Losing a pet

Since the human life span long exceeds that of the family pet, chances are you will experience the loss of a companion animal at some point. The death of a family pet can be a time of great sorrow and grief. Only another animal lover can truly understand the intensity of your feelings and the depth of your sense of loss. Suddenly, you are faced with the absence of that daily constant in your life, your loving, loyal, accepting friend and companion. 

The process of grieving may take weeks, months or even years. Common feelings during this time include anger, denial, guilt, sadness and even depression. It is important to acknowledge that grief and don’t feel embarrassed about it. Children will be confused and sad during this time and it is important that they understand they are not to blame in any way. Be honest with them and encourage them to share their feelings by expressing your own. Other pets in the home may also display feelings of grief and they should be reassured with lots of affection. 

Eventually you will arrive at a point of acceptance, when thoughts of your animal evoke feelings and memories of happiness, rather than grief or sorrow. It is important to move forward, in your own time. It is necessary to move past the sadness otherwise you negate the wonderful reality of the life lived by your pet and the important contribution it made. You can keep the significance of your pet alive by honouring its memory. Frame a special photo, create a scrapbook with the children or volunteer at the shelter and help other animals.

The fact that we will likely outlive our pet means we also have the ability to share our lives with numerous animals, if we so wish. When the time seems right, give another animal the opportunity to experience your kindness. Adopt a shelter animal and give it a chance at happiness. Although it will never take the place of your lost friend, it is likely to find its own special place to curl up in your heart. Perhaps it will be the spot where there was, for a while, a tiny void that is now filled again. 

The Lanark Animal Welfare Society offers several ways in which to honour your pet and lost animals can be remembered through memorial donations. Come by the shelter to learn more about your options and the way in which your lost pet will be remembered at LAWS.