Pets often become just like members of your family. They eat, sleep, play and love with you, and when they die, the grief process is often the same as if a person in your family passed away. Guilt, denial, anger and depression can all follow the death of a pet, and allowing yourself ample time to grieve is the best way to cope with this loss. Take your time, find sympathetic ears and learn to celebrate your pet's happy life once you've come through the grief process.
Step 1
Allow yourself to grieve, recommends HelpGuide.org. While some cynics may be incredulous that you should be so sad over the loss of a cat, dog or other pet, only you know the true relationship that you shared with your pet. Allow yourself to feel sad or cry to move through the grief process.
Step 2
Talk to someone who is willing to lend a listening and supportive ear, says The Humane Society. You can talk about happier times, explain if you feel guilty or sad for your pet's demise. If you don't have anyone whom you can talk to, writing out your feelings in a journal or diary can have the same effect, and allow you to express some of what you're feeling.
Step 3
Commemorate your pet's life by talking freely about her and the impact that she had on your family together. This is especially helpful for small children, who likely are experiencing death for the first time through the loss of a pet. Talk about how happy he made your family, and go through photo albums to see pictures of him. Feel happy that you had such a loving pet in your life.
Step 4
Memorialize your pet in some way. While a funeral or memorial may not always be possible, you can put up a picture in your home, hang a collar on your wall or keep a beloved toy to remind your of your pet. Have one of your children write a poem for your pet, or blow bubbles at the dog park in her honor. Take time to properly say goodbye, so you gain closure of the incident.
Step 5
Avoid rushing into getting a new pet immediately, warns Pet-Loss.net. Take time to properly grieve, or you may run the risk of getting a new pet that you aren't ready for. Wait until you are ready to move forward and are happy to get a pet that looks, acts and is different than the pet you lost. Preserve your pet's memory by allowing him to be an individual, and don't purchase a look-a-like pet or give your new pet the same name.
