Your pet can sometimes seem like a member of your family, so it's natural to experience a grieving process after you lose your animal friend. While recovering from the loss of a pet, you may find that vocalizing your feelings, finding closure and understanding your feelings allow you to complete the grief and recovery process. As you spend time with your family members and friends, celebrate the memories of your pet and the full life your pet lived.
Step 1
Familiarize yourself with the grief process you may undergo. The traditional Kübler-Ross model of grief can be applied to the loss of a pet, which means you may experience feelings of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. No time limit exists for each stage, but knowing the various stages can help you correctly identify and work through your feelings and emotions.
Step 2
Express your feelings through ways other than words if you find it too painful to talk about, suggests HelpGuide.org. You might choose to make a piece of art work, write a letter or volunteer in honor of your pet. Don't force yourself to talk about the loss and the conditions surrounding the loss until you're ready.
Step 3
Find closure by having a memorial service for your pet, suggests the Humane Society. If the remains are not in your possession, you can skip the burial and instead share a few thoughtful words, pictures and poems with family members. If you'd rather have a burial, you can have a graveside service where you read comforting words through scripture or poems and dedicate the grave, adding a grave marker and saying a prayer or a few words.
Step 4
Talk about the loss of your pet with someone who cares about you and that you trust. Take the time to vocalize the pain that you feel, any regrets and how you feel about facing the future. Whether you talk to a spouse, family member, friend or therapist, it can help you to cope with the feelings of pain, anger and regret following the loss of your pet.
Step 5
Take your time getting a new pet. You don't want to get one to simply replace the pet you lost, warns the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Take at least a month to recover from the loss, so you don't purchase a pet you aren't emotionally ready for. When you are ready, discuss with your family the type of pet you want and vocalize feelings of betrayal in bringing home a new pet.
References
- HelpGuide.org: Grieving the Loss of a Pet
- Humane Society: Coping With the Death of Your Pet
- ASPCA: Commonly Asked Questions when Dealing with the Death of a Pet
- "On Death and Dying"; Elisabeth Kübler-Ross; 1969
