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Coping With The Loss of a Beloved Pet
Bivvy
|August 5, 2021
Losing a furry family member is difficult. Your pet is a central part of your life, and their passing can be devastating. Our relationships with our furry family members may be some of the strongest relationships in our lives, providing us with unconditional love. Working through the grief the loss of a pet leaves in our hearts is no easy task. In attempt to help ease your pain, we’ve provided some tips to carry with you throughout your grieving process.
Allow yourself to grieve.
The grieving process cannot be forced or rushed; it happens naturally. You should not be expected to “move on” quickly. The loss of a furry family member can cause one to feel the same amount of grief they would a human and in some cases even more. Pay attention to your own feelings of loss and be good to yourself. This process has no timeline, as everyone heals at their own pace. Be patient with yourself and allow the natural grieving process to ensue.
Express your emotions.
It is crucial to know that you are entitled to feel all the feelings during this difficult time. Give yourself permission to express your grief. Whether you are feeling sad, guilty, angry or frustrated, allow yourself to feel it all. These emotions are normal when facing something as painful as the loss of a pet.
There are various ways you can express your emotions. One great way is through writing. Expressing your feelings in a poem, a journal or a story may be a therapeutic way for you to convey how you are feeling.
Hold a ceremony or service.
Holding a ceremony or service in your pet’s honor is a great idea when dealing with the pain of their loss. A ceremony often allows you to get a sense of closure. This is also a great idea if you have children, as they will be able to say their goodbyes as well. These rituals can be as simple or as complex as you may like.
Reach out for support.
Rely on your friends and family in your time of need. If they were close with your pet, they might be feeling similar emotions to you. Many people find it helpful to reach out to those who understand what you are going through. You may feel as if it’s easier to open up to those who can empathize with what you’re dealing with.
If you would like to reach out and connect with other individuals, there are plenty of other great resources. There are support groups for those who are dealing with the loss of their pet, which could allow you to share a commonality and build a connection. There are also specialists who have previously dealt with the loss of a furry family member and are experienced in discussing the grief that follows a loss.
Here are a few of the many resources that specialize in pet loss:
Seek professional help.
A therapist can be very useful in learning how to overcome your grief. Especially consider seeking help if your grief is persistent and interferes with your ability to function. If your sleep, eating habits, and ability to cope with life are affected, you may benefit from talking with a counselor.
Our Bivvy team knows how strong of an impact our furry family members can have on our lives. We would like to express our deepest condolences to you in this hard time. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an unbearable pain. Your fur baby was lucky to have a pet parent who loved them as much as you!