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“Get over it. It's just a dog.”
People probably think that dog owners are being overly emotional when grieving the loss of a pet.
Well, maybe because they don't understand.
As anyone who has ever loved a dog will attest that a pet is a buddy who died and is gone.
And for many of us, a pet is more than simply a cat or a dog—they are a part of the family who brought happiness and compassion into our lives.
Even research has confirmed that the death of a pet is typically equal to losing a close human relative for most individuals!
That’s why when a furry friend crosses the rainbow bridge, it is not easy to overcome the loss, despite what others may tell you.
How to Cope with Losing a Pet
Our dogs form an incredibly strong link with many of us and are treated as members of the family.
They bring delight, comfort, and for some, even a feeling of purpose. So, when a pet dies, disappears, or is stolen, it can cause a wide range of unpleasant emotions.
Life might often seem empty.
While it may seem that there’s no way out of the despair and depression, there are things you can do to put yourself at ease, handle the pain, and get on the road to healing.
You Do You
Just know that not everyone in your life might be able to understand how deep your grief is.
Some people might not comprehend how upsetting losing a pet can be, which can make you feel like you're acting out.
The grieving process cannot be hurried, and you shouldn't be ashamed of your feelings.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Recognize that your feelings and thoughts are 100% valid.
Take Care of Yourself
Losing a cherished pet may be incredibly stressful and can cause havoc with your daily routine.
It's crucial to continue taking care of yourself, as well as any other animals that may still be living in your home.
Take care of your physical and emotional well-being.
Make sure you eat, sleep, and interact with the people you care about.
Exercise frequently if you can, as this can release endorphins that will improve your mood.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
When dealing with the loss of a pet, there is no time frame for grieving and recovery.
It's crucial to comprehend that there is no reason to feel ashamed and that there is no deadline by which you must heal from the loss.
Pushing away your suffering or grief is the worst thing you can do. This will just slow down the process and prolong your suffering.
Give yourself time to go through the stages of loss, which include denial, anger, guilt, depression, and loneliness before acceptance.
Reach Out to Others
Sharing and expressing your grief with others is one of the finest methods to cope with it.
Many people completely understand and can relate to your situation because they too view their pet as more than just an animal.
By getting in touch with these folks, you can not only feel better after talking to them, but you can also learn how they handled losing a pet.
You could also seek help from professional therapists or counselors if your depression lasts for a prolonged length of time and is affecting your ability to live a normal life.
Take Part in a Ritual or Funeral
Funerals and other related rites enable us to properly mourn the loss.
Saying our final goodbyes will go a long way toward helping you accept your grief and find closure. `
A funeral for a pet is never a waste of time.
Perhaps this kind of mourning would be more generally acknowledged if people understood how profound and intense the link is between humans and their dogs.
This would make it much easier for dog owners to accept death and move on with their life.
Create a Beautiful Memorial
Make a beautiful memorial for your pet, just like you would do for a family member, to honor and keep their memory.
Memorials provide you the chance to reminisce about all the good times you shared with your pet, pay tribute to them, and always remember the happiness and love they brought you.
Remember the Good Times You Had with Your Pet
You won't be able to forget about your pet if they were a close family member. You may, however, choose how you want to remember them.
While some people only recall times of loss, hurt, and rage, others prefer to remember moments of joy, love, and fun.
Spend some time thinking back on the wonderful days you shared to help you remember and keep the memories you had together.
Eventually, you'll cherish those good times whenever you visit the monument for your pet or think about them.
How Can You Help Your Child Cope with Losing a Pet?
Children’s first experience with loss is when a pet passes away or is no longer there.
They might feel as though a beloved family member or best friend has departed.
It's important to talk about the situation with them directly, as well as provide comfort.
Try to put their emotions into words as you explain what happened using clear, simple terms.
Acknowledge their sadness and even help them in participating in a memorial.
The way those close to them react to pet loss may set the tone for how they will handle other losses in the future.
How Does the Loss of a Pet Affect Seniors?
For older people, losing a pet can be especially difficult.
Those who live alone may experience a loss of meaning in life and a profound emptiness.
The death of a pet might bring up painful memories of past losses and serve as a reminder to caregivers of their mortality.
Try talking to your friends and family if you're an elderly person. You may call a pet loss helpline, or even help out at your neighborhood humane organization.
When Should You Introduce a New Pet into Your Home?
Your pet can never be replaced.
Not ever!
But just because losing a pet was upsetting doesn't mean you should never get another one.
In fact, many pet owners have seen that adopting a new animal in need was one of the finest ways to commemorate the memory of the deceased pet and aid in the process of moving on.
Nevertheless, this is a very personal decision and it's usually better to mourn your previous dog before bringing a new canine companion into your home.
Don't feel guilty about getting a new pet because those whom you have loved and lost will always have a special place in your heart.
FAQs about How to Cope with Losing a Pet
Why is the loss of a pet so painful?
The unconditional love of animals is one reason why the death of a pet is such a devastating loss.
This can occasionally feel just as awful or worse than losing a personal friend or relative.
Studies have shown that for most people, pet loss is practically identical to losing a close human relative.
How long does grief last after the loss of a pet?
After a pet dies, acute sorrow symptoms can endure for one to three months, while general grief symptoms often last for six to twelve months.
However, the length of the mourning process varies greatly from one individual to another and can be considerably longer or much shorter.
Do you ever get over the loss of a pet?
In weeks or months, some people start to feel better. Others' grief processes take years to complete.
It's crucial to be patient with yourself and let the grieving process take its course, no matter how you're feeling.
When a cherished pet dies, it's common to experience feelings of sadness, shock, or loneliness.
How to Cope with Losing a Pet: Final Thoughts
The fact that people outlive dogs is what causes most owners to tears.
While we may wish our fluffballs could live forever, the time will come when we have to say our last goodbyes.
So, whether it is due to death or forced separation, it’s only normal to feel extreme levels of sadness, grief, and heartbreak after the loss of a pet.
It's important to understand that recovery is a personal process.
You shouldn't rush through the grieving period, and don't berate yourself if you're still in grief weeks or months after the incident.
For those who feel lost right now, hopefully, we’ve helped you get on the path to feeling better.
To our furry friends who have crossed the rainbow bridge, thank you for all the countless cuddles and sloppy kisses.
Thank you for the love and companionship that once seemed to fill life to the fullest.
