A Pet Loss Tutorial

Do you have a pet? Do you know anyone who has a pet? Do you or that person that you know have a strong attachment to their pet? The probability is high that you answered yes to one of the above questions. Pets give unconditional love, devotion, and compassion to their owners. Some see their pets in many ways as their children. So when a pet dies it is a serious and difficult ordeal for many. Those who have never enjoyed the companionship of a pet oftentimes do not understand how dealing with the loss of that pet can be so difficult.

In reality, dealing with pet loss can be one of the most difficult grieving processes that an individual goes through. As you learn how to better deal with pet loss yourself, you must first realize that the death of a pet is a deeply saddening event and that you deserve to be able to take time to go through the grieving process. Do not let anyone tell you how quickly you should be able to "move on" or "get over it." There are many stages of grief that most people go through and some take longer than others to find closure with the loss of their pet.

The first emotions that you may feel after the death of a pet may be feelings of disbelief, shock or even denial of the fact that your pet is no longer with you. Past this stage are usually feelings of anger. One begins to ask why their pet had to die or why they were robbed of companionship. If the pet died in an accident there may be anger directed at the one involved in the accident even if that person is you.

Religion also plays a significant role in dealing with pet loss. Many turn to their beliefs of life after death. Some turn against their religion cursing God or bargaining with God over their loss. Children are especially affected by the death of a pet and religious teachings are often very effective in helping them to make sense of what happens after death and what their pet is doing now.

Those who are unable to find answers or who struggle with the prospect that they may never see their pet again may fall into a state of depression. Some individuals are depressed to the point of being sad or blue while others may not be able to escape from this depression without the help of a counselor or therapist.

Once these natural emotions are tackled, an individual is able to accept the passing of their pet and begin to find closure by burial, a remembrance ceremony or by some other means. It is helpful to many to move forward with their lives and leave behind the consumption of grief that they may have felt previously by remembering the good times that they were able to have with their pet (rather than focusing on what times they will no longer have together). Family, friends, your veterinarian or animal hospital workers are all excellent resources for you if you need to talk about how you are feeling.

Additionally, there are a number of pet loss support hotlines that you can utilize as resources to help you as you deal with pet loss. Your pet's veterinarian will most likely be able to provide you with local pet loss support lines as well as any other local pet loss support groups that you may consider attending.

Know that you are not alone as you deal with pet loss and for those who are reading this article in the hopes of better understanding someone you care for who is struggling with the loss of a pet, remember to be compassionate and sympathetic as you help your loved one through this difficult time.

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