The loss of a pet, whether it’s from natural causes or euthanasia, is traumatic not only for its
owners but for those who have grown to love the pet.
Recently I’ve grieved with two sets of friends who have had to send their beloved greyhounds
over the Rainbow Bridge. Their pain is palpable and raw. And it’s felt by all of those who have loved their hounds.
February is Responsible Pet Owner’s month and one of the responsibilities pet parents have to consider is when it’s time to say goodbye.
We all hope that our pets will pass away on their own, with no pain, and without intervention. But
when pets have been fighting cancer or some other disease or injury, the decision to help ease their pain is one that’s not easily made, no matter what the cause.
Just like when humans pass away, the loss of a pet can be immeasurably hard to endure. And grief, even over an animal, is no less difficult. After all, our pets are with us every day. They share a deeply felt place of honor in the family. When they’re not with us any more, their absence can be excessively profound.
Bea was one of the first greyhounds that our Laura really bonded with. They were great buddies
and Bea was a delight to be around, affectionate and graceful.
Houdini was the first greyhound we ever met. Our friends adopted this funny, silly and
affectionate boy. He didn’t let his near blindness hold him back. He was the reason we adopted our girl, Laura, and the two of them were fast friends.
Here are some suggestions for how to cope with the loss of your pet:
- Acknowledge the loss and give yourself permission to grieve.
- Reach out to others who will be sympathetic whether they are family, friends or professionals.
- Consider visiting Maine Pet Loss Resource at pet-loss.net/resources/ME.shtml or the Pet Partners at petpartners.org
- Write down your feelings or create a piece of art that will allow you to explore your feelings.
- Create a memorial for your pet. This might be a marker, planting a tree in honor of the pet
or creating an ornament for the holidays in honor of your pet.
- Don’t feel as if you need to bring another pet home right away. Allow yourself to grieve and
then weigh when you’re ready — if ever — to add another pet to your life.
- Allow your pets to grieve, too. Often the loss and marked absence of a companion can
leave pets feeling sad. Allow them time to cope with the loss.
Most of all, care for yourself. Deciding to let your pet go is a hard decision, but with the guidance
of your vet you can ensure that your pet knows it is loved, even to its last breath.
Debra Bell is a freelance writer and graphic designer and is the owner of Bell’s Furry Friends
Photography (a division of Bell Imaging & Design LLC). For information, go to bffpetphotos.com or email deb@bffpetphotos.com.