*GRIEF OVER PET LOSS*

Most of us form a deep attachment to our pets based on strong emotional bonds. There simply is no substitute for the unique, loving and powerful bond we enjoy with our animal companions. Consequently most people feel intense grief when their pet dies and for many people, coping with the death of a pet can be one of the most distressing and difficult experiences of life. For pet owners the grieving process can be especially difficult as society in general does not validate grief over pets. As a result we can end up feeling alone in our grief and embarrassed or even ashamed to express it, which only makes a difficult time even more so.

*EXPERIENCING GRIEF*

The experience of grief is deeply personal and depends on a range of factors including circumstances around the death, the significance of your pet in your life, concurrent crises or problems, availability of support and your previous experiences of grief.

Initially it can be very difficult just to accept that your pet has died even if it was predictable. Grief is always an intense experience emotionally and it can often feel overwhelming just living with the range of emotions that arise. Guilt and anger can be particularly hard to deal with. The nature of grief is unpredictable so you can be feeling alright one minute and distressed and upset the next with seemingly small and irrelevant things triggering you.

It is hard to know how those around you, even your partner or close friends, will react to your grief. They may respond in an unintentionally unhelpful way due to their own discomfort, lack of knowledge in how to support you or in an attempt to shift you out of your pain. You may end up feeling like no one understands or thinking that you have to pretend everything is fine.

*COPING*

The challenges of grief are many from living in such an intense maelstrom of emotions, coping with physical and emotional exhaustion, trying to carry out your normal roles and duties, and adjusting to life without your treasured companion. The foundation of a healthy grieving process lies in giving expression over time to all of the feelings that arise in a safe and supportive environment. It is important not to minimize or try to suppress your grief.

Counselling support helps ease the pain of grief and provides a safe environment to give you the understanding and guidance you need to have a healthy grieving process and work through any difficult emotions and issues. It is important not to feel ashamed to seek support if you are finding it difficult. It really does make a difference.

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