The loss of a pet can be as painful as the loss of a human family member. The process of coming to terms with your loss can take anywhere from a few days to several years. Though everybody deals with grief differently, there are five stages that most people experience in this process. They include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. According to Changing Minds, these steps were first defined by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross as she helped humans come to terms with death. This process is often called the Grief Cycle.
Denial
Soon after the loss of your pet, you may find yourself in denial. You may wake up in the morning expecting to find your beloved pet at the foot of your bed. The Humane Society claims that this stage offers protection to your heart while your brain takes the time it needs to process the loss.
The website Pet-Loss.net advises people suffering from the loss of a pet to find ways to come to terms with the reality of the situation so they can continue through the process of recovery.
Anger
In the anger phase, you will look for someone to blame for your loss. You may blame yourself or a family member. Often, people blame veterinarians for the loss of a pet. In this phase it is important to hold back from making decisions in haste or based purely on emotion. Rely on the support of friends or family members, especially those who have pets or once did. Find ways to work through your anger, like exercising or writing in a journal.
Bargaining
You may feel that there was something you could have done differently to change the situation. You may go through a bargaining phase during which you may try to strike a deal with God. Those in mourning may offer to do things differently in exchange for the return of their pet. Again, it is critical to move through this phase so you can continue the process of healing from your loss.
Depression
In the depression stage, you will start to come to terms with your loss. Help Guide labels feelings of sadness as cues that you need to feel your loss. Depression can render you powerless to deal with your feelings. Depression can take away any motivation or energy you need to proceed with normal activities. You are left to focus on your sorrow. Reflecting on the happy times you shared with your pet will serve as a good distraction from your grief. Memorializing your pet also helps bring closure.
Acceptance
It may take time, but you will eventually come to terms with the loss of your pet. You will always have a special place in your heart for your loved one, but the pain will start to lessen.
Soon you may consider welcoming a new pet into your life. The Humane Society reminds us that each pet is unique. It is not fair to you or an animal to try to replace your lost pet with a new one. If you do choose to adopt or buy a new animal, treat it as an entirely new family member, with its own personality and individuality.
