How to deal with the death of a loved pet?

Question

My childhood pet of 13 years died yesterday and I am taking it very hard. I'm an adult and I don't feel like I should be so upset over the loss of my pet, but I feel as though I 've lost a good friend that I'd known for 13 years. Does anyone have any advice in how to cope with this loss?

Answer 1

Time will fill the void and sadness you feel with smiles the memories of your pet will bring. It takes time. Your pets spirit will live forever in the hearts of those it touched.

Answer 2

Hi it is never easy. My cat of 14 years died last year and I felt just like you do. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Being an adult does not mean u don't have a right to cry and feel as u are. my dad cried like a baby just like i did when my babyboy died. u want 2 know what I feel like crying right now. Let it out accept your emotion 4 what it is. Don't let anyone take that from u. My boyfriends friend at work just lost his cat & he is crying about it just like u& me. your pet was your friend. The only advice I have is let time heal your heart& keep your memories w/ u always. u will see your friend again some day.
sincerely,
alisa

Answer 3

I am sorry for your loss. It doesn't matter how old you are loosing a close friend is hard. I don't understand why people think they shouldn't be upset over loosing a pet. Anyone who has any feelings should know that they can be the best of friends. I think that we have to realize that we are lucky to have had the time with our friend that we had. And just be thankful for that. It might not make it easier, cause we will always miss them. But I believe that they wait in heaven for us also. Check out the Rainbow bridge, its comforting.

Answer 4

First, I am so very sorry about your lose. Pets are like kids. As a matter of fact ALL of my dogs and cats ARE my kids. So again I am so very sorry for you. But try to be happy for your pet. He/she is now in the dog/cat heaven and is playing with all the other animals there. As a matter of fact my dog JD is playing with your pet right now. I had to put her down about two years ago. WOW, did I cry when I did this. I held her in my arms as the vet put her to sleep. It took me a few days but I am happy for her now. As I write this my eyes are tearing up cause I still hurt but you will manage. Just look or see the good from this as your pet will NOT suffer any more. Take care and God bless you and you pet. OH Get yourself another pet as soon as you are able to. This will help.

Answer 5

I'm 22 and have had pets all my life. We had to put down both dogs within 4 days of each other due to old age. It is hard because they were your best pal. I found it easiest to look for another new friend, take the time you need to heal and then decide to get a new pet. It puts the need back into your life and helps you to be happy again.

Answer 6

The term "loved one" applies to companions of all types, human and animal. However, many pet parents are unprepared to deal with the loss of a loved one, even if they have dealt with death in the past.

Your pet was most likely a part of the family, so everyone should be involved in the healing process. Often, family members try to hide their grief, but it’s best to allow everyone to express their feelings so you can all move on.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings with others, such as extended family members, close friends or counselors. It’s best to talk to someone who will listen and understand.

Life and Loss Cycles



Death is a natural part of the life cycle, and grieving is a natural part of death. But when a pet dies, you and your family may experience grief differently.

No two people grieve the same way, but becoming familiar with some patterns may help you be better prepared for times ahead.

There are four common emotions associated with death: denial, anger, guilt, and depression.

Denial may begin when you realize your pet is dying. Facing the reality of your pet’s illness—instead of trying to convince yourself and others that your pet is getting well—helps you better prepare for death.

Anger towards your pet or loved ones is also common. You may feel betrayed by your pet’s death or feel that, because others aren’t showing their grief, they don’t care.

You may find yourself dwelling on your loss and the sadness you feel, a common symptom of depression. Or, you may blame yourself and others for your pet’s death, leading to feelings of guilt.

Knowing that these feelings are common and allowing others to help you through the grieving process is the best way to deal with the loss. Since each family member may have bonded differently with your pet, each person may have a different reaction to the loss. Kids may need some special attention during these times.



Pet Loss Support
The loss of a pet can be emotionally traumatic. Fortunately, there are support resources to help you cope with grief.

Since the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, established the first pet-loss hotline in 1989, many veterinary schools and other organizations have formed their own hotlines to provide sympathetic, nonjudgmental outlets for people facing the death of a family pet.

Most hotlines are staffed by trained, volunteer veterinary students, veterinarians and veterinary technicians. For a list links, click here.



Remembering Your Pet
Here are a few ways to remember your pet:
Write down your memories or create a photo album.
Plant a tree or place a memorial birdbath in your garden.
Make a donation to a pet-related charity.
Your veterinarian or local shelter can help you decide how to put

A New Pet
Just as the grieving process is different for everyone, so is the decision about getting a new pet. You may never want to get a new pet, while other pet parents may adopt right away. Just be sure you and your family are ready to re-adopt before making the decision.

Answer 7

I cried for three weeks because my pet of 14 years died six days after my daughter was born. Part of it was the hormones but I was still very much attatched to that cat. He was my baby. I think you just have to go through the grieving the same as if it was a person. Pets are your babies!

Answer 8

CRY! And CRY! And don't put any limits on how you feel. I had to have my cat, Lex Luther, put down on the 27th, just a few days ago, and I had him for 16 years. Grieving is a funny and unpredicatible emotion, you can't expect anything. There are 5 levels of grieving, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. There are no guarantees in what order you'll feel them or for how long. Give yourself a few days, it will get better. I put a picture of Lex up on the mantle with some roses and a candle and we lite it every night.

Answer 9

Eventually you move on and get a new pet, but you still think of the pet that died and feel sad. I still think of my cat that died a year ago and cry. Sorry for your loss!

Answer 10

cry. You may be an adult, but your still a human and the fact is humans need to cry. When my goat died of old age, I never shed a tear. I thought it would make me feel batter not to cry and just get over it, but I felt worse and worse. I Finlay had a long, hard cry and I felt much better about it. Just remember that he/she died peacefully and in a great home and a great life and with an owner that loved them. She/he is in a better place now.