct, and it can be tough summing up feelings in just a few words. Try one of the options below. They're short enough to be engraved on memorial stones, urns, or alongside a pet portrait (or used for a memorial tattoo).
- Forever loved.
- Gone, but not forgotten.
- To my best furry friend.
- My canine friend ‘til the end.
- A Loyal [Boy/Girl].
- In loving memory.
- Run free.
- Always in our hearts.
- To my angel in fur.
- A loyal companion.
- Love always remains.
- Run to the rainbow bridge.
- See you again one day.
- Your love lights our way.
- A lifetime of love.
- My favorite hello and hardest goodbye.
- Part of our family forever.
- Love never dies.
- Your love healed all.
- Our greatest blessing.

Section 5 of 7:

Famous Quotes About Losing a Dog

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Use famous quotes that celebrate the goodness of dogs. When you’re having trouble putting words to your feelings, consider using a famous quote instead.^{[5]
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Moira Khan
Grief Coach and Educator

Expert Interview} According to therapist Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II, “a relationship with a dog is as important as one with a human being.”^{[6]
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Ebony Eubanks, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II
Therapist

Expert Interview} These famous quotes communicate exactly that.
- His ears were often the first thing to catch my tears.— Elizabeth Barrett Browning
- Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. — Anatole France
- Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because, in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it. — Amy Sedaris
- I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, but instead I am deeply honoured knowing you spent the rest of your life with me. — Camille Marcotte
- If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. — James Herriot
- The littlest feet make the biggest footprint in our hearts. — Author Unknown
- How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. — Winnie the Pooh
- Having a dog will bless you with the happiest days of your life and one of the worst days. — Author Unknown
- A good dog never dies; he always stays, he walks beside you on crisp autumn days. — Mary Carolyn Davies
- Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love; they depart to teach us about loss. — Erica Jong
- Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. — Roger Caras
- No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you feel rich. — Louis Sabin
- Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. — John Grogan
- If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went. — Mark Twain
- If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all. — Author Unknown
- A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. — Josh Billings
- No amount of time can erase the memory of a good dog. — Leo Dworkin
- A new dog never replaces an old dog; it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs, your heart is very big. — Erica Jong
- Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really. — Agnes Sligh Turnbull
- Dogs die. But dogs live, too. They live brave, beautiful lives. They protect their families. And love us. And make our lives a little brighter. And they don’t waste time being afraid of tomorrow. — Dan Gemeinhart
- I heard somebody define heaven once as a place where, when you get there, all the dogs you ever loved run to greet you. — Robert B. Parker
- The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be. — Konrad Lorenz
- Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had. — Thom Jones
- Honor your grief and the pain you feel when you lose a beloved pet. It is the first step toward healing. — Karen A. Anderson
- Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless they’ve owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes. — Gene Hill
- You think dogs will not be in Heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. — Robert Louis Stevenson

Section 6 of 7:

Short Letters for My Dog Who Passed Away

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Writing a letter to your dog can help you connect you to their memory. It’s a chance to say all the things you feel about what your dog meant to you while coping with losing them. Dr. Dorsay suggests to start by asking yourself, “How is my life better after having had this pet? Write a eulogy for your pet and read it to somebody who actually gets it."^{[7]
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Adam Dorsay, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist

Expert Interview} It’s a path to healing that memorializes happy memories and the love you still feel.
- My dearest friend,
  Thank you for the happiness, unconditional love, and snuggles you gave me. I’ll never forget our adventures together. I hope you know that you were and will always be a part of our family. Your memory will live in my heart forever.
- Dear pal,
  It’s hard to express how difficult it was to lose you. I know that your loss was completely out of my control, and I accept it. I tried to give you love until the end, along with all the strength you needed to go on in your journey. I miss you so much every day. You took a piece of my heart with you, one I hope to find again when my time comes, and you’ll be there waiting for me.
  Love,
  Your best friend.
- Dear [Dog's Name],
  I miss you so much. I miss playing with you in the yard and cuddling on the couch. You brought such joy to my life every single day we shared. Thank you for being my friend, and please know that I'll never forget you.
- To my departed friend,
  You were the best dog we could have asked for and brought nothing but happiness into our lives. We’ll forever miss you, but are forever grateful for being able to share your life with you. We hope to see you again at the Rainbow Bridge. Until then, run free and be happy always. We love you.

Section 7 of 7:

Other Ways to Honor Your Dog Who Passed Away

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1
Preserve a paw print. It’s possible to preserve a print of your dog’s paw (or nose) to remember them by. You can keep the print as part of a loving memorial, or add it to a piece of jewelry. This small reminder of the joy your dog brought you is a meaningful way to keep their memory near you at all times.
- Many veterinary offices offer paw or nose prints when a pet passes away, but be sure to ask. It may be something you need to request yourself.
2
Create a keepsake memory box. A special box is the perfect way to keep all your precious memories of your dog in one place. Keep things in there, like their collar, their favorite toy, or a patch of their fur. You can also add photos or other items that remind you of them, and help you cope with their loss.
- Memorial boxes can be personalized with your dog’s name or their photo for an even more touching tribute.
3
Wear a piece of personalized jewelry. Pet memorial jewelry is more popular than ever, and there are many options out there. Some pieces of jewelry simply include your dog’s name, while others can be customized with their photo or even hold a small amount of their ashes (or their fur). Wearing this special accessory can help you feel closer to your dog when you miss them the most.
4
Plant a memorial garden or tree in their honor. Start a vegetable garden or a bed of colorful flowers in your dog’s honor, or purchase a memorial tree. Place a pet grave marker, placard, or stone there with their name or photo on it, so everyone knows whose garden it is. Now, you’ll have a beautiful, peaceful place you can go whenever you want to visit with them.
- If you don’t have the space for an outdoor garden, keep a small tree, shrub, or potted plant/flowers in your dog’s honor.
- You can also get a memorial wind chime with your dog’s name and photo.
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Memorize them with a tattoo or piece of art. If you want to remember your precious pup more permanently, get a tattoo of their name, their image, or their pawprint. You can also include your favorite quote about dogs, or a personalized message you write yourself. Likewise, you can commission an artist to paint a pet portrait of your best pal so you can see it every day.^{[8]
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