Wednesday, April 27, 2016

How to Cope with the Death of your Pet

Losing an important person in your life is one of the most difficult things we face as human beings. It is upsetting and devastating. For many people, the loss they feel when they lose a pet is as significant as losing a friend or member of the family. This is not surprising as pets play a big role in our lives. Pets that are our companions and friends leave a big void.

For many people, their pet is a big part of their life. They spend a lot of time with them, take them for walks, and talk to them. Their death is, therefore, likely to be particularly distressing. How do you cope with the death of your furry friend?

It is important to remember that everyone grieves differently. There is not set process or pattern. Many people acknowledge stages of grief, which are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. However, these stages can happen at any time and in any order.

You may find that some people don’t understand how you feel. This may be because they haven’t experienced the relationship you had with your pet. You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed about your feelings. Though devastating, grief is a natural and healthy process.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with grief and loss, and there is no timescale. Some people find the following tips comforting.


Honoring and Celebrating your Pet’s Life

There are many ways to honor and celebrate the life of your pet. This could include setting up a funeral or memorial service for them. During the service, you could talk about your pet, share photos or video footage if you have it.

Some people like to display photos of their friend or set up a dedicated memorial book. Others turn their pets ashes to diamond. This process is completed in a specialist lab, and the result is a beautiful visual memory of your pet.

Talk to Someone

During difficult times like loss, it is helpful to share your feelings with another person. Be completely honest about how you’re feeling. Explain how important your pet was in your life and the void this has now left. Find someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with.

If you feel that you’re unable to cope with these strong emotions, then consider seeing a therapist. He or she will have experience in helping people to come to terms with grief. You can talk openly with them, without judgment.

Look After Yourself

Grief and loss can have a significant impact on your emotional and physical health. Try to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Though you may not feel like it, try to eat and take some exercise.

The loss of a significant person in your life is traumatic and devastating. It may feel as though you will never get over it. You will never forget but in time, you will learn how to live with their loss. Eventually, the memories you have will be a comfort to you.


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