During the years you spent with your pet (even if they were few), he/she became a significant and constant part of your life. It was a source of comfort and companionship, of unconditional love and acceptance, of fun and joy. So don't be surprised if you feel devastated by the loss of such a relationship.
People who don't understand the pet/owner bond may not understand your pain. All that matters, however, is how you feel. Don't let others dictate your feelings: They are valid, and may be extremely painful. But remember, you are not alone: Thousands of pet owners have gone through the same feelings.
Myths and facts over grieving for your pet
“It was just a pet”
Myth: You can overcome feelings of sadness by willing yourself to do so.
Fact: You were in a mutually loving relationship, which you felt deeply. It is natural to grieve the loss of a beloved friend and companion.
“Stop crying or talking about it.”
Myth: You are just making yourself feel worse and prolonging your grief.
Fact: Crying is one of Nature’s ways of releasing internal tension by triggering the release of stress-relieving hormones.
Expressing your feelings helps. In fact, if you don’t find healing ways to express your feelings, they will “bottle up” and be expressed in other ways. For example, you may become angry or impatient with others or find yourself crying for “no reason.”
“You should be over it by now.”
Myth: Grief is short-lived.
Fact: Grieving is individual and has no fixed time limit, although its intensity usually diminishes with time. Be patient and tolerant with yourself during the ebb and flow of emotions which follow your loss.
You don’t “get over” a loss. You learn to live with it. You will always feel some sadness when you think of this pet, just as you remember the good times you enjoyed together
Should your feelings of grief significantly affect your personal, professional, social or emotional life for an extended period of time, you should seek professional help.
“Just get yourself a new pet.”
Myth: One animal can easily slip into the place of another.
Fact: A beloved pet who has died cannot be simply “replaced.” A new pet will have its own personality and will relate to you in its own way. The decision about when or even whether to bring a new pet into your life is very individual; it varies from one pet-lover to another and it must reflect the present life-circumstances of each household. There is no “right” time. Give yourself and your family time. You will know if and when you are ready.
The following Facebook group is a great source of comfort if you feel that you need any extra support following the loss of your dog.
This group is a great source of comfort if you feel that you need any extra support following the loss of your dog.
RAINBOW PETS
