Loss of a Pet
It’s never easy saying goodbye to a beloved and much loved family pet, you’ll know that the depth of grief can be real and perhaps surprising, the hurt can be of a feeing never felt before, can be as deep or deeper than many people have felt when human friends or relatives have passed away and is often comparable.
Many people see it as just pet loss so why the grief, while the majority of us consider our pets to be family members our furry best friends, so what can we do to try and cope with loss, here are a few tips to help you with your grief.
- Allow yourself to cry. Bottling up your emotions is not good for you. Forget all that nonsense that you’re not supposed to mourn an animal as much as you would a person. There was a bond that you cherished, and no matter the nature of the bond, it is missed. Draw on the strength of others to help you through this testing time.
- Tell your friends about the loss. You might send out a mass e-mail, but not to everyone in your address book. Send it to those who know you well, and care about you. You will receive many responses that let you know others loved and appreciated your pet and will validate your feelings, getting comfort from others or those you have never met on your social media can bring you a type of welcome comfort showing you, you are not alone.
- Remember your pet. Even though it makes you sad, it is best to remember and cherish the memories. It may hurt at first, but it’s the only journey to closure, and it’s the only way you’ll ever be able to remember fondly your time with your pet.
- Go on with life. Although losing a pet is very sad, it is no reason to become closed. Your pet has always felt comfort in your comfort, and the sooner you get back on track, the sooner you’ll be yourself again, if you could ask your pet I am sure they would not want you to be sad, and remember they will always be with you in your heart.
There is no time limit for the loss of pet as we all cope with grief in our own ways, but the one thing that is vital in coping is talking and remembering, and although you might not see that you will ever get over this feeling of emptiness, each day will get that little bit lighter and remember these words “Just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean they are not there and will forever be in your heart”