A Guide for Pet Loss
As the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) explains, pet loss is a painful and difficult reality of pet ownership. While some people dream about still having their pet in their home, others feel guilty about choosing euthanasia and need to go through a grieving process. It is important to remember that these upsetting feelings are normal and will pass. Guidance will help you understand these emotions and learn how to cope with them more effectively.
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Instructions
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Explain to family members, children and those upset about the loss of your pet that it is normal to feel upset and distressed. Pets become part of the family and losing them means also losing a companion. Understand it is natural to experience negative emotions associated with death.
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Examine your feelings about pet loss so that you can find a solution to deal with them. For example, guilt about having to choose to put down an old or terminally ill pet can be a powerful feeling. It is important to remember that the situation was out of your control, and it was in the best interest of the animal.
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Speak to somebody you trust and be honest about your feelings. Support is a huge benefactor to help you cope. Bottling up tears or frustration is unhealthy because you are not confronting the issue head on.
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Seek reassurance from your veterinarian. Speaking to them will help you realize that the difficult decision to put the animal out of pain should not be a source of guilt that you have betrayed your pet.
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Hold a ceremony or funeral for the pet so that you can say goodbye. By gathering friends and family together, not only can you reminisce about the joy and comfort the pet brought to your lives, but you can have a sense of closure.
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Encourage children to draw a picture or create a collage of images of the lost pet. By doing so, you can remember the pet positively while opening the opportunity to discuss feelings of sadness with them.
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Join an on-line forum, local support group or call a hotline to discuss your feelings with other people. For example, the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement lists support groups available in the U.S. for those who have lost a pet.
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Tips & Warnings
Focus your attention on looking after any other pets you have. This is a welcome distraction to the difficulties you face.
Avoid replacing a lost pet too quickly after its death. It is important to deal with your feelings first, rather than simply obtaining an immediate replacement.
References
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