When you have a companion that is by your side for years, it can be hard to cope with their passing. However, you don’t have to be alone when grieving your pet, there are ways to get help during your time of bereavement.
Let yourself Grieve: You have a right to your feelings and working through the emotions that come with losing a loved one is the only way to heal. There are five main stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. You may go through some or all of these, and it’s important to allow yourself to mourn the loss of your beloved pet in a healthy and open way.
Also, don’t let anyone downgrade your grief. Some people, mostly non pet parents, like to marginalize your loss. They’ll say things like, “Well, at least it wasn’t your parents, or child…” and they may think that they are being helpful by putting things in “perspective” for you; in reality your pet was a member of the family and the pain from their death is real. It’s not only okay to grieve, it’s expected.
Memorial Ceremony: Often people find solace in rituals during a times of stress. Having a funeral or spreading their ashes can be a cathartic part of the healing process. Make sure to talk to your vet about cremation options. Creating a memorials can also help you find closure and even peace in their passing. You don’t have to do anything fancy, even finding a nice rock and using paint pen to mark their name on it for your garden can help their presence live on. There are also places online such as, Pet Loss Memorial Products, where you can pick out the perfect tribute to your pet online.
Get Connected: Find a friend or family member you can talk to and share memories or funny stories. It’s easy to feel a void in your life after you experience a loss, try and fill that empty space with positive emotions and relationships. There are also a lot of resources online where you can connect with other people who have recently lost their pets. Here are a few links you may want to check out if you need some extra support. Once you’re feeling up to it, you may also want to check with your local shelter or pet rescue and volunteer. Helping others is always good for the soul.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Grieving your pet is hard, whether it is expected or sudden, there is no getting around the fact that it hurts. It’s a time of great heartache and emptiness. They become such a part of our daily routines that their absence is almost glaring once they are gone. Make sure to use the resources at hand to help you when you need it and don’t forget celebrate their life and their memory every chance you get.
Karla’s Pet Care is here for you, if you need help in any way. Making a decision to put your precious pet to sleep is heart breaking. We can assist you with making that decision and even meet you and your pet at the vet for that last visit.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help!
