How to Work Through Grief After the Loss of a Pet

Pets are beloved companions

Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows that the pain is quite real. For many, pets are an important part of the family, and their death is just as meaningful as a human companion. Some people may not be as sympathetic to this type of loss, which can make grieving that much more difficult. The stages of grief are the same as with any other and can include: guilt, denial, anger and depression. Grieving pet owners need to find healthy ways to work through the loss, and to remember their departed companion.

Instructions

1. 

   Cremation Urn

   Memorialize your pet in some special way. Rituals like burying a pet in a special location or choosing cremation both provide a sense of closure, while recognizing their significance in your life. Keep a pet’s ashes, or re-visit its grave site as a healthy way to keep the pet close while learning to let go.

2. 

   Talking with others

   Find a way to express your feelings. Everyone experiences pain and works through it in individual ways. Talking about your feelings with those who understand, especially others who have also lost a pet will make you realize you are not alone. Talk to your veterinarian to see if there is a support group in your area, or other similar resources.

3. 

   Write it down

   Write in a journal, or start a blog, to work through feelings. This is especially important when talking may be too difficult, or you cannot find anyone to talk to. It is important to let go of negative emotions, and writing can be an alternative outlet for this.

4. 

   Use artistic talents

   Stay busy and become more involved in other things. Being distracted from your pain through involvement in other things can be healthy. Concentrate more on family, friends, work, or even start a new hobby. If you happen to be an artistic person, create something new. This can be a special project dedicated to your pet's memory, like a painting or drawing.

5. 

   Stay active

   Stay active. This is different than just being busy, as your body needs to move around. Exercise releases endorphins which are the “feel good” chemicals in your brain. Simply going for walks, doing yoga, or any physical activity can be a great booster.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that it is going to take time, so be patient with yourself. There is no set time limit for grief.

• Generally it is not wise to get a new pet right away. Although it seems like a quick fix, it is more likely to bring about feelings of guilt and possibly resentment toward the new addition. It is better to wait until it feels like the right thing to do. For some that may be months, and for others it may take even longer.

• Keep some mementos of your pet like his collar, a lock of fur or his favorite toy.

• Politely stand your ground if someone is unsympathetic. Just remember they simply don’t feel what you do, but that doesn’t make your feelings any less significant.

References

• Helpguide: Grieving Loss of a Pet

Resources

• Pet Loss: Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss