4 Ways to Deal with the Death of a Pet

How to handle a pet's death: parenting advice from Care and Feeding.

The love we tell our pets is as near to a “Pure Love” as we humans can experience. Our pets accept us. They don’t care about our appearance, what kind of money we’ve or don’t have, whether we reside in a big house or small or otherwise not any house in any way. They accept with question our angry days, quiet days, busy days, happy days and sad days. Pets usually do not share such human concepts as aging, days lost, time wasted, or mistakes made and so don’t judge us by them. To them, life really and truly just “is just what it is”. 

Losing a pet can be just as traumatic and as sad as losing a family member. You will struggle with emotions and thoughts, and it could be a difficult time for your children or other family members that loved your pet. With these suggestions, you may be able to cope with the loss and transition you will be facing.

Allow Yourself to Experience Sorrow

No one will understand the bond you have with your furry family member, so don’t listen to critics or individuals that just tell you to move on. Don’t try to circumvent feelings of sadness or grief. Stop trying to stay busy or watch comedies on television to keep your mind off of it. You need to let yourself cry or release your sadness.

Consider a Ceremony

Pets that pass on have often been an important part of a family. It is natural to want closure or to feel that you stood by your pet, even in death. Having a ceremony for your pet can do this. If you aren’t able to bury your pet in the yard, you could contact a local pet cremation San Francisco CA then bury a container with the ashes. Whatever you decide to do, paying respects to your pet is one way to cope with the loss you are feeling.  

Keep Talking

You won’t be able to talk to everyone about your feeling and the loss of your pet, but chances are you have some pet lovers in your network. Being able to talk about the memories is another way to cope with death. There are many veterinarian schools that offer hotline services for those dealing with pet death.

Take Your Time

Don’t rush into getting another pet to replace the ache you may feel. Moving past the sadness and grief will take time, and you need to give yourself that time. Pet family members have an important place in the home, and their deaths are not something to take lightly.

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About the Author: Cathy Prater