The loss of a beloved pet is always traumatic and there’s no easy way to say goodbye, however there are plenty of online and telephone resources to help you cope with your feelings of grief while honoring the memory of your dear friend.
What to expect after the loss of a pet
A helpful and informative pamphlet from the University of California details what you can expect after the loss of a pet. Grief is an individual process and there is no right or wrong way to mourn. You may go through any number of the classic stages like denial, anger or depression, but not everyone will grieve in the same way. Take it a day at a time, and give yourself permission to follow your own process and to start feeling a little better day by day.
They also suggest some techniques that may help with the mourning period. The first step is to acknowledge your grief and allow yourself to express it. Animals and humans have a close bond and it’s natural to miss a beloved companion. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends if you need support. You can also keep a journal or diary to record your feelings. It’s important, meanwhile, to make sure you eat regularly, and bear in mind that drugs and alcohol can actually amplify feelings of depression.
Reaching out by telephone or internet
If you’re having trouble dealing with your emotions, you may want to seek out a support group. Your vet or local humane society can usually provide you with a list of contacts of nearby groups. Additionally, there are hotlines you can call. The ASPCA hotline can be reached at 1-877-GRIEF-10, and the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph operates a hotline during the school year at 1-877-822-0140.
There are also online resources like the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. Through the APLB website’s online chat room, you can talk with people who are going through a similar experience, and you can even create a virtual memorial for your pet.
The Pet Loss Grief Support Website also has a chat room as well as a message board. Each Monday evening, the group holds a candlelight memorial service, which you can join online.
Children and pet loss
Pet loss can be especially devastating for children, and they may struggle to understand where their friend has gone. The Pet Loss Support Page offers some words of advice: above all else, open and honest communication is essential. Let your children know that you are grieving so they know it’s all right for them to be sad as well. Try to avoid using euphemisms like ‘put to sleep,’ and don’t lie about what has happened by telling them the pet ran away or is living somewhere else. By having a frank discussion and keeping the lines of communication open, you can help them work through their feelings in their own way.
Saying goodbye to a four-legged member of the family is never easy, and it’s important to give yourself the time and space to mourn. But it’s also important to allow yourself to start feeling better, so that the healing process can begin. And remember, if you’re having trouble dealing with your emotions, never be afraid to reach out for help.
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