| So you've been devastated by the loss of a family | | | | suffered the pain of losing a beloved animal |
| member... your beloved pet! And you feel like you | | | | themselves. The best thing you can do is simply to |
| might just need pet loss counseling. | | | | forgive them for their ignorance. They really do mean |
| You may be bewildered at the depth of your | | | | well. Let insensitive comments roll off your back, and |
| sadness over losing a pet. After all, it's "just an | | | | don't let them make you feel like you don't have a |
| animal... right?" You and I both know it was much | | | | legitimate right to grieve. Avoid these "well meaning" |
| more than that. First and foremost, you need to | | | | folks and contact that someone you have found |
| understand that you have the right (and need) to | | | | who does care, and will listen to your tale of grief |
| mourn deeply and fully over the loss of your animal | | | | without trying to "fix everything". |
| companion. | | | | If you have found your way to this article, you are |
| Right now, your sadness and distress over your loss | | | | looking for some major help in dealing with your pain |
| has caused you to reach out for help (or you | | | | and grief, perhaps even pet loss counseling. And in |
| wouldn't be here). But first we will discuss some basic | | | | extreme cases, we very much recommend |
| truths about pet loss grief that might help you | | | | professional help. But before you progress to this |
| understand and feel a little better. | | | | major (and probably expensive) intervention, we |
| One of the best things you can do to help yourself is | | | | think you should try to find the support you need |
| realize that although most outsiders don't understand, | | | | from among your friends and family members. |
| you are perfectly justified in your deep feelings of | | | | First, arm yourself with some knowledge and |
| grief and loss. The loss of a beloved family pet can | | | | understanding about the normal grief process. Learn |
| be devastating. In general, our society does not | | | | what reactions you can expect in grief, and find out |
| recognize the significance of pet loss or allow for a | | | | how to make grief more bearable. Visit your public |
| proper bereavement. You may even be embarrassed | | | | library, bookstore or pet supply center and ask for |
| or uneasy about expressing your grief to others, and | | | | information and literature on pet loss and |
| may end up feeling isolated and alone in your grief. | | | | bereavement. |
| When a pet dies, there are no formal and public | | | | It is important to find an understanding, |
| rituals, like a funeral, where sorrow can be openly | | | | nonjudgmental listener who will listen to your story, |
| expressed and emotional support freely given. Since | | | | and let you work through your pain without offering |
| we don't know how to properly deal with pet loss | | | | "quick fixes". It takes time to come to terms with |
| grief, we usually suffer in silence. | | | | your loss, and it will be easier if you can find a |
| Now how do you deal with people who don't | | | | supportive friend to help. |
| understand what you're going through? | | | | If you feel like you need some pet loss counseling to |
| These are three biggies you are sure to hear: | | | | overcome your grief, by all means make an |
| "It was just an animal" | | | | appointment with a grief counselor. You may even |
| "just get over it," OR | | | | find one experienced in pet loss grief. Pull out the |
| "You can always get another pet". | | | | yellow pages and start calling veterinarians in your |
| These only-too-often-heard statements by | | | | area, or call the local pet shelter. Ask if they know of |
| well-meaning friends show a profound lack of | | | | any experienced pet bereavement counselors. Or call |
| understanding and empathy for your pain. | | | | your family physician and ask for a referral to a grief |
| They just don't understand, and have probably never | | | | counselor. |