It is perfectly normal to feel all the regular and documented stages of grief. So if losing your dog has brought you to your knees and has you feeling angry, guilty, depressed or even if you are in a bit of denial, know that this is all okay. When lose someone we love, it is natural and correct to go through this grief process and it is necessary to deal with our emotions in as healthy a way as possible. Here we will discuss some ways to handle the loss of your beloved dog.
First, do not try to avoid your grief. Recognize it and then let it out. If you need to cry or yell – do it. Express it through writing or poems…what ever makes you feel better is fine to do.
Second, be as rational as you can if a decision to euthanize needs to be made. Consult with your vet and get their opinion regarding euthanizing your dog, but ultimately you will want to make your decision based on what is best for your friend. You may feel that you want to keep your dog with you as long as possible, but is this the right decision for him or her? If they are in serious pain, you want to make the best loving decision that you can for them.
5 Ways To Deal With Losing Your Beloved Dog
If your family or friends love pets, they’ll understand what you’re going through. Don’t hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear strong and calm! Working through your feelings with another person is one of the best ways to put them in perspective and find ways to handle them. Find someone you can talk to about how much the pet meant to you and how much you miss it-someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with.
If you don’t have family or friends who understand, or if you need more help, ask your veterinarian or humane association to recommend a pet loss counselor or support group. Check with your church or hospital for grief counseling. Remember, your grief is genuine and deserving of support. (Read full article here)
Fourth, give any remaining pets lots of love and attention. Dogs and other animals like cats can often form very strong relationships and bonds with each other and they are sure to not only notice the absence of the dog that has passed, they are likely to pick up on your and other family member’s grief and feel quite uneasy. Giving them some extra love will help them as much as it will you.
Fifth, do not rush to get another dog under any circumstances. Allow yourself to grieve and heal from your loss in as long a time as it takes. When you are genuinely ready to move on, do not get a dog that looks like the friend that you lost. Allow the new furry family member to have their own place in your hearts by being their own dog and having their own personality without any comparisons to deal with.