Pet Loss

The happiness and joyful moments that pets bring to every owner is something very special. The delightful responsibility of taking them in and making them a part of one’s life offers every owner a matchless satisfaction. The years of providing a safe, healthy, and loving environment for pets have become almost like unforgettable moments; they see you through good times, bad times, marriages, divorces, and even your child’s birth. They become “family” that brings you pride, joy, and loyalty.

However, a time comes when the “constant” becomes a great loss. Pet loss can be a difficult thing to deal with, especially if they’ve been with you for years and have played a very special part in your life. Some people go through pet loss easily, while to others it can be the most difficult situation. Among the hardest and vital parts during the loss of a pet, is searching to understand the situation and analyzing if all that you’re feeling is “all right”.

An owner’s sentiments for loss of pet may encompass their life, but it is actually normal. One has the right to lament, and they can take all the time they need to overcome the situation. In a demanding and hectic world like todays, the key for conquering the sadness of pet loss is to “take the time”.

There are several grief stages in pet loss, and not one of them is absolute. Time frames will vary from one person to another, but generally the stages would include: first, the stage of disbelief/shock/denial; second, the stage of anger; third, the stage of bargaining; fourth, the stage of depression; and the final stage, acceptance/resolution/recovery.

In an ideal world, these different stages are expected to progress from the first stage through the final stage in predictable method. However, they frequently don’t turn out as supposed; a lot of people do not undergo every stage, and virtually everybody will be “in and out” of the stages before they truly start to heal.

A person experiencing pet loss may find themselves almost close to a resolution, and then suddenly a strong memory of the pet knocks them back into denial and anger stage. This however, is understandable and is actually a reality of life. Again, giving time to oneself to heal is very important.

People who experience pet loss as passing “too painfully” may want some caring and very special support, and there are a lot of sources for pet loss support that are available for you:

Your Veterinarian
The person, whom you and your pet trusted for so many years, is also the person that you can turn to. The few people who will understand the loss of pet are those who have helped you care for your pet and assisted you in making decisions. A number of pet owners, who undergo the anger stage, will blame the loss to their veterinarian –talking it over with the pet’s caregiver will help you overcome that part of the loss.

Counseling
Looking for professional help is definitely very common and all right. Depression and grief over pet loss is very real just as it is with the loss of a love one. A number of professionals provide pet loss support groups; with these groups, one can encounter people undergoing the same circumstances, and would understand the grief and share one’s experiences.

Family And Friends
Never overlook this source; a lot of your friends and family have known the pet and recognize your grief, don’t underestimate their capacity to understand what you’re going through. Accepting help form them may be hard, but if a friend offers, consider accepting it.

Pet loss can be a very difficult and painful experience to go through; but as time passes, the hurt will lessen and despair will heal. Remember, healing doesn’t mean you are forgetting your pet; all the many wonderful memories will remain with you.