People aquire animals for various reasons. On a farm or ranch, for instance, only a special animal will
become a family pet. In some homes, however, an animal is the only companion a person has. In others,
the pet acts as the eyes or ears for someone with a disability. In most homes a pet provides affection,
friendship and loyalty, and is dependent on family members for its well-being. Thus, in time, the companion
animal usually does become a truly important member of the family.
You have suffered a loss, and your grief is a natural, human feeling. More than just an animal, your pet
was a friend and companion who meant a lot to you. Don't be ashamed of feeling depressed or lonely, or
even of crying. Others who have felt such a loss will understand.
Like sorrow over any meaningful loss, there are several stages of grieving people usually go through,
some more quickly than others. At first there may be disbelief and denial, particularly if the loss was
unexpected. This may be followed by anxiety or a sense of having been abandoned by your pet.
As this anxiety lessens you may feel anger, or even self-blame.
After these stages pass you will feel
sad-maybe even depressed-but after awhile you should be able
to remember your pet without sorrow, and concentrate
on the positive memories.
In a family, new members join by birth, adoption or marriage. They leave by marriage, death or for
other reasons. Pets also join and leave the family, but a new pet does not replace the previous one.
Instead it is a fresh, different, family member which will develop its own relationship within the family.The
previous pet had its own habits and personality, and the memories of it will live on with each family member.
It usually takes a while to sort out
the feelings about having another pet, so a new pet should not be brought
in too quickly or without a lot of thoughtful consideration.
Nevertheless, a new pet may be a wonderful
addition to the family. It may help ease the grief you
feel.
Many animal lovers feel there must be a special place for the pets they loved so much. Pets certainly
deserve a reward for the comanionship, love and devotion they have shown to us.
However, no one has ever returned from
heaven to tell us whether animals live there or not. We
certainly hope they do, and that your pet is there, too.
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