How to cope with the sadness and grief after losing a pet
Nothing compares to the heartbreak of losing a pet, especially if it comes suddenly. For many people, dogs are more than just pets or companions – they are best friends and part of the family. If you have recently lost a beloved pet, you may be wondering how you are going to get along without him. We’ve put together a few ways that can help your cope after losing a pet.
Related:National Pet Memorial Day
Understanding the Grief Process
When you’ve lost a pet, whether it be an unexpected loss or something you have prepared yourself for, know that it is okay to feel grief. Grief is a natural response to loss and it can manifest in different ways for different people. For example, some people go into denial, refusing to acknowledge the fact that their pet is gone and that he won’t be coming back. After denial, many people experience anger – anger at the world or at some higher power for taking their pet away, or even anger at themselves for not doing enough to keep their pet alive. In many cases this anger is irrational but it keeps the individual from acknowledging and accepting the loss of a pet.
Related:Pope Francis Says All Dogs (And Cats) Do Go To Heaven
Coping with Grief
Coping with the loss of a beloved pet can be a difficult process but there are a few things you can do to make the process a bit easier:
Other Suggestions and Tips
Try to remember that you are not the only one experiencing grief over his loss. Your children, for example, may be experiencing death for the first time and they could be confused and scared. Help your child to work through his feelings of grief by expressing your own and offering sympathy and support as you cope with your grief together.
In addition to children and other family members, other pets you own could be affected by the loss of their friend. If your surviving pet(s) had a strong bond with the pet you lost, they may refuse to eat or drink and they could become lethargic. Make sure to give your surviving pets plenty of love and affection and do your best to maintain a normal routine. Do not rush into getting another pet – you and your family need time to grieve and to say goodbye to your pet before you get another. When you do decide to move on, do not feel guilty about doing so. Bringing home a new pet doesn’t mean you are trying to replace the pet you lost, it is simply a way to sharing with a new pet the love you and your family has to give.
