Grief Support

Losing a cherished pet can be just as heart-breaking as losing a family member, we are never quite prepared to deal with the loss. Pets help us through sadness, bring us companionship, and overall bring joy into our lives. So, when a pet passes away, grief is felt by the whole family.

There are no rules to grief, everyone is different when it comes to grieving and the healing process. Some people may take weeks or months before the sadness fades, where others may take years. Whatever the circumstances of your loss, remember that grief is personal to you, so you shouldn’t be ashamed about how you feel, or believe that it’s somehow not appropriate to grieve for an animal friend.

There are many reasons for the pain that we feel when our beloved companion passes away, the companionship they share, the unconditional love and joyful moments they give, and even something as simple as a daily routine.

Grief can be complicated by a number of additional factors like guilt or regret, thinking you hadn’t done enough for your pet or wondering if it was the right time to say goodbye.  All thoughts that can stump the natural grieving process, but it is important to remember that it is all a part of grief.

If you are experiencing grief just know that you are not alone and there is always someone there to help. Websites such as www.petsandpeople.com.au have a range of experienced counsellors that can help with pet loss and grief, they also offer a 24/7 pet loss support line.