Loss of a Pet
So many people I know have lost pets this winter. Dogs and cats have been transitioning from this world all winter long. I thought it would be helpful to “talk” a bit about grief and the loss of a pet.
Know that when you experience a loss it can bring up other losses. You are not only grieving the current loss; you are also grieving all previous losses. The pet you lost was loved, s/he was part of your family and had a home under your roof and also in your heart. The five stages of grief are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Know that the grief process is not linear but cyclical and one does not “complete” grieving – it is a process.
Be gentle with yourself and ask others to be gentle with you as well.
Here are some additional resources: (sorry, the links are broken, please copy & paste)
Lap of Love provides in-home hospice care and in-home euthanasia. Did you know that euthanasia means “good death”? www.lapoflove.com
Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement www.aplb.org
www.petloss.net
Complete directory of pet loss services www.Paws2Heaven.com
Books for Children about Pet Loss
When a Pet Dies…….F Rogers
Dog Heaven…….C Rylant
Cat Heaven…….C Rylant
Books for Adults about Pet Loss
Grieving the Death of a Pet…….B Carmack
Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet…….M Anderson
Pet Loss & Human Bereavement…….W Kay
Animals as Teachers and Healers …….S McElroy
It’s Okay to Cry…….M L Quintana
Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults & Children…….H Neiburg
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. –Dr. Seuss