Articles

Dealing with Grief over the Loss of Your Pet

(July 2006) - When we lose a beloved pet a special part of ourselves is lost. Grief affects all of us differently.

The Loss of a Pet

You have to make the painful, but humane, choice of euthanasia after illness or an accident.
Your pet ran away or was stolen.
You are at a loss for words because you have to tell your child that the family pet has died.
You've lost a pet due to divorce or a move.
Your pet has to be removed from your home due the sickness or disability of a family member.

Dealing With Your Grief

Everyday pets confront the risks of traffic, predators, vicious dogs and other animals. Even when your pet dies peacefully at home, losing a pet is one of life's most painful and lonely experiences.

When a pet dies, you may struggle with your grief and wonder at the depth of your pain. It doesn't feel safe to talk about your feelings for fear that somebody might tell you to "get over it and move on" or "it's just an animal".

Your feelings, however, are natural and normal. As a member of your family, your pet was your animal companion. This relationship may have been one of the strongest in your life.

Your grief relects the depth of your love for your pet. The stronger your attachment to your pet, the deeper your grief is likely to be.

Grief affects all of us differently. When we lose beloved pets, a special part of ourselves is lost.

Whatever your loss, there are times when you may need more help and support than your family or friends can give you.

In a counselor's office you will find a safe place to talk about the feelings you may be afraid or embarrassed to express elsewhere.

Photo by Michael Heitz

Alice Fitzgerald is shown here with Toby, her late AustralianShepherd.

Alice is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who is trained to help people deal with grief over the loss of a pet She is a therapist at Centerstone Consulting Associates in Jefferson County, and she shares her home with beloved cats and dogs.

For an appointment call: Alice Fitzgerald, MS, LMHC
Centerstone Consulting Associates of Jefferson County
812-265-1918
3008 N. Bevcher Drive
Madison, Indiana 47250
www.centerstone.org