Circle of Life in Love, Coping with Losing Your 4 Legged Friend

Given the intense bond most of us share with our animals, it’s natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness. While some people may not understand the depth of feeling you had for your pet, you should never feel guilty or ashamed about grieving for an animal friend. Instead, use these healthy ways to cope with the loss, comfort yourself and others, and begin the process of moving on.

For many people a pet is not “just a dog” or “just a cat.” Pets are beloved members of the family and, when there is detachment, you feel a significant, even traumatic loss. The level of grief depends on factors such as your age and personality, the age of your pet, and the circumstances. Generally, the more significant the loss, the more intense the grief you’ll feel.