Overcoming the Grief of Losing a Pet

Every pet owner will inevitably face the consequence of losing their friend, whether due to illness, accident, or other circumstances. If you have lost a beloved pet, their death can be as emotionally devastating as the loss of a human family member or a close friend, especially if they became a significant part of your life for many years. While the pain you feel may be very intense, other people may be inclined to say “it’s just a dog, a cat, or just a rabbit” since they may not really understand what it feels like to go through such an experience.

The Surge of Different Emotions

It can be normal and natural to feel intense grief over the death of a pet. It is important to note that this loss can trigger other unresolved losses you have had in your life that you may not be aware of. As you experience your sorrowful loss, grief can confront you disguising itself in many different ways and forms, such as;

  • Guilt – Having a pet can mean that you’re completely responsible for its survival. As an owner of a pet that just passed, you may blame and burden yourself with the “If only I…” syndrome, possibly believing you have a part in the accident or illness that claimed the life of your pet.
  • Anger – You may feel infuriated and direct your frustration on the illness, the driver of the car, the veterinarian, and others for having a role in the death of your pet. You can be justified in feeling angry, however, when you harbor the feeling for an extended period of time, it can prevent you from resolving your grief.
  • Denial – It can be difficult to come to terms with the reality that your pet is no longer with you. No wagging tail is going to greet you when you arrive home; no furry friend to be fed, play with, given a bath, etc. All of which may seem unimaginable to live without. You may even feel your pet is still alive somewhere and refuse to get a new pet out of loyalty to your companion that has passes away.
  • Depression – It can be natural to feel depressed during the grieving period. However, extended periods of depression may cause you to feel powerless to rise above your unhappy situation.

It can be valid to feel any or all of these emotions while you mourn for a pet you loved dearly. However, it may be important to remember that you’re not alone and you don’t need to grieve by yourself. You may feel consoled by the knowledge that thousands of pet owners have gone through the loss of their beloved companions and may be feeling the same emotions as you are. The real comfort, however, may come from a professional who can guide you through your painful loss.

Finding Help to Understand the Meaning of Your Loss

Hiding your feelings may only exacerbate the emotions you are experiencing. You may need to work through your feelings, discover other unresolved issues that may need to be addressed, and begin to move on, looking forward to what comes ahead. While family and friends who also love their pets can help to some extent, it may take a professional to put your ALL of your feelings/issues into perspective and assist you in finding peace. At Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC you will find licensed, independently contracted therapists with whom you can express your grief over the loss of a pet that meant so much to you. Therapists can help you to find a meaningful sense of your experience and assist you in resolving issues that keep you from moving forward. Call CCS to request an appointment today.

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