Exploring Grief Reactions With Pet Loss

Pets Are Family 

If you or someone you care about has pets, there will be a tremendous sense of loss when that pet dies or has to be euthanized.

Each day with our pet is special and brings joy to both the owner and the owned .

Feelings  with pet loss

Can relate your feelings to those that my family felt about Taffy

• Loneliness - Taffy had been a part of our family for many years.
• Anger - She was such a good dog, why should she have to suffer the indignities of old age, incontinence, arthritis, and blindness?
• Helplessness – No matter what we did, we could not make her comfortable.
• Guilt – We were all so busy and there were many days she had to stay alone.  She would look at us with such sad eyes when she had accidents on the carpet, but we knew it wasn't her fault.
• Sadness - We are all going to genuinely miss Taffy.
• Depression - Life just wouldn't be the same without her.
• Worried - That getting another dog would be disloyal to Taffy.
• Relieved - That she would not have to suffer anymore.

For ideas and resources for celebrating the life of your pet, please see www.deathofmypet.com Judy Helm Wright, the author of this article is a certified Pet Grief Coach and has many packages and programs to help you navigate this difficult time.  Check it out.  You will be glad you did.