Grief and Loss of a
Pet
The staff at Minster Veterinary Service understands that the death of a pet is very difficult. Whether the death was unexpected or came as a result of age/illness, saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. While everyone may grieve the death in their own ways, we believe the following tips will be helpful if you are dealing with the loss of a pet:
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Recognize that the feelings you are going through are normal. You have lost a family member. It will take time to work through this hard period.
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Familiarize yourself with the stages of grief when it comes to death: DABDA (depression, anger, bargaining, denial, acceptance). There is no certain order to experience these emotions, but they are diagnosed stages that humans experience when grieving the loss of a loved one.
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Talk about your pet and your emotions. If it helps, keep a journal of how you are feeling. Don't be afraid to reach out to others for help. Friends & family who have lost pets will be able to relate to your feelings of sadness.
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Consider making a memorial for your pet when you feel the time is right. Many pet owners find that it helps them to move forward if they create a photo collage or hang up pictures around the house. Others have stated that they find closure by performing an actual funeral for the pet. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Do what feels right for you and your family.
The Following
Websites May Help You Deal with Your Grief Over the Loss
of Your Pet
How to Help Your Children Get Through
This Hard Time
Losing a beloved pet can be especially difficult for children, especially if this is their first experience with death. It is important to be truthful with your children so that they understand what has happened. They need to know that it is okay to ask questions about what has happened. Many young children (younger than 5) may think that if their pet has died, they are going to die as well. They need comforted and reassured that this is not going to happen. Talk to them. Allow them to draw pictures of their pet. Older children may try to hide their feelings, become withdrawn, or react similarly to how an adult may grieve. The following websites may be helpful to you and your child when he or she is grieving the loss of a close pet:
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