If you are a pet lover, you have probably been through the process of grieving for a pet that has passed.
The truth is, the process can be so painful it can feel insurmountable.
You may also be dealing with the suggestions of well wishers who think the way to grieve is set out in a specific way.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Though there are steps in grief that are often experienced by many, there is no one way to grieve.
The intentions of others can actually make the process more painful.
Certainly we know our friends and family would not consciously make the process more difficult, but that is exactly what can happen.
When you lose a pet it can very well feel like the loss of a family member.
We become attached to our pets and they become part of our everyday routine and an important part of our memories.
What some may see as merely the passing of an animal, can create a gut wrenching experience for the rest of us.
It is important to remember what you are feeling is normal - normal for you.
You don't have to go through the process in a certain way, and feeling extreme feelings is something that happens.
There are myths about the loss of a pet that can cloud our progress and make us think we are not being rational.
Here are just a few.
Myth #1: People who experience intense grief over a pet who died, (or will die), are weird.
Myth #2: The loss of a pet is insignificant when compared to the loss of human life.
To grieve for the loss of a pet devalues the importance of human relationships.
Myth #3: It's best to replace the lost pet as quickly as possible to ease the pain of loss.
Myth #4: You should mourn alone.
Be strong and independent when it comes to this.
Don't burden others with your problems.
Myth #5: You should "just get over it.
" Myth #6: You're selfish if you euthanize your pet.
Myth #7: The best way to cope is to suppress and bury your grief.
Keep busy so as not to dwell on your trouble.
Myth #8: When people talk with sadness about missing their furbaby, it's best to redirect their attention to pleasant memories they have about the pet.
Myth #9: Time heals all wounds.
Just give it enough time and you'll no longer feel so bad.
Myth #10: The best way to protect yourself from the pain of pet loss is to not get another pet, ever again.
Remember to be gentle with yourself.
Losing a great love is painful and deserves to be treated with respect.
Find a pet grief group in your area or on line and and allow others who feel the same, to help you work through your grief.
You are entitled to feel your pain and with support and time, you will get through it and discomfort will be replaced with pleasant memories.
The truth is, the process can be so painful it can feel insurmountable.
You may also be dealing with the suggestions of well wishers who think the way to grieve is set out in a specific way.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Though there are steps in grief that are often experienced by many, there is no one way to grieve.
The intentions of others can actually make the process more painful.
Certainly we know our friends and family would not consciously make the process more difficult, but that is exactly what can happen.
When you lose a pet it can very well feel like the loss of a family member.
We become attached to our pets and they become part of our everyday routine and an important part of our memories.
What some may see as merely the passing of an animal, can create a gut wrenching experience for the rest of us.
It is important to remember what you are feeling is normal - normal for you.
You don't have to go through the process in a certain way, and feeling extreme feelings is something that happens.
There are myths about the loss of a pet that can cloud our progress and make us think we are not being rational.
Here are just a few.
Myth #1: People who experience intense grief over a pet who died, (or will die), are weird.
Myth #2: The loss of a pet is insignificant when compared to the loss of human life.
To grieve for the loss of a pet devalues the importance of human relationships.
Myth #3: It's best to replace the lost pet as quickly as possible to ease the pain of loss.
Myth #4: You should mourn alone.
Be strong and independent when it comes to this.
Don't burden others with your problems.
Myth #5: You should "just get over it.
" Myth #6: You're selfish if you euthanize your pet.
Myth #7: The best way to cope is to suppress and bury your grief.
Keep busy so as not to dwell on your trouble.
Myth #8: When people talk with sadness about missing their furbaby, it's best to redirect their attention to pleasant memories they have about the pet.
Myth #9: Time heals all wounds.
Just give it enough time and you'll no longer feel so bad.
Myth #10: The best way to protect yourself from the pain of pet loss is to not get another pet, ever again.
Remember to be gentle with yourself.
Losing a great love is painful and deserves to be treated with respect.
Find a pet grief group in your area or on line and and allow others who feel the same, to help you work through your grief.
You are entitled to feel your pain and with support and time, you will get through it and discomfort will be replaced with pleasant memories.
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