Pet Loss. Tips for coping.

December 6, 4:17 PMDC Dogs ExaminerMichelle Critchell

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  Pet Cemetery     Photo Courtesy Ned Horton

This may not be safe for work, especially if you recently lost a pet.

You know how it is, the dog you had for twelve years gave up a valiant fight from illness.  You go to work and want to tell people, “My dog died,” and you even feel a little foolish saying so.  You may even feel foolish you are so sad about the death.  And does anyone really care?  Some might.  Others think it was just an animal- get over it.

If you are like me, animals are an integral part of the family.  We recently went to visit our older son at college and he called several days before we left, asking us to bring the dogs.  The dogs, not four cases of soda from Costco, but the dogs that get so excited to see him and make every family member feel as if they are the favorite person.  The loss of those dogs would leave an emptiness for each of us.

I know others love their pets, too.  How many holiday cards do you get with a photo of the kids with the dog?   Or is it the dog with the kids?

The Humane Society suggests that the grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person or years for another.  The Humane Society also lists ways to explain the loss of a pet to a child, when to get another pet, and if your other pets will feel the loss of their companion.

There are several pet bereavement groups in the area. If you have ever lost a pet you know the sadness one can feel.

You can post a memorial of your dear pet on PetLoss.com.  If you are a sap like me, this is a not safe for work (NSFW) site.

There are also many books written on the topic.   Here is a list of several about pet loss.

Do reach out to others when you have lost a beloved pet.  You may be helpful to someone else's grief, as well.

The following is a very well done video about Pet Support Groups:

Support groups, hotlines, and cemeteries:

Pet Bereavement of Northern Virginia 

Paws 2 Heaven- Washington DC Pet Loss Resources

Paws 2 Heaven- Maryland Pet Loss Resources
 

Iams Pet Loss Support Center Hotline:
1-888-332-7738

Pet Loss Support Hotline (517)432-2696
Staffed by volunteer veterinary students at the University of Michigan, who receive training in grief support. The hotline operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST.

For more hotlines check the Delta Society website.