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-- Some Helpful
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Some Helpful Suggestions After the Loss of a Pet Friend
Be kind to yourself and accept that you are going to feel sad for a
period of time. Simplify your life as much as possible, rest when you can,
and try and maintain good nutrition. Allow yourself a half hour a day to cry
and to be with your own thoughts about your loss. Accept that you may be
distracted and forgetful for some period of time – this is normal.
- Initially you may think you see or hear your deceased pet and that he or
she will be coming into the room at any moment
. It will take time to
adjust to life without your pet friend. This is normal – be kind and patient
with yourself.
- A ritual (funeral) may be helpful in finding closure, especially if this
is a child’s pet or the pet was part of a family with children.
Family
members can write a letter to the pet or say some words (recall a memory) at
the funeral. Favorite toys or objects can be buried with the pet. A Marker or
Stone may be placed at the gravesite or you can Memorialize your pet.
If
the pet cannot be buried, then a place can be found in the house to place a
photo of the pet and a ceremony
performed. This can be left for viewing for a period of time. Or this can be
done at a special place outside and a special marker placed in the memory of
the pet.
- Create a memorial scrapbook that includes photos, letters, and special
memories related to your pet friend.
This will honor the memory and the
activity will help with the process of closure.
- Accept that some people will understand your grieving, while others may
not
. Some people do not bond with animals and cannot understand what you
are going through. Although I cannot imagine a world without dogs, some people
can. So find friends or family who also appreciate animals and can offer you
support.
- Finally, listen to yourself as only you know when you are ready to move
beyond your feelings. Don’t heed any suggestions that don’t feel right
to you. Only you know how you feel and the place your pet friend played in
your life and you played in his or hers. Remember, in time, you will be
able to re-experience life and the possibility of a new pet friend, when you
are
ready.
- It is also helpful to find a
support group, if available, in your area. Possibly your veterinarian will
know of a group in your area or may offer other helpful information. There
is available a Compassionate Telephone Support for Pet Owners in
Grief,
called Pet Friends.
The toll free number for this telephone support is 1-800-404-PETS.
- See also
Losing a Pet in Our Pet Friends and Loss
and Grieving.
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