Pet Loss

[GSDOWNER]

Pet Loss

Pet loss can be a devastating blow for loving pet owners. It is important to understand that grieving pet loss is a process; you need to allow yourself time to experience your emotions and time to heal.
You can expect to feel one or more of the following emotions during the grieving process:

• Guilt – You may feel like you should have done more. Try to put aside feelings of guilt and know you did your best.
• Denial – Some pet owners feel the need to get rid of anything related to the pet. For others, they feel getting rid of things is disloyal.
• Anger – You may feel angry toward those involved somehow in the loss, such as family members, your veterinarian, even God.
• Depression – You may find yourself feeling overwhelmingly sad, and disinterested in daily activities. Seek professional help if your depression continues.
• Acceptance – Eventually, at your own pace, you will accept your pet loss. This is not to say that it will not hurt anymore, but you will accept the reality of the loss.

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When we have grown to love and cherish our pets it is hard to see them go. Often we are in shock and disbelief when we first lose our pet. Many people feel angry toward the vet, themselves, or even their pet.
It is always helpful to talk about it with someone. Share your favorite memories with someone who will listen and understands. Also, remember the good times that you shared with your pet. It will help you deal with the loss. Dig out all those pictures of your pet and your family.


You may find it more difficult to cope around feeding time or the time you would walk or play together. You can either stay busy during these times or you can take this time to talk with someone or do something that will help you remember your friend. Some find comfort in donating either time or money to a pet charity, writing poetry and stories about their pet, talking (either online or in person) with other pet owners who have lost a pet, or even creating a personal memorial to their pet.


Everyone deals with the death of a pet differently, and it's important to let each person handle their grief the way they need to. Whether you choose to write, talk, paint, sew, or simply remember, your grief will lessen with time, though your love never will.

When my Karleigh died my manager stated that the death of your dog is no excuse to miss work! I work as a Train Driver therefore lots of responsibility and lots of time on your own to think! I was totally in pieces and still have a little cry from time to time, and yes I would be the same if anything happened to Flicka. Luckily this particular manager has had a moved on, hopefully his replacement will have a more caring outlook!! And hopefully has or has had a GSD! Maybe he needs to visit this site and get him trained early how much our best friends mean to us!

Lots of love, Kirstie & Flicka.

[LOVEGSD]

That is awful....I think people who have never owned a pet have no idea what a huge part of your life they become and can never truly understand how devastating it is to lose someone you love.

[zaclucy]

Your quite right Lynn, and it must have been horrible for you Kirstie. People who have never had a pet, especially a dog, look at you as if your stupid when you say how upset you were to loose them.

[twinclaire]

Some people don't realise that your pet is your best friend and you should be able to weep for them just as much as a human friend, (more even)
mel xx

Luckily my boss was completely understanding, gave me as much time off as i needed, couldn't go out of the house for a week but told myself that need to 'move on' - as hard as it was. It's only been just over two weeks since my boy passed, so it is still very raw.

At what point do people 'come to terms' with the loss of their loved one.
It's been 3 weeks now and i still can't move past me cuddling him as they gave him 'the injection'.
Maybe 'cos it was a sudden condition, I.E, i had no time to prepare myself for it.
I'd like to 'open up' 'cos you lot have been great - but should i post it on here or on 'In Loving Memory' - My own thread.?
Or keep it to myself?
I don't want to cause any unessessary upset to other members.
Thanks all.

Mark

xxx

[maxandskye]

Originally Posted by GSDFAN1

At what point do people 'come to terms' with the loss of their loved one.
It's been 3 weeks now and i still can't move past me cuddling him as they gave him 'the injection'.
Maybe 'cos it was a sudden condition, I.E, i had no time to prepare myself for it.
I'd like to 'open up' 'cos you lot have been great - but should i post it on here or on 'In Loving Memory' - My own thread.?
Or keep it to myself?
I don't want to cause any unessessary upset to other members.
Thanks all.

Mark

xxx

AWw Mark, I'm so sorry for your loss. Its the most heartwrenching feeling ever, all I would say to you is that time is a great healer, although you will never ever forget.

I had time off work myself (2 weeks) & so did my husband. I have never seen him cry so much, & he is still not ashamed to admit it. Our last boy died over 5 years ago & girl 4 years ago, & I still think of them both every single day, hence my user name Max and Skye.

You must open up Mark, don't keep it to your self sweetheart. Start your own thread & let it all out. This will also be of great help to others going through the same.

We are all here for you, & would hate to think of you bottling up your thoughts.

Look forward to reading your new thread Mark.

Take care.

Thanks, i shall add it to the'My Beloved Ozzy' thread.

[maxandskye]

Originally Posted by GSDFAN1

Thanks, i shall add it to the'My Beloved Ozzy' thread.

Mark, no ! Start your own it will be better.