So many questions arise after a pet dies. This response can be incredibly difficult to deal with because there aren’t answers to every question. Having unanswered questions can end up making someone who is dealing with pet death grief hopeless and depressed. Fortunately, there are many questions that can be answered, which we have included here.
- What is normal when it comes to pet death grief?
Many people wonder if they are grieving normally because their friends or family may have mentioned that they should be over it by a certain time. The reality is that everyone’s pet death grief is different and there is no normal. Some people are severely depressed and remain that way days, weeks, or months. Others will feel mildly sad and feel better after a day or two.
What’s important is that you give yourself as much time as you need to grieve the loss of your pet. If you don’t, you may end up harboring some major issues that will likely come out later in life at surprising times.
- Is it okay to feel guilty over pet loss?
Feeling guilty is perfectly okay and normal. Many people feel guilty when they have to make the hard decision to euthanize their pet. They wonder if they had just tried one more treatment or given it a couple more days, their pet would have recovered. In most cases, the pet wouldn’t have recovered and the decision to euthanize was the best one for the sake of the pet’s suffering.
Dealing with guilt is difficult. Allow yourself to feel that, but don’t allow yourself to get carried away with it. You did what you thought was best at the time. You did not intentionally hurt your pet. Forgive yourself for whatever part you had in your pet’s death.
Always remember: You wouldn’t feel guilty if you were a bad pet parent.
- Am I crazy that I can hear, feel, or see my departed pet?
No, you are not crazy. You have a spiritual connection to your pet, and sometimes that strong bond carries on after your pet leaves this life. These are memories that you are seeing, hearing and feeling. How you felt about your pet is so strong that it makes those sensations real.
If you are bothered by the sensations you’re feeling, speak to someone about them such as a physician, counselor or trusted friend. Usually, venting what’s happening can help you feel better about it and the sensations will cease.
- When is it the right time to get another pet?
There is no set time when you should get another pet. It depends on when you feel ready for one. Some people will get a new pet to replace the one they lost and they do fine with this, while others become very upset. If you’re unsure, look for a new pet, but don’t get one just yet. Get to know some of them, and go home and think about it. See if you can bring one home as a trial, if you still feel as though you’d like to go through with it. By easing into it, you’ll know if it’s the right decision for you.
What are some of your questions? Please leave a comment and we can try to answer them for you as soon as possible.