Dealing With Grief

Dealing with Grief

For many, the intense bond that we share with our fur's can make saying good by complicated. Because our fur's are beloved members of our family it’s natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness as the loss is often traumatic. While many may not understand the depth of feeling you had for your pet, you should never feel guilty or ashamed about grieving for an animal friend.

Grief can certainly become more complicate by the role he or she played in your life. Such as companion,coworker or therapy pet. coming to terms with his/her loss can be even harder because of the significant and profound ties that are created with them from day to day.

Remember that grieving is a personal and individual experience. Some find that it comes in waves while other's may experience deeper more intense feelings of  denial, anger, guilt or bouts of depression. Sense there is no "normal" time table for grieving, it could take week's,months or even years for you to find and eventually come to the point of acceptance and resolution. 

1. Don't let others tell you how to feel! Your grief is your own, and no one else can tell you when it’s time to “move on” or “get over it.” 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.

2. Reach out to others who have lost pets. Many find that joining a pet loss support group gives them access to others that may have a much better understanding of what you're going through.

3. Rituals. Having a funeral can help you and others to express your feelings. Ignore those whom think or feel that it may be inappropriate and do what feels right for you.

4. Create a Legacy. Create a journal and write down your favorite things that you both shared together. Create a scrapbook with images of you and your beloved that you can share with others. You may also think about putting up something special such as a tombstone, marker or other item as remembrance to your beloved fur.

5. Other Fur's. Maintain your normal routine! Surviving pets can also experience loss when a pet dies, or they may become distressed by your sorrow. Maintaining their daily routines, or even increasing exercise and play times, will not only benefit the surviving pets but may also help to elevate your outlook too.

6. Meaning and Joy. Find a way to give life more meaning by starting a hobby or picking up on an old one, volunteer at a local shelter or other place that may interest you, and when the time is right get another pet and remember to laugh and smile even when you don't feel like it!