If you have recently suffered the loss of a pet, it is normal to have your feelings of grief compounded by feelings of guilt. You may have been taking care of your pet through an extended illness, your pet my have been missing, or you maybe you had to make the decision to euthanize.
It is only normal to wonder if you did the right thing.
Chances are you took very good care of your pet, the majority of pet lovers do. It is common for most people to question their decision to euthanize. It's also common to wonder if you made the decision too soon, or too late...or should you have made it all?
I remember feeling guilt when my Chow Chow, Poohbear, was put to sleep. Despite, not keeping her food down, and ultimately refusing to eat, I questioned my decision during the mourning process. Now, Poohbear is a sweet and loving memory in my heart, whose legacy is forever engraved in my family's history. You can feel this way too!
Believe me, if you take some positive steps as you grieve your pet, you will be able to replace your feelings of grief and guilt with a warm remembrance of the life you and your pet shared.
Are you wondering what is "normal" when mourning the loss of your pet?
Keep in mind, it is not uncommon to experience:
Denial
Inability to accept loss
Intense tearfulness
Insomnia
Disorientation
Disbelief
Loss of Appetite
Anger
Isolations
Depression
Feeling that you will never be the same again
Feeling like you are going crazy
Feeling like you cannot handle the intensity of your reaction
How long will it take me to feel better after my pet loss?
No two people will grieve in exactly the same way, and there are not hard, fast rules as to when you will start to move through the stages of grief. Many variables will determine how profound your guilt is, such as the depth of your relationship and the circumstances in which you lost your pet. But taking certain action steps can gently begin to move you towards healing. Time is your ally.
Easing the Pain of Mourning and Guilt - Memorializing your Pet
There are many ways to memorialize your pet. This powerful and affirmative process can be just what you need to get through your guilt and refocus on all of the loving memories and joy your pet brought you.
Consider one of these Action Steps to help ease your guilt:
Post a tribute online - many sites are free, some allow photo
Join an online chat group - many counselors, specializing in pet grief, are available to you online in moderated pet grief chat room
Find a pet cemetery in your area - The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement website has many resource for you
Scatter your pets ashes in a favorite location - you may want to keep a small amount in a special urn or container
Keep a lock of your pets fur - there are special lockets and keepsakes just for pet remembrance
Plant a tree or flower - personalized garden markers and stones can help designate your tribute with a lasting treasure
I have depended on a reputable and compassionate source for online pet memorials, urns, containers, lockets and mementos for my personal pet losses and those of my friends. You may even find that the process of browsing their remembrance products helps you to express your feelings of mourning and guilt.
Visit The Comfort Company for meaningful gifts to comfort those grieving the loss of a pet. I hope it helps you. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your pet.
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