When It concerns losing a Pet we all Mourn Differently, and That’s OK
Last updated on December 4, 2021 By Puppy Leaks 36 comments
This is a companion piece to “Some of us Can’t deal with Euthanasia, and That’s OK.” These pieces were written to emphasize the fact that we’re all individuals — and that the way we deal with death, loss & sorrow will vary greatly.
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Some of us can put on a brave face and conquer anything after the loss of a pet, and some of us can’t. For those of us who have struggled to cope with the loss of a pet there’s one thing that’s certain: sorrow changes. one day may be horrible and the next a little less so, but then one little set off can bring it back with a vengeance.
What works to deal with sorrow and loss for one person may or may not work for you, but please don’t ever feel that you’re grieving too much for a pet. They are part of the family, and their loss causes intense grief. numerous of us have felt that way, and it’s essential to realize you are not alone.
When it concerns losing a pet we all mourn differently, and that’s OK.
They say time heals all wounds, but that presumes the source of the sorrow is finite. – Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince
Grief might Make You feel completely Isolated
I know there’s the five well-known stages of sorrow (denial, anger, bargaining, depression & acceptance), but not everyone goes through those. I know I certainly don’t.
My sorrow starts with a feeling of complete isolation. I’m never in denial – I know very well what just happened, but the remarkable sense of loss makes it impossible for me to feel like I can just “hang in there” and deal with situations in a normal matter.
It’s the weird, surreal like feeling of being disconnected from anything but sorrow – yet everyone else around you is just going on as typical – as if nothing has changed. but for you everything has changed.
Everyone else is laughing, telling jokes & going on like nothing happened while you’re unable to relocation past your loss. It’s happened to me numerous times, and that feeling of being alone and isolated from your “normal” world can make the pain ten times worse.
The difference is not about emotions, those are exactly the same, but my navigation through the loss and the day is completely different. – My GPS is Off: Oh Melvin
I can’t tell you that it’ll go away in 5 days, and I can’t tell you that it’s going to get better. but what I can tell you is that it will change. The feelings you have today may be different tomorrow, or they may be different in a month from now – but they will change.
I’d have terrific days followed by ok days, and then one little set off would bring back all those feelings of sorrow in an instant. For me it was evenings that usually brought back those feelings of sorrow and isolation. For 10+ years I’d walked my canine Carter every evening, and now he was gone.
Maybe you’ve had similar feelings, and maybe not. we all deal with loss differently, and whether it’s for a human family member or pet please remember that your sorrow is real. It doesn’t matter if it fits into what others think of as normal – that sorrow is yours.
If You’re having a difficult Time handling the Loss Don’t Be scared to reach Out
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with sorrow don’t be scared to reach out to someone close that’s able to listen and not judge. in some cases just having someone to share your feelings with can help, and it can make you feel less alone in your grief.
There are also support groups available for handling the loss of a pet. You can reach out and connect with others going through similar situations. It’s essential to know that you’re not alone – that sorrow your feeling is real, and you’re completely best to be feeling it.
It’s an odd thing grief. We worry it, dismiss it, try and avoid it, occasionally have brushes with it, and many typically times without warning, it invites itself into our lives. No welcome mat but it comes nonetheless. – Anatomy of a Grieving canine Mom
Grief is a difficult subject for people to deal with – both for those going through it and those that are trying to offer support. Although people typically have good intentions there are some people in your life that might not offer the kind of support that’s right away helpful.
I’ve been told things like “why not just get another dog” or “it’s been a couple of weeks already.” Although they certainly didn’t imply anything negative by it those things hurt, and they made me much more apt to grieve alone. sadly sorrow isn’t the easiest of subjects to talk about, and those that try to offer support may end up saying something stupid.
No one really wants to see grief. no one really wants to talk about it. At least not after a certain “acceptable” point. Plus, all that sorrow talk is aimed at people grieving other people. There’s practically no wiggle room in that journey for grieving penull