Loss
Of A Companion
Pet death is an inevitable part of pet ownership
because of their relatively short life span. Despite the inevitability of the
death of a companion animal, it may be one of the most significant losses an owner
experiences due to the depth of the human-animal bond. For many people the death
of their pet is less stressful than the death of a human member of their immediate
family, but more stressful than the death of other relatives. As a result of the
emotional and social relationships, their death elicits strong feelings that often
parallel the grief response to the loss of a human companion. Up to 75% of owners
experience difficulties of disruptions in their lives after pets die.
Sometimes
the death of a pet can be very unexpected, the result of a car accident or sudden
illness.Other times, the very emotional decision of Euthanasia has to be taken.
Letting go of a treasured companion is never easy and our vets will guide you
about when the time is right.
The loss of a pet may have many more
implications other than the loss of companionship.
The absence of the pet
often creates secondary disruptions resulting in the loss of enjoyable past times
such as walking the dog or a loss of emotional support that a pet offered.
The loss of a pet may leave a lot of unanswered questions, particularly if the
pet died unexpectedly or without known cause. This is also the case with pets
who go missing or who have been surrendered to Welfare Societies and who’s
fate is unknown. In these situations it is unclear when an owner should stop asking
questions and should accept the loss of the pet.
One overlooked area
of pet loss is known as symbolic loss where the pet represented a last link with
special people now departed. The pet’s death removes those links and old
losses are re-grieved in conjunction with current ones. Grief due to symbolic
loss is often very intense.
Grief is an almost inevitable consequence of
pet loss. There are may myths relating to grief that actually prolong the grieving
process - such as remaining strong and composed, or staying busy after pet loss.
Our UK trained nurse, is a trained
bereavement counsellor & can offer counselling, advice and support for pet
owners who are considering euthanasia or grieving for the loss of a pet. SHE CAN
HELP - Ask for an appointment.
