The Experience of Pet Loss
For many people, the death of a pet means losing a cherished family member who has been a constant companion and source of love in its most innocent and purest form. The animals with which we share our lives and our hearts are frequently the one source of support that remains stable and consistent through the many life changes we experience.
We walk with our pets, we talk with them, we eat with them, we exercise and sleep with them. Why then are we so often surprised by the intensity of emotions we feel when they die? We fall in love with our pets and whether they walk, crawl, or fly, or have fins, fur, or feathers, the loss of such a companion can be heartbreaking. If your pet has died, you have a right to be sad, hurt, angry, confused, or to feel overwhelmed. Any emotions that we feel when a person we love dies are very likely to occur when a pet dies.
What You Might Experience
- Extreme Sadness
- Feelings of Aloneness
- Feeling as Though Your Departed Pet is Present
- Guilt
- Reliving or Revisioning the Death
- Revisiting Prior Losses
- Confusion and Concentration
Things to Remember
You are an individual and your way of grieving will differ from the way other people grieve. Your own grieving process also will differ in intensity and duration from the losses you experience throughout your lifetime. Following is a list of ways that grief can be expressed, and supports healing:
✓ Open expression of emotions such as crying, conversations about loss, etc.
✓ Dedicating time to animal organizations
✓ Committing to make positive changes in your own life
✓ Making scrapbooks or photograph albums of your pet
✓ Keeping a written documentation of your feelings/journaling
Friends or family members may try to convince you to get a new pet before you feel ready. You are the only one who will know if and when it is time for such a commitment. Some people find it helpful to get another pet before the death of their current pet; others find it beneficial shortly after. Some decide to wait weeks, months, or even years. Some people decide not to bring another companion animal into their lives. There is no correct way for everyone to do this and it is most important that you follow your heart in this decision. You are not betraying your pet that has died by bringing another pet into your life. Many people
think of getting a new pet as a tribute to their deceased pet because they have come to realize how wonderful the human-animal bond can be. However, you do want to be certain that you can love your new pet for its own personality and characteristics, and that you do not want it to be like your pet that has died.
Our Pawsitive Compassionate Pet Loss Support
The death of our beloved pet is one of the most challenging experiences we will all have to face sooner or later! In our increasingly fast-paced living, grieving a companion animal can quickly be overlooked! Ignoring grief may impact our psychological & physical health. Although your sadness may be overwhelming, sharing fond memories of your pet
will bring you joy, and the fellowship of our grief group will help you find comfort and peace going forward. Contact us for more information.
Rainbow Bridge Poem
“There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.
So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.”
~ Anonymous
Canine Therapy Massage
Just like people, dogs can get stiff and sore. Massage is a focused, intentional, and deliberate touch to balance, soothe, and energize. Animal massage therapists are animal health professionals who use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques to improve an animal’s physical well-being. As a Canine Massage therapist, I can develop and implement a treatment plan based on your dog’s needs and may work in conjunction with your veterinarian.
Benefits / Applications
- Comforts tired muscles
- Relieves pain by releasing endorphins
- Increases circulation
- Maintains & restores flexibility,
- Increases dog’s self-esteem & lessens behavioral issues
- Releases Stress
- It can help dogs with stress-related issues such as re-homed shelter dogs, those who have lost a friend, or a stressful environment at home
- Competitive dogs will experience improved athletic performance
- Massage can also be used to shorten recovery time after surgical procedures
Puppies & Young Dogs
- Helps them to acclimate to human touch, and accept handling by vets, groomers, etc.
- Improves socialization & increases trust
- Eases tension of new growth stages, including the teething phase
- Gains acceptance of touch, especially to paws
Adult Dogs
- Maintains optimum wellness
- Detects changes that may signal injury or disease
Senior Dogs
- Helps maintain mobility and vitality
- Stimulates circulation and lymphatic system
- Reduces pain and increases comfort