Coping with the loss of a pet can be a hard task. As their presence already gives a fulfillment and happiness that nothing can replace. An emotional and personal attachment created over time cannot be forgotten, it is when the pet’s absence leads to the feeling of grief and sadness.
It takes a long time to forget or cope unless some steps are followed to get back to a normal life. Losing a pet is painful as they are always close, loved caring ones who have occupied the mind and attention of the owners. Being good companions to owner leads to missing their pets when they are no longer in the house.
It is essential to understand the Grief process
The feeling of grief cannot be ignored as it is one of the natural responses by a human. It is difficult to believe in their absence. Then, when the feeling of grief arises, that undergoes various stages. Overcoming the stages involves stress and anxiety, but without understanding the stages life can be miserable.
So, it is essential to learn about the different stages of grief and the best way to manage and overcome the stage without bothering anyone.
- Shock and resistant
The loss of pets can be shocking even when they are suffering from diseases or the death may be due to old age. Their warmth, caring, and loyal nature always touch the human soul that does not allow the mind and heart to believe. The mind and heart always want to believe that they are around and will come back. It takes time to believe that the pet will never return.
- Guilt and anger
The guilt of losing a beloved one is never-ending. So, with the emotional attachment to a pet, the feeling of guilt and anger remains with the thought that they will not return. There are no ways to interact with the pet, and as a caretaker, nothing else can be done for their recovery or to avoid the death of the pet.
- Depression or sadness
Kids to adults cannot resist feeling sad and depressed when their lovely pet is not around. It can be a bird, dog, or cat each has warm vibes that are suddenly lost giving a feeling of sadness and loneliness. It is sometimes challenging for many to overcome the stage of grief.
- Acceptance
With time it may be possible to forget the pet when regularly dealing with their absence at home. The acceptance can take a few days to months based on the routine and schedule of daily life. Also, the time spent with the pet matters, less interaction with the pet can help to forget faster. Those owners who spend the greater time will find it difficult to forget them unless they try to accept them over time.
Understanding and knowing about the different stages will help to find out the issues and challenges due to pet loss. It will enable us to navigate the emotions in the proper way to overcome the hard period of grief.
Discovering Ways to Navigate Pet Loss
Losing a pet is sad and heartbreaking as they are the most beloved to the family members. The grief is not limited to one person but to everyone. But some are too close and have to learn to cope for faster recovery from the sadness and emotional struggles of a pet loss.
- Grief is a part that does not avoid
To grieve being emotionally attached is natural, it cannot be avoided. So, resisting grief leads to the cause of denying believing the loss of a pet. It is when it turns to develop further issues such as depression and anxiety.
Allowing one to grieve and cry will ensure to realizes the inner feeling and accept the real fact. Mourning is a part of grief that will help to face the reality of the pet’s absences and enable it to work on the healing process. Suppressing the feelings will lead to to prolonged healing process that is not healthy at all.
- Memorial Building
Build a beautiful memorial in honor of the pet deceased. It will help to consolidate the mind and soul of the pet to rest in peace. It can be in the backyard with bricks or stones with the pet’s name written, some may plant a tree in memory of their pet.
Kids may have their scrapbooks with wonderful memories grabbed in the captured pictures. They can open it and see it any time when they miss it, a small ceremony also works as a great relief from grief. The ceremony can be celebrated with family and friends.
- Journal
Some may find time to write down about their feelings in their diary. While some may journal, it is helpful to express their feelings when they do not find it easy to talk to anyone. It gives a private space for them to open themselves, their feelings, and their expressions.
- Seek Support and talk
Family and friends are the close ones who can support the most when seeking support to overcome painful grief. Talking about the pet and feelings, remembering the good time spent helps to give consolation to the mind. When there is an ear to listen to, it gives emotional support it can make feel comfortable.
- Establish new routines
To break the regularly connected memories that can interfere with daily routine. Such as food time, bedtime, and play time, leads to remembering and missing them. So, establishing new routine will enable us to break the routine, and give new platforms to divert the mind.
- Adopt one if possible
Many pet owners look to adopt a new pet after a few days. It helps to bring new attachments in their way and help to recover from the old grief. New emotions and happy feelings can divert the mind and allow it to feel better and slowly concentrate or focus on a new pet.
Summing Up!
Dealing with pet loss can push you to be isolated and sad. One may not be able to understand that an extended time may have passed to recover. There is no specific timeline to overcome or cope with grief. However, the strategies will help to navigate and support healing and acceptance of pet loss.
