How To Heal From The Loss Of A Family Pet
Pet loss is a tragic event that most Americans will suffer from some time in their lives. Our pets our no longer additions to our families, they are an integral part of the human family bond. When that bond of love is broken by the death of a pet, we can be devastated. We are so attached to our pets that we have given them beds, clothing and special diets. We are totally and completely bonded with our animals that their absence can cause us severe emotional pain. How do we begin to heal from this type of loss and if someone we know has suffered this type of loss, how can we show our sympathy and support for their grief?
The first step is to identify your grief. We may feel guilty or silly at the amount of suffering we are encountering over the loss of a pet. These feelings can be intensified by friends and family that say, "it was just a pet." Know that grief is always present when a love bonded relationship is broken. Your grief is exactly that-yours. No one can tell you how fast you should get through the bereavement process. After you have identified your feelings as grief for your pet, you can begin to take actions to help you heal. Break your routine you normally did with your pet. Get out of the house, go for a walk, the mall or anywhere else to get your mind off of your loss for a short time.
Don't hide from your grief. The author of " Saying Goodbye To The Pet You Loved," Lorri A. Green, suggests scheduling time everyday to think and meditate on your loss. Set a time everyday. When that time is up be sure to get up and think about something else. Start a project or craft that is pleasant to you and begin doing this. Be sure to talk to someone that understands your pain. Another pet lover or someone that has lost a pet will surely understand what you are going through. You may find that you can both support each other.
If someone you know has lost a precious pet, how do you show your sympathy and support? Most importantly, acknowledge their grief. Let them know how much they mean to you and how they are in your thoughts. Send a sympathy card or letter. Many stores and websites are now carrying pet bereavement products such as pet loss gift baskets, sympathy cards and books. These types of gifts let them know that you support them during their time of grief.
When someone is grieving there are a few things we as loved ones want to avoid. Don't offer pep talks or give advice during this time. Be patient with this person and listen to them. You may not know what to say or how to react. This is o.k. Just ask them how they are feeling and offer a listening ear. Don't encourage the bereft to get a new pet or bring them a new one. The grieving person will feel obligated to care for this new animal and it will not replace the deep bond they had with their last one. "Pets, just like people are not easily replaceable,"states Lorri Green.
When someone you love has lost a pet, remember to always keep a listening ear, call frequently to see how they are doing, send greeting cards, notes or letters to let them know just how much you care about them and their well being.
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