Sympathy loss of pet…
The fact that you are here reading this page shows that you are a caring person, sensitive to the pain experienced by a friend at the loss of his or her pet. Society as a whole generally does not acknowledge the significance of pet loss, nor understand the profound grief a pet owner might feel.
So bereaved pet owners often feel isolated and alone, and maybe even embarrassed over their loss. Usually there is no funeral, meaningful burial or closure ceremony, and no open display of support from friends and family that a human death normally brings.
Many bereaved pet owners feel silly about being so sad over the death of an animal. They may have feelings of guilt for caring more about their pet’s death than at the death of a family member or friend. Did you know that pet loss grief can be the same as or even greater than that over the death of a person?
There are many reasons for this. The death of a pet can mean the loss of perhaps the only source of pure, unconditional love a person may ever know. He no longer has his pet to nurture and care for, which leaves an empty void in his day-to-day life. He misses the tactile comfort that stroking and petting his animal provides. These painful feelings of loss can be especially deep for the elderly, single people and childless couples.
Just the fact that you care enough to find out more about pet bereavement shows compassion on your part. How can you help your grieving friend? First and foremost, acknowledge his right to grieve openly. Let them know they are NOT alone and that what they are feeling is entirely normal. Never make them feel silly or “crazy” about their sadness, or belittle their bereavement.
NEVER be guilty of saying this:
- “You can always get another pet.” OR
- “It was just an animal, you’ll get over it”.
Ways to Show Support
Sympathy loss of pet…
Expressing sympathy for pet loss is becoming easier as pet sympathy cards, gifts and memorial products become more common. It is encouraging to see society becoming more accepting and understanding of pet loss in this way. Take the time to send your grieving friend a card or sympathy letter expressing your condolences. This show of support will be very much appreciated, as chances are great that he or she may well not receive one from anyone else!
There are now more cards available designed specifically for pet loss. A standard sympathy card is fine to use as well, just add your own personal message inside.
You need not spend a lot of money in order to show love and support to your grieving friend. Just being there and validating his pain will help more than you know. But if you want to go above and beyond, there are some very thoughtful and useful pet loss gifts and sympathy bundles now available.
Return From Sympathy Loss of Pet to Pet Death