Pet bereavement

Saying goodbye to a pet is extremely hard. It can be an emotional time as our pets are often seen as another member of the family. We spend a lot of time with them and for lots of people they are the only source of companionship. Many people find coping with loss of a pet particularly painful when there is nobody to talk to or share the same feeling with. Those who don’t have pets can often find it difficult to identify with the emotions that go with the loss of a pet.

We are often faced with difficult situations where our pets have ill health or injury and therefore, we are left with the question when is the right time to let them go?

This is one of the hardest decisions you face as a pet owner but you must think about the quality of life for your pet and what the future looks like for them, with or without treatment. Your vet should always advocate for the animal and should be less emotionally connected. They will be able to give you all of the information necessary for the animal and will be less emotionally connected. Your vet should give you all of the information necessary for the treatment of your animal and all options available. If you don’t like what you are hearing, you can of course request a second opinion.

You can feel sad, lonely or even guilty about decisions you have made. These are valid feelings to have and must be treated like any other bereavement. Our pets may not be human but are no less a friend and just as important to us. Take the time to grieve and try not to shut yourself away. Talk to a friend or family member if possible or even a therapist to help you through the grieving process. Remembering your pet once they have gone is a good thing. It is difficult to think about but usually comforting to have a place or memento to remind you of them. Many people have ashes buried in the garden or scattered in their favourite place. However a simple photo, special candle to light in remembrance of them or even a photo frame with their collar in can create a special space just for them to be remembered.

Some of us feel like the empty space left behind needs to be filled straight away, others feel they need time to grieve. This new pet is not a replacement but a new addition. Make sure the whole family are ready for another animal in your life and try to remember this animal will not be the same as the one you lost.

Many charities such as Blue Cross now offer a pet bereavement service. This service is confidential and if you struggle to talk to friends and family this may be the perfect outlet. Most pet owners have experienced the loss of a pet and will completely understand this traumatic time. The time we have our pets is short but they give us so much more in return. We are so grateful for the time we have with them.

#DyingMattersWeek #PetBereavement #PetsAreFamily #ItsOKnottobeOK #NatureKnowsBest #PurdysAdventures

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