COPING WITH THE LOSS OF A PET
It's natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness
when a beloved dog, cat, or other pet dies. For many of us, a pet is
not "just a dog" or "just a cat," but rather a beloved member of our
family, bringing companionship, fun, and joy to our lives. A pet can
add structure to your day, keep you active and social, help you to
overcome setbacks and challenges in life, and even provide a sense
of meaning or purpose. So, when a cherished pet dies, it's normal
to have serious feelings of grief and loss. While we all respond to
loss differently, generally the more significant your pet was to you,
the more intense the emotional pain you'll feel. If you live alone and
the pet was your only companion, coming to terms with their loss can
be even harder.
There are healthy ways to come to terms with your grief and
perhaps even open your heart to another animal companion.
Grieving is a highly individual experience. There are highs and lows.
The lows are likely to be deeper and longer at the beginning. The
grieving process happens only gradually. Some people start to feel
better in weeks, for some it takes months. Feeling sad, shocked, or
lonely is a normal reaction to the loss of a beloved pet. This just
means that you're mourning the loss of an animal you loved, so you
shouldn't feel embarrassed. Grief for our animal companions can
only be dealt with over time. Let yourself feel whatever you feel
without embarrassment or judgment. It's okay to be angry, to cry or
not to cry. It's also okay to laugh, to find moments of joy, and to let go
when you're ready. Here at Four Seasons we are fortunate to have the
Tails and Trails group, where we can find support. Check out online
message boards and pet loss support groups. Preparing a memorial,
planting a tree in memory of your pet, compiling a photo album or
scrapbook, or just talking about favorite moments you enjoyed with
your pet, will help get you through the grieving process.
As you would with any family member or dear friend, remembering
the love, fun and good times you had with your pet is one of the best
ways to create a legacy. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal.net
38 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2021
Tails & Trails - All Pets
Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.
