Coping With the Loss of a Pet

For many people, pets may become more than just an animal but a beloved member of the family or a companion. We spend every minute we are at home with our pets, even if they are not near us, their presence is with us and we know they are there and loved. When you lose an animal that you loved just as much as you did a family member, you are probably experiencing a great deal of pain and grief.

Over the years of having a pet, you develop a bond that is unconditional. Your pet becomes like a child in some sense in the mere fact that you would do anything for them, take care of them and seek help when they are sick, and try your best to give them a happy, comfortable life.

People who do not own pets may not understand the pain you are in and it is important to allow yourself to embrace what they did mean to you. You should not feel ashamed for feeling the way you do and allow yourself to heal in a healthy way.

In some cases, depending on the circumstances of the death of a pet, you may feel different emotions begin to arise as time sets in. You may feel angry that they are gone and wish there was something you could have done to change to that. You may feel guilty and think to yourself that if only you had done something differently this wouldn’t have happened. Or you may be denial because it is very difficult for you to accept the fact that they won’t be home waiting for you when you get home. Just remember that just like us, animals have their time as well, and you did everything you could to keep them safe.

It is only when you come to terms with how you are feeling, that you can work through them, as well as your grief. As you move forward down your path of healing, you will come to terms with the death of your pet, who was very much a loved one. Keep memories of your pet even if they make you said because it is a reminder of them. Down the road, you will be happy you kept them to keep their memory alive.

If you have any other questions or would like to speak to our professionals here at, Lietz Fraze Funeral Home, you can contact us here and we will more than happy to help you as you go through this difficult time of a loss of a pet. You can also check out our grief resource page on the loss of a pet, here.