A pet is more than a friend. They are devoted companions who become part of your family. Just as it is with the death of anyone close to you, losing a beloved pet can be a heart wrenching and difficult experience.
Why does losing a pet hurt so much?
Pets become a central part of your life. Playing fetch with your dog or snuggling up with your cat on the couch is as much part of your daily routine as eating meals or showering. It can feel traumatic and leave a profound emptiness in your heart once they are no longer there.
The death of a pet can hurt as much as losing a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. Animals show unconditional love. Their companionship can offer emotional support on bad days. Some pet parents will do everything from celebrate their pets’ birthdays to carry pictures of their furry companions in their wallets.
Forming such a strong bond makes it feel painful when they’re no longer there. It’s perfectly natural and normal to mourn the loss of a beloved pet.
Going through the grieving process with a pet
People who have never had a pet may not understand the bond shared between a pet parent and their pets. They may suggest it is only a cat or dog and to just go buy a new one. Remember that it is normal and healthy to grieve the lost of a beloved pet.
Pet parents go through the five stages of grief:
- denial
- anger
- bargaining
- depression
- acceptance
Grieving is different for everyone and has no set time limit or boundary. Talking about your pet and sharing stories is one way to help you cope while going through the stages of grief and eventually heal. Encourage children, teens and seniors alike to record their memories in a journal or through a poem or story or song. Let them know it’s okay to remember and work through the grief.
End of life care
When your pet nears the end of their life, it is important to make them feel comfortable. This can include things like surrounding them with a warm blanket or giving them a special toy.
Hospice care for pets is one option. Your veterinarian will offer guidance on how to care for an individual pet — that is tailored to their needs — as they near the end.
Euthanasia is sometimes necessary when a pet’s pain becomes too great. It minimizes suffering and allows them to die in peace if they are beyond the point of recovery.
What do you do if a pet dies at home
If your pet dies at home, you may want to bury them or cremate them and hold a funeral. This means you may have to hang onto the body for a few hours until arrangements can be made.
In these situations, it is important to keep the body cool for as long as possible. Store it in a cool place that will draw heat away from the body and preserve it for a short time, until you’re ready to bury or cremate.
Getting a new pet
Take time before looking for a new pet to replace the one you lost. Wait until you have had sufficient time to grieve. Pay attention to your feelings and only adopt a new pet once you’re emotionally ready.
Pet adoption resources
Once you decide to bring a new pet into your home, we can help. We are always on the lookout for loving homes for pets. Sometimes they are pets in our care at Paradise Pet Resorts, and sometimes we work with local pet adoption agencies like the Sonoma Humane Society.
Adopting a pet can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it is important to be prepared. By following this list, you can be sure that you are ready to bring your new friend home.
Maybe not in the Lassie kind of way, but in the emotional kind. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I can tell you first hand that my cat Sphinx is my personal therapist. While I strongly suggest going to a real doctor for help, animals seem to almost have healing powers when it comes to making you feel a little bit human again.The internet is full of viral videos and stories of pets who support their owners through Asperger’s attacks, breakdowns and depression. Sometimes just having someone there who can’t talk to you through words but who will be there for you can be very healing.
Love comes in different forms and the love you receive from your pet is unconditional. They do not care if you are having a bad hair day or showing signs of aging. They might not be there for the rest of your life, but they will forever leave a mark on your heart.
Walking your dog, or taking them to a park is a great way to strike up conversations with other people. I walk shelter dogs sometimes and when I take them to the dog park, I often end up chatting with the other dog owners. Plus, I get to play with their dogs too, which is always a bonus! Even ‘stay at home’ pets can help your social life. Having a pet is a great ice-breaker and who doesn’t love looking at animal photos!
Pets are magnets for adventures, big and small. Imagine all the fun things you can do with your new furry friend from the shelter. Camping, hiking, dog beaches, or simply going to your local café can be exciting.
At Paradise Pet Resorts we partner with many local pet adoption agencies and shelters to find homes for Sonoma County’s dogs and cats in need of a new family to love. As the fall approaches we’re happy to support the work of the ASPCA and the AHA (American Humane Association), two organizations that have joined forces on a national campaign to bring awareness to the many pets in shelters or left homeless or abandoned all over the country.
Our local shelters are good places to find dogs of every age, size, type, and personality, but if you prefer a particular breed that you can’t find at a shelter, we will gladly recommend online sites where you can find breed-specific rescue groups looking for people just like you.
8. They Enjoy Easy Livin’