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Coming to terms with the loss of a family pet is never easy, whether their death was sudden and unexpected or a decision made due to illness. But it’s important to express your feelings says leading veterinary charity, PDSA.
The grieving process consists of many different stages, including disbelief, pain, anger, guilt and acceptance.
The first stage is often disbelief and shock. It may be hard to accept that your pet is no longer with you, especially if they have been in your family for many years, and your house may feel very empty and quiet.
The next stage is often pain, anger and depression. Things that remind you of your pet, such as their toys and bedding or the sound of a neighbour’s pet can be painful to see and hear.
Many people will also experience feelings of guilt, asking themselves what they could have done differently to prevent them becoming ill. These reactions are perfectly normal and the heartache will ease over time.
The last stage of the grieving process is acceptance. Owners should remember the joy their pet brought them and the companionship they shared. It is often comforting to commemorate the life of your pet. There are many ways of doing this such as framing a favourite picture or planting a tree. PDSA offers any owner the opportunity to purchase a pet tribute tag to hang at PDSA’s Paws Forever Pet Tribute Garden (visit www.pdsa.org.uk for more details).
Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, says: “The loss of a companion can be heartbreaking, so make sure you share your feelings with others who understand your loss, and don’t feel embarrassed to show your emotions. If you are struggling to cope with the loss of a pet, there are dedicated pet bereavement counselling services that you can contact, so ask at your veterinary practice for details. Grief affects people in different ways, but gradually, over time, the pain and sense of loss will eventually ease.”
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