How to Cope with the Death of a Pet

Coping with a death of a pet can be hard, but time will gradually make things seem better. Instead of bottling your emotions, there are ways to express your feelings to others. If you have children, you will need to listen and talk about how they feel so they are able to cope.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scrapbook materials
• Photos
• Friends and family

How to Cope with the Death of a Pet

1. Express any emotions you may have before the death takes place. If you have decided to have your pet euthanized due to a medical illness, explain to any children that are attached to the pet what is going on. Tell them that their pet is in a lot of pain and that the doctor can no longer help him. Explain that you don't want the pet to suffer, and that you can help him die in peace.

2. Let yourself cry. Bottling up emotions will only keep you sad longer.

3. Make a scrapbook, post photos or blog about your memories with your pet. This will be hard at first, but you shouldn't act like you never had the pet. Later on this will be something you can look at and help remember your cherished times with your pet.

4. Tell your friends about your pet's death. You will find many people will support you and understand what you're going through. They will offer kind words and tell you how much they loved and appreciated your pet.

5. Keep living your life. Sitting around in your home getting depressed is not a healthy coping strategy.

6. Once you're ready, you can start looking for another pet. This may be soo

Tips & Warnings

• When you decide to get a new pet, consider finding one that looks and acts differently than your previous pet.
• Don't get a new pet thinking it will be like the one before. Remember that every pet is unique and has their own characteristics.
• If you have other pets at home, remember to play with them like you would before. They pick up on feelings very easily and will become sad themselves or think they have done something wrong.