As a pet owner, you are faced with the undeniable fact that your companion has shorter lifespan than yours. At some point in time, you may have to face the death of your friend and companion. It can be a traumatic and devastating experience, and it is just normal to grieve. However, not everyone will grieve in the same way.

Saying a Heartbreaking Goodbye

There can be intense pain that accompanies the loss of a pet that provided you with unconditional love and loyalty. Although you may find it hard to live with their absence, you can eventually come to terms with the fact that your pet is no longer there to feed, cuddle, and play with. If you deeply mourn the pet’s passing for more than a few weeks or months and find it extremely difficult to say goodbye, you may be experiencing complicated grief. Losing a much-loved pet can feel as if it is “the last straw” if you’ve been through a series of unpleasant events.

The grieving process for a pet does not differ much with the loss of a human loved one, especially if your companion had been an integral part of your life. Certain aspects of losing a pet are different, possibly causing it to be more difficult for you to manage the impact of the loss. As you grieve, you may be reminded of the many special things about your pet and the emotions they elicited from you. Without the right support and resources as you grieve, you may feel as if your grief is becoming too overwhelming or unmanageable.

Moving Forward After Your Loss

While the grief you experience after the loss of a pet can be similar to losing a human family member or friend, you may not receive the same understanding and comfort for your sorrow. Not everyone can fully grasp your experience and regard your grief as inappropriately as you may wish. You may feel as if you have to grieve alone, become withdrawn, and/or feel depressed.

Moving forward after the death of a beloved pet may never be easy. Though, this does not mean that you can’t find a path through your grief. Help is available for pet owners like you to enable you to realize you’re not alone and that what you feel is normal.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC is here for you, offering therapeutic support for grieving pet owners. Licensed, independently contracted therapists will help you to be kind to yourself as you’ve been kind to your pet. Calling CCS to request an appointment could be the start of moving forward after your loss. Call today and begin to remember your cherished pet with more smiles than tears.

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