Grieving from loss of a pet

The loss of a pet is unexpectedly difficult to cope with. The bond we share with our companion animals is so strong that the emotions of loss rival that of human loss. Not everyone sees it that way and may say to you, it is just a dog or cat, get over it. But no, they are a family member and you should be sad and take your time to grieve. Grieving goes on for a long time. Only time will heal.

There are different stages and emotions that you will experience: denial, sadness, anger. At some point acceptance but this will not occur overnight. 

People may say, just get a new pet.  There is not replacement though. Trying to coverup your emotions of loss with the excitement of a new pet will give your brain mixed signals. I do not recommend that. You have to be ready emotionally to get a new pet.

Memorializing your pet can preserve your memories and can help with closure. Some do it by a with a funeral, a gravestone, an urn with ashes, a photo album, paw prints. You are welcome to post your memorial to our facebook site  so your pet can live on and be shared with our community of pet lovers.

If your friends or family are not understanding and supportive of your grief, there are several resources to reach out to.

​For bereavement resources you can visit: 
http://www.petlosshelp.org/bereavementresources.html

We will be thinking of your pet.

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