Dealing with the Death of a Cherished Pet
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The grieving process during the end of a pet's life is different for everyone, but it may include some of the complex emotions of the grief cycle, which are guilt, denial, anger and depression. Experts recommend speaking to others who understand pet loss and can provide support to pet parents.
In addition, many online sites have chat rooms and message boards for grieving pet owners to utilize. Dr. Shanan says that his practice receives many phone calls from grieving pet parents and his well-trained staff will stay on the phone as long as needed, even if there are clients in the waiting room. "When you're at a point as a pet parent and you have a decision that many people say is the most difficult in their life, being heard, being validated, the message they get from us is, of course, you're sad," Dr. Shanan says. "That alone gives the caller some strength that they didn't have earlier."
Memorializing a pet can be a healthy part of the grieving process. Dr. Shanan recommends reminiscing about the pet's life with friends and family. Writing a letter to a pet may help clarify a pet parent's grief. A framed photo or a photo album can help remind a pet parent of their pet. Some people keep the ashes of their pets and bury them in a spot favored by their pet.
Many pet owners wonder if they should get another pet, but can feel guilty about "replacing" their pet. Most animal lovers enjoy the pet relationship so much that they do adopt another pet with they feel the time is right. Michelle says: "I knew I could adopt again because every pet has a distinct personality. My son and I waited about a year until we could handle young cats, and then we looked for months for the right cats for us."
Losing a pet can be one of the most devastating things to happen to a pet owner. Sometimes the loss is sudden, but more often it is the result of an illness or condition that has worsened over time, facing the pet wonder with the difficult decision of whether to euthanize or let the animal die naturally. The fact that it is difficult to gage how much a pet may be suffering makes the decision all the more difficult. Support and understanding are especially important to seek out. For Angela, whose cat, Stones, has been a steadfast friend for nine years, life without her seems empty. "I can't imagine waking through this door and not hav(ing) her here."
Resources
In addition, many online sites have chat rooms and message boards for grieving pet owners to utilize. Dr. Shanan says that his practice receives many phone calls from grieving pet parents and his well-trained staff will stay on the phone as long as needed, even if there are clients in the waiting room. "When you're at a point as a pet parent and you have a decision that many people say is the most difficult in their life, being heard, being validated, the message they get from us is, of course, you're sad," Dr. Shanan says. "That alone gives the caller some strength that they didn't have earlier."
Memorializing a pet can be a healthy part of the grieving process. Dr. Shanan recommends reminiscing about the pet's life with friends and family. Writing a letter to a pet may help clarify a pet parent's grief. A framed photo or a photo album can help remind a pet parent of their pet. Some people keep the ashes of their pets and bury them in a spot favored by their pet.
Many pet owners wonder if they should get another pet, but can feel guilty about "replacing" their pet. Most animal lovers enjoy the pet relationship so much that they do adopt another pet with they feel the time is right. Michelle says: "I knew I could adopt again because every pet has a distinct personality. My son and I waited about a year until we could handle young cats, and then we looked for months for the right cats for us."
Losing a pet can be one of the most devastating things to happen to a pet owner. Sometimes the loss is sudden, but more often it is the result of an illness or condition that has worsened over time, facing the pet wonder with the difficult decision of whether to euthanize or let the animal die naturally. The fact that it is difficult to gage how much a pet may be suffering makes the decision all the more difficult. Support and understanding are especially important to seek out. For Angela, whose cat, Stones, has been a steadfast friend for nine years, life without her seems empty. "I can't imagine waking through this door and not hav(ing) her here."
Resources
- PAWS Chicago, www.pawschicago.org
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