Your sorrow is valid: ways on how to handle bereavement from your pet’s passing

By Michaela Ann Marie R. Razon

People say that owning a pet is like signing a contract, as you agree to take care of them for the rest of their lives. But like change, nothing is permanent.

Legend claims that pets are angels without wings, the reason for their owners to feel joy and secure under their presence. How can they not be? The cute faces that their fur-babies make after turning their belongings into pieces is surely irresistible, the sound of their paws running excitedly towards them when they come back home is surely a routine they don’t want to end as it eases their weariness, and of course, during those times of uncertainties that the only being which was there for them are their fur-friend is undeniably a heartfelt moment.

Indeed, given such instances, no pet owner will wish for their fur child to not live forever.

Those unfeigned scenes when finished will solidly cause a thorn to a fur parent’s heart for losing a pet is just as hard as losing a loved one. Make your agony mitigate by following some tips from the experts on coping with your canine’s demise.

According to HelpGuide.org, the first thing to do when your pet crosses the rainbow bridge is to recognize your sadness. Let your tears flow down and know that it is not a sign of weakness, rather a symbol of your unending love for your beloved fur-friend. Do not let anyone dictate your feelings and address your grief by freeing yourself to feel any emotions and do not mind others’ judgments towards your behavior.

Secondly, try to connect with other furparents who had the same case, for they will understand what you’re going through. Talking to a person who has the same experiences will let you feel that you’re not alone and they might share some tips too on how they overcome such unhappy moments in their lives.

Third, give your departed pet a burial, for having a decent farewell will lessen the pain you’re feeling. Having a proper goodbye will ease the heavy baggage on your chest as you are able to treat them right until their last breath and make memorabilia, seeing the things they used before will remind you of how happy you were before, and it will help you overcome your agony by focusing on the bright time you had together.

Next, do not forget yourself. Being sad is valid, yet you shouldn’t forget that you must keep going. Keep in mind that had your pet been alive, it would not let you wallow in sorrow. In the instance of getting another one, you should keep doing the routines you used to do with them for it will keep you busy and help you recover soon.

Lastly, try to seek an expert’s help. They can professionally evaluate your situation and can give you the proper medication if you need so.

Truly, we shouldn’t make fun of someone’s grief towards their pet’s death, for we do not know the connection they had for each other. Thus, expressing their sorrows causes no harm to anyone—another reason to let them grief if they want to.

Indeed, having a pet is a responsibility; accepting the call to be a fur-parent means you’re ready for the bright and dark days.