A UNIQUE LOSS
A UNIQUE LOSS
A UNIQUE LOSS
The expectation is that humans normally out live most companion animals. For us, we love them, commit ourselves to looking after them, share our secrets, talk to them and have fun with them. And when they die, we grieve for them in the same way that we grieve for other loved ones. We also may grieve when we lose our pets in other ways, such as 'going missing', 'running away', 'being stolen', and surrendered (due to financial circumstances or other reasons where the owner is no longer able to care for their animal).
When we lose a pet, we lose a relationship unlike any other. We lose the only family member who greets us as soon as we come home, who loves us unconditionally, who we share our deepest secrets with and who accompanies us through our ups and downs without judgement. We may lose our soulmate who who has accompanied us through difficult or meaningful times in our life. it is a unique and uncomplicated relationship. Coping with the death or loss of a pet can be of the most devastating and challenging time in our life.
GRIEVING
A UNIQUE LOSS
A UNIQUE LOSS
Grieving is a natural and normal process of losing a pet.
Unfortunately often the grief for a pet can be undervalued. Some people will say such things as:
- Its only a pet
- You can get another one
- It was meant to be
- He/She/It is in a better place
- You gave it a good life
This encourages you to minimise the feelings you are feeling and may lead you to grieve alone. You may feel embarrassed, ashamed, that you're over-reacting and feel bad about grieving.
Everyone experiences grief differently however some of the common emotions are guilt, extreme sadness and extreme emotional pain. Your feelings may be all over the place, perhaps making you feel like you're going crazy. Remember it's your heart that is broken, not your head.
Some common responses to losing your pet:
- Feeling Numb
- Changes of eating & sleeping patterns
- Poor concentration
- Poor motivation
- Fatigue
You may question "when will this pain go away" "how long does it take" "will i ever get over this" "Is this normal"
Remember you have the right to grieve and you DO NOT need to do it alone. Professional counselling can help you through this process.
COUNSELLING
A UNIQUE LOSS
COUNSELLING
Counselling can provide a safe and confidential place to enable you to discuss the loss of your much loved pet.
Counselling offers you support and guidance to accompany you through the pain of grief and to work through any difficult emotions you experience.