Support for the Loss of Your Pet

One of life’s joys is sharing your life and home with a pet. Few animal lovers would miss out on that experience, although as with any relationship, loss is inevitable. Often the death of a beloved pet can evoke profound sadness. Mental health professionals validate these feelings of grief. Free of the complications of human relationships, pets offer unconditional love and steadfast companionship. Often there is a strong sense of void after the loss, since caring for pets is such a big part of our daily routine.

Foster Animal Hospital offers our heartfelt condolences and encourages you to:

• Accept your grief as natural and deserving of support
• Seek out other pet parents who appreciate the owner–pet bond
• Share your feelings with others; many websites offer support as well
• Consider rituals or other ways to memorialize your pet

Memorials

Take a moment to post a memorial to your pet. Recount your pet’s personality quirks, favorite activities, and your most treasured stories. Set aside some time to recall your bond with your departed friend. Enjoy the memories and take comfort that you will remember your pet with fondness for the remainder of your life. Celebrating your pet’s life may help to transform your sadness.

Articles

Review the articles provided for additional bereavement support, including how to comfort and counsel children in your household.

Coping With Pet Euthanasia

The heart-rending choice to euthanize your pet is one of life’s most difficult decisions. We all come to this decision the best we can. Most people say, “You just know when the time comes.” Nonetheless, it is not uncommon after your pet has passed for you to experience guilt and revisit the decision during the days and weeks that follow. It is important for you to seek support and treat yourself with compassion. Always remember, you exercised the kindest way to take your pet’s discomfort away and that he or she died free of pain or fear.

Many have derived comfort from the poem, Rainbow Bridge. View a video version of Rainbow Bridge here.