Remembering your pets

The loss of a pet is an often underestimated source of trauma and sadness. People are often stunned to find out how empty their house can feel after the passing of a pet. Pet’s play a unique role in our lives. Pet’s can be companions and friends. They cheer us up when we are down and they make us feel like the most important person in the world the second we walk through the door. Petting pets has shown to reduce stress in humans. Studies by the University of Hawaii’s animal science department showed grief over the loss of a pet lasting over six months for 30-percent of test subjects.

History is filled with humans mourning the passing of their animal companions. The ancient Egyptians mummified their cats to acknowledge their importance. Contemporary methods of pet memorialization include small grave-stones, and porcelain memorial plaques.

Everyone grieves for pets in their own way. Some cope by expressing themselves through poetry, music, or writing letters to their deceased pets. Talk to family and friends about what the pet meant to you and how they dealt with the loss of a pet. Grieving for a pet is a process. During this process you may experience guilt, denial, anger, and depression. These are perfectly normal emotions to got through. Blaming yourself is not the answer. Coming to terms with your feelings is the only way to deal with the loss of a pet and move on.

How one experiences grief is unique. Scientific time-tables for grief do not necessarily dictate how long one’s personal journey through grief will last. Ignoring pain will only make it worse in the long run. Reaching out to others and keeping a normal routine can help in dealing with grief. Remember that there are no right or wrong feelings. One should reflect on his/her feelings to really understand what is bothering him/her.

Animals are very sensitive to any change in the household. One may notice a change in behavior among pets in the household. This is because animals grieve as well.

There are those who feel guilty for wanting to get a new pet. A new pet is not a replacement for an old pet. One way to look at getting a new pet is as a tribute. You loved your first pet so much, that you though a new pet could be a comfort as well.