How to cope with the loss of your beloved pet

The loss of a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences you will ever face. Pets are our family members, and their passing can leave us feeling overwhelmed with grief. It really can be hard to cope with the emptiness that you are feeling, for real! It’s purrfectly normal and natural to feel deep sadness, grief and even loneliness when we lose a beloved pet.

It is important to acknowledge your feelings when you are grieving the loss of your pet. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come up, whether it’s sadness, anger, or guilt. Don’t try to push away your feelings or pretend they don’t exist. Grief is an emotional response to loss, and it can manifest itself in many different ways. It’s important to remember that everyone grieves differently, so there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel when you lose a pet. Some people may find themselves feeling angry or numb, while others may experience intense sadness or depression. It’s also common for people to feel guilty or regretful after their pet passes away. If you read my blog post about Eartha Kitten you'll know that I feel guilt about her passing to this day. 

Also keep it in the back of your mind that you don't have to be alone in your grief if you don't want to be. There are many people who understand what you are going through and who are willing to offer support. Cat Folx SF is not the only string in my bow, I am a also certified life coach and consulting hypnotist - although these days I choose to only work with pet guardians.
​I can tailor a care plan specifically for you to cope with your loss. The plan will include referrals to support groups dedicated specifically for those grieving the loss of a beloved pet as well as self care and memorial work. It can even include Hypnosis - which is a very powerful tool to help "let go".
 
Talking with family and friends can also be a very powerful healing tool too, especially when you can reminisce about the life of your beloved. Memories are such powerful anchors. A caring caveat here though.... you will probably be given platitudes and condescending advice from "well-meaning" friends and family. People will tell you all sorts of ridiculous things like: the "grief will pass" (it may not ever pass), that "it was only a pet", or "get another pet so you can move on" and so many other hurtful things. Just ignore them and feel whatever you are feeling. To be blunt I would go as far as to say Fuck that Shit - move on without their "support"

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Finding ways to honor your pet is another way to cope with their passing. You could create a memorial in their honor or make a donation in their name to an animal rescue organization or shelter. You could also write down some of your favorite memories of them or create an album filled with photos and stories about them that you can look back on whenever you need some comfort.

Get Creative.

When we lost the coolest cat in the world - Roxy (she really was so cool - traveling the world with us, taking it all in with no fuss)
​I wrote a children's book entitled "The Coolest Cat in the World" and even tried to get it published. It never was - maybe I'm not such a great writer but Wow! it was a powerful tool in my healing arsenal.

Finally, it is important that you are taking care of YOU! Make sure that you are eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and engaging in the activities that bring joy into your life. This can include giving yourself permission to take time off from work or other obligations if needed. I know, I know.... shocking! but really we wouldn't even think twice about taking time off to mourn a human family member, why should our purry/furry family members be any different?!

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So one last time for the people up the back - No matter how you choose to cope with the loss of your pet, know that it is normal and natural to feel devastated by their passing—and that it is okay for you take all the time you need before moving forward without them by your side

And another thing.... don't be afraid to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief counseling. Again, I am happy to make referrals.
​Wilma

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