Anyone who has experienced the loss of a pet knows that the bond between humans and animals can be extremely strong. In fact, science has confirmed this. That’s why the grief you may experience with the loss of a pet can be just as intense as what you feel when you lose a human you are close to.
To make matters worse, pet owners are often forced to decide if a pet’s deteriorating health calls for euthanizing the animal. This can add a layer of confusion to the many emotions we feel during this difficult time. For some, the grief will be transitory. For others, it will take some time to heal. There are no quick fixes for making the pain you feel when you lose a pet go away. But there are things you can do to help cope with your grief over the loss of a pet.
Grief and the Loss of a Pet
The grief you feel over the loss of a pet should never be minimized. Whether the animal was a favorite feline, a faithful dog or even a little turtle, pet loss can spark deep feelings of grief in the people who care for the cherished creature. Even young children experience grief after the death of a pet and may act out their sadness. But everyone experiences pet loss differently, so there’s no reason to expect specific behaviors from yourself or others. If you have a friend who is experiencing the loss of a pet, see Helping a Friend Grieve the Loss of a Pet.
You may experience fluctuations in the intensity of your grief for some time. For example, you may think that you are coping fairly well when an empty dog bowl or cat toy creates a rush of grief. This is normal—and you shouldn’t expect otherwise. Remember, what you are feeling is completely normal. One popular theory to explain how our emotions shift is The Five Stages of Grief. Being aware of these emotional shifts can help you understand that what you are feeling is completely normal. To learn more about the Five Stages of Grief click here.
You may never forget your furry friend, but over time you will be able to think about him or her without the deep anguish that comes with a recent loss. While everyone has a different approach to healing, there are some things you can do to help heal the pain of losing a pet.
- Allow yourself to grieve: Don’t minimize your grief. Whether the pet was a favorite feline, a faithful dog or even a little turtle, the loss of a pet can spark deep feelings of grief. Everyone experiences loss differently so there’s no reason to expect specific behaviors.
- Reach out: Turning to a family member, friend, clergy or support group may give you an outlet for expressing your feelings. Sometimes just sharing your feelings with others who understand can help. If you want to reach out but aren’t sure where to turn, pet loss hotlines can help. Do not hesitate to contact a professional if your grief over the loss of a pet is overwhelming you. Your veterinarian may also be able to provide a list of possible places to turn for help.
- Create a ritual: Today many people turn to pet funerals and memorial services as part of the grieving process. The activity of planning can be therapeutic for the entire family. While you may not want to hold a full-blown funeral ceremony, creating a ritual may help you say goodbye and offer comfort and closure. Your ritual can be as simple or as complex as you like.
- Memorialize your pet: Creating a lasting memorial of the time you and your pet spent together helps many people deal with their grief. Some of the most popular ways are to create a special photo album, find a special spot for your pet’s remains or to have a special burial spot. See Creating a Lasting Memorial to Honor Your Pet for some other ideas on how you can create a memorial to your pet.
- Give yourself a break: There is no need to put yourself on a grief timetable. You should take care of yourself by eating right and getting enough rest. Taking care of your physical and emotional needs will help you heal more quickly. Pay attention to your own feelings of loss and be good to yourself.
For additional information related to the loss of a pet, see Making Arrangements After the Loss of a Pet.
(article courtesy of Funeralwise, LLC; see it here)