Dealing with Pet Loss

Pets are a part of the family and grief is felt when they are lost, just as one would grieve over the loss of a family member or a close friend. In fact, dealing with pet loss is more difficult that of losing a human family member or friend for some people. Part of the reason for this is because there is less pet loss support. When a human is lost everyone understands, but when a pet is lost not everyone is going to understand the situation. This is why many companies are now offering pet loss services.

Pet Loss Services

The focus of many companies that offer pet loss help is to allow individuals to express grief so the healing process can start. Without help for pet loss grief, the healing process can often take a lot longer. These companies focus on pet loss help by allowing people to do something as well as talk. Pet loss companies will help with pet loss memory by offering such services as a drawing of the pet urns or memorials, a nametag for your key ring, pet loss quotes from a poem or story, a memorial photo album, and even having a memorial service.

The most important part of a pet loss service is to provide pet loss counseling. If you have ever had someone close to you die then you realize the importance of having someone to talk to. While family and friends can be very supportive, they may not completely understand how important a pet is to a person. This is why many pet loss companies provide counseling services. You can talk with someone who truly understands what one feels during pet loss.

The Stages of Grief

Dealing with pet loss is a complex process that has many stages. Understanding these stages and their sequence can help people through the process. If you are aware of the stage you are in, it makes it easier to realize how you are progressing. For others, knowing the stages allows them to assist a family member or friend through the grieving process.

First is denial. People don't feel that their pet is really dead. This can be true if the pet loss was the result of a traumatic incident or sudden disease. Next comes bargaining in which the person is bargaining with their pet. If the pet recovers, they will never yell at them again. This stage is common if people have a pet that is undergoing a long-term illness.

Second is anger which typically comes after denial. This anger can be directed at anyone and sometimes even towards oneself in the form of guilt. Some will blame themselves, thinking that their pet would have lived if they had taken it to the hospital earlier. Others blame the pet for leaving them alone. Some will even blame the veterinarian involved, feeling they didn't receive proper care.

Third is sorrow. This is the grief portion of pet loss. At this time people won't want to do much of anything, some even to the point that they stop eating and sleeping. It is important that people who understand the grieving process help individuals through this step. Talk with them, show them someone understands and cares, make sure they take care of themselves. Never rush a person through the grieving stage of pet loss, but rather make the process easier for them.

Fourth is resolution. This is the final part of pet loss. This is when people turn to the good memories and reflect on the time they had with their pet. While this may be the final stage in the grief cycle, it is important to realize that people will never stop feeling pet loss. Sometimes people will continue to experience periods of grief for years to come. These emotions will often peak around the time of the pet's death anniversary.

What about Other Pets?

One aspect of pet loss that is often overlooked is the other pets in your household. If another pet in the household dies then the remaining animals may stop eating, playing, or even interacting with you. Pets experience their own grief just the same as humans and need to be helped through the process after pet loss is experienced. The best way to do this is by keeping your pets routine as normal as possible. You may want to play with them more or take them on more walks, this not only benefit's the pet but you as well. Never make an animal's grief worse by avoiding them or changing their lifestyle. This will only further confuse and sadden your pet. If a pet becomes too depressed, you may need to take them to the veterinarian to be checked out for physical ailments.

Remember that suffering pet loss is a hard experience, but eventually everything will be fine. There will always be difficult moments, long after you have gained acceptance. When it becomes difficult, try to remember the good times and focus on the positive memories, this will help you get through the difficult times.