Archive for the ‘Pet Loss’ Category

Anyone who has allowed a pet to become a part of their life understands that a pet is a member of your family. When you lose that pet, whether unexpectedly or from old age, it does not change the fact that a hole has been left in your life. You still need to take the time to grieve your loss until someday, you feel able to celebrate your pet’s life.

Unfortunately, many people do not understand your grief, and their lack of understanding may cause them to inadvertently hurt you further. They may do this by acting as though the pet never existed and your grief is not real, or by making the suggestion that it was just a dog, cat, ferret, or whatever and can be replaced.

If you’ve ever loved a pet, you know that they cannot “just be replaced”, much like a person cannot be replaced. I’d like to offer some suggestions that may help you in your grieving process:

•Do not try to rush yourself through the grief process. Telling yourself that it was just a pet and you shouldn’t feel this way just invalidates your feelings and makes you feel worse. Accept your grief and understand that only time will heal you.

•If you are not comfortable doing so, do not rush to get rid of everything that may remind you of your pet. Sometimes removing everything that reminds us of the pet that has shared our life for years just makes the emptiness seem larger.

•Seek out others who understand how you feel. Many people understand what you are feeling, and an ear and a box of tissues will make you feel better.

•Make a picture collage to celebrate your pet’s life. You can include pictures from every stage of your pet’s life as a reminder of the good times you’ve shared with your pet.

•Light a candle to your pet. On our resources page, there is a link to a website where you can light a “virtual candle” for free. You may find comfort by doing this.

•Buy a picture pet urn or memory box. If you cremate your pet, you can store the ashes in it. If you do not cremate your pet, or if you scatter the ashes, you can store a favorite ball or leash inside to create a memorial to your pet. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be attractive.

•When you are ready to bring another pet into your life, it may be better to get a different breed. The new pet will never replace the one that you lost. It will have its own unique personality and you will enjoy the bonding process more if you are not comparing it to your previous pet.

For additional ideas on coping with pet loss, please visit Petzurn.com

Petzurn.com - Offering ideas on coping with pet loss and supplying affordable pet urns and memory boxes.

By Sally Doyle
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“When I was a teenager, my dog Dora passed away after a venomous snake bit her. I could not believe it; one moment we were all asleep, and the next Dora was barking her lungs out and pawing at the ground, and the third moment she was dead. We could not bear to move her lifeless body out, but it had to be done. My dad buried her at our farm during the early morning hours. I have had many dogs after that, but none of them were quite as special as that one dog - I miss her even today.” - Helena Evans.The bond between humans and their pets is a special one. It cannot be explained, it has to be felt to be understood. Animals offer us a kind of companionship that we cannot get from other human beings: continuous camaraderie, silent support, unstinting devotion and complete control. Little wonder then that people love their pets and consider them to be members of the family. Many pet owners celebrate their pet’s birthdays, anniversaries and even carry their pictures in their wallet.

Love for our pets automatically turns into grief when they die. Like fellow humans, pets also leave a void in the lives of their owners. But, while it is natural to mourn the loss of a human, some may consider it strange if you mourn your animal companion. You may have had a routine with your pet - feeding him, taking him for walks, talking to him, fondling him or funny quirks and tricks. Whatever you did, your pet was always waiting at home for you, willing to accept you unconditionally and responding excitedly every time you went to him. When he suddenly disappears from the scene, it is natural for you to feel abandoned and a little lost - at least for a while.

People deal with grief in different ways. Ideally, you have to acknowledge and deal with your grief before you can move on. The grieving process is individual to every person; it may last for a few days in some cases, in others it may last months or even years.

Here are certain tips to help you deal with your loss:

1) Acknowledge your loss; accept it as a loss and do not try to shrug it off. Even if it’s an animal you have lost, remember that it was an important relationship.

2) Give yourself time to grieve and if any one tells you that ‘it’s just a dog’ or ‘after all, it’s only a cat’ - tell them to find the deepest river and jump in it.

3) You may experience feelings of loss, pain or guilt. Share these feelings with people who can empathize.

4) Allow yourself some time to get over your grief.

Euthanasia and grief:

Grief often becomes laced with guilt and remorse if death occurred due to euthanasia. You know all the reasons, but you may still feel bitter pangs eating away at you. To help yourself get over such feelings, join a pet loss support group, or better yet, prepare a memorial for your pet. Writing down your feelings in a diary also helps.

Seniors and grief:

If you are a senior citizen living alone with your pet or dependent on him for anything, the loss is bound to hit you even harder. Seniors must try to handle their loss by interacting with other family members, joining a support group or even volunteering for social service.

Children and grief:

The loss of a beloved pet affects everyone in the family. It may be your child’s first brush with death. If so, your child may experience natural feelings of guilt, anger, depression and fear. Do not try to protect your child by lying to him. Expressing your own sadness and reassuring the child will help him handle his grief in a positive manner.

Other pets and grief:

The loss of a pet may even cause your other pets to show signs and symptoms of grief. They may refuse to eat or drink or may become lethargic and dull. Or, they may just be affected by your emotional state and distress. Whatever the reasons, treat your other pets with tender loving care and patience.

By Vaughn Balchunas

Our pets are family members we cherish forever. We remember what made them happy and sad, and we begin to find a special place for them to rest. Many have found pet urns, cremation jewelry, and pet caskets to be affordable choices.
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