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Dealing With Grief

Dealing with grief

Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience, one that can cause feelings of overwhelming sadness, physical pain, anger, depression and stress. All of these feelings are a normal part of the grieving process.

Grief is a very natural response to losing someone who has shared part of our life. The process of grieving for a pet can be no different than mourning the death of a human. Everybody handles grief differently. There is no right or wrong way to respond to the emotions that you’re experiencing.

Signs of grief

  • Shock and disbelief
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Physical pains like headaches, muscular pain and flu-like symptoms
  • Stress
  • Feeling lonely
  • Crying, or a reluctance to cry
  • Depression
  • Difficulty concentrating on everyday tasks
  • Losing motivation in normal interests
  • Feeling guilty

Seniors and losing a pet Children and losing a pet

Tips for dealing with grief

Grief is not a temporary state of mind. It may take you weeks, months or years to work through all of the emotions, but at some point, you’ll begin to feel better. You’ll find you’re able to experience joy in life again

  • 1Family & friends Surround yourself with family and friends that understand the special bond you shared with your pet.
  • 2It’s ok to grieve Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel. Your grief is your own and you should let yourself feel whatever you feel without judgment or embarrassment.
  • 3Share stories Reach out to others who have lost a pet and share stories. If you don’t know anyone, you can look at online message boards and pet loss support groups.
  • 4Don’t bottle up Don’t bottle up your feelings. Allow yourself to truly heal by facing your grief and actively dealing with it.
  • 5Hold a memorial Hold a memorial for your pet as a special way to say farewell and get closure. A funeral service can help you and your family express your feelings openly.
  • 6Look after yourself Look after yourself. The stress of losing a pet can deplete your energy and emotional reserves.
  • 7Talk to us Talk to the staff at Pets in Peace at any time you’re finding it difficult to deal with your grief. We’ll always listen and can put you in touch with professional help if you need it.

Seniors and losing a pet

The death of a beloved pet can be very traumatic for retired seniors. If you’re an older adult living alone, your pet was probably your sole companion and gave purpose and joy to your life.

  • Try to find something to fill the time you would have normally spent with your pet. This may be taking up a hobby, helping other people care for their pets, or even getting another pet when the time feels right.
  • Stay connected with your friends. Try to spend time with at least one person a day. Regular face-to-face contact with other will help ward off depression.
  • Keep up your activity levels. If you regularly exercised as part of looking after your pet, it’s important you continue this activity or find another exercise program you could enjoy.

Children and losing a pet

For many children, the loss of a pet may be their first experience of death. This is an opportunity to teach them about coping with the grief and pain that comes with loving another living creature.

Some children feel angry and may blame you for your pet’s death. Other children may feel scared that their other pets, or you, are going to die and leave them. It’s important to talk about these feelings and help them through their grief process.

Some people prefer to shield their children from the sadness of losing a pet by not talking about it and hiding their emotions. This can leave children feeling more confused, frightened and betrayed once they learn the truth.

Helping other pets in your household

It’s important to remember that your other pets may be affected by a missing pet and the suffering experienced by people in the house.

Signs that your pet may be distressed:

  • Disinterest in food
  • Constant searching for the missing pet
  • Waiting in your missing pet’s favourite spot
  • Listless and lethargic behaviour
  • Acts of anger or confusion

With your support, patience and some extra attention, your other pets will recover just as you do.

Need more information? No problem.

For more detailed information on any of our services simply give us a call to speak with one of our caring and supportive team.

1800 100 909

  • Home
  • Memorial Services
    • 24-Hour Service
    • Cremation
    • Funerals
    • Viewings
    • Private Burials
    • Exhumation
  • Commemorative Products
  • Payment Plans
    • About Zip
  • Support
    • Dealing With Grief
    • FAQS
  • Online Memorials
    • Online Memorial Submission
  • About
    • About Pets in Peace
    • Standards & Accreditations
    • Pets In Peace Blog
    • Premises and Facilities
  • Contact
    • Contact Us – Loganholme
    • Contact Us – Clontarf
    • Contact Us – Ipswich
    • Contact Us – Toowoomba
© Pets in Peace 2019 | All rights reserved | Website by Excite Media

Loganholme

Head Office
22/24 Babdoyle Street,
Loganholme Qld 4129

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Clontarf

37 Snook Street,
Clontarf Qld 4019

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Ipswich

333 Brisbane St,
West Ipswich Qld 4305

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Toowoomba

36a Vanity Street
Rockville QLD 4350

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Contact Details

Phone: 07 3801 4518
Free Call: 1800 100 909
Fax: 07 3801 1642

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