Saying
Goodbye...
The loss of your companion animal can create an immeasurable
void in your life and, understandably, in your heart. It
may be difficult to imagine a time when you will not be
filled with feelings of hurt and sadness. We can help provide
you with information on grieving, euthanasia, pet loss,
and meaningful ways to memorialize your beloved animal friend.
Pet Loss and Grief...
The death of your companion animal may be one of the most
significant losses of your life. With this profound loss comes
grief and its associated emotional and physical manifestations:
sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, helplessness, crying, fatigue,
or changes in appetite and sleep patterns. It is important
to know that these feelings are normal, and that grieving
is a necessary part of the healing process.
Grieving...
Grieving is a natural way for your mind and body to adjust
to a loss and help heal your emotional wounds. We strongly encourage
you to allow yourself to grieve in a way that gives you the
most comfort. Allowing yourself to feel the sadness, anger,
anguish, and loss will aid in the healing process. Conversely,
repressing your feelings may actually prolong your sadness
and the time for recovery. During this time you may need the
emotional support of family, friends, your veterinarian, and
perhaps a grief counselor. The amount of time required to heal
varies considerably, ranging from days to years. Although
you may feel that you have finished grieving, feelings of
sadness may re-emerge with a holiday, your pet's birthday,
or the anniversary of your pet's death. For this reason, some
experts suggest that you give yourself, at a minimum, one
year to grieve.
Anticipatory Grief...
This form of grief is experienced before the actual loss
of your companion animal. Anticipatory grief is typically
brought about by the diagnosis of a pet's terminal illness
and/or the decision to euthanize. The decision to euthanize
your companion animal may be one of the most difficult to
make. It involves ending the life of your beloved companion
and changing the unique bond that you share with your animal.
However, the decision to euthanize also involves a very
gentle and caring way to end the life of your animal friend.
Family...
No two people grieve alike, even within the same family. Many
families find it helpful to share their feelings of grief
with each other and seek ways to memorialize their pet. Creating
a scrapbook, holding a memorial ceremony, or even planting
a tree in honor of a beloved companion animal may help bring
a sense of closure.
Children...
It is important for your children to see and experience
your grieving process. Being truthful with your children
will also aid in their healing. If your pet is going to
be euthanized, avoid using phrases such as, "put to sleep",
"is very sick", or "is
going away. " These can be difficult concepts for children
to understand. "We are helping Fluffy to die because
we love her very much and do not want her to suffer"
is a more truthful and less ambiguous statement. Make your
pet's death more meaningful by asking your children how
they would like to memorialize their animal friend. Feel
free to call Midlands Pet Care (803) 356-1610 for additional ideas on memorializing your
companion animal.
For more information visit the
article, "Children and Pet Loss" from In the Perspectives July/August,
1994. It is an insightful article written by Laurel Lagoni,
M.S. and Carolyn Butler, M.S.
Other Pets...
The death of a companion animal may affect the other pets
in the household. Pets may grieve by withdrawing from the
family, not eating, crying out in the night and wondering
about the home. These are all normal reactions to grief,
however if such behavior continues for an extended period
of time the animal should have a physical checkup. For more
information regarding pets grief look at the book When Your
Pet Dies By: Christine Adame.
Additional
Contacts...
www.aplb.org
www.aplb.org/frameset4.htm
www.cvm.viuc.edu/CARE/
