Click on list below for more details
– 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
