Loss of pet and grief
QUESTION: My dog was diagnosed with cancer and died several months later. I'm devastated. How can I cope with this grief? answered by Sherri Franklin ANSWER: The death of your best friend may very well be the most painful experience you ever go through. It's not uncommon for people who have lost a pet to literally ask themselves how they can go on. After all, losing an animal companion can be very different than losing a human loved one. You've not only shared so many moments together--playful, tender, difficult, and joyous--your dog has loved you deeply and unconditionally, without question or judgment. As for dealing with that loss, different coping mechanisms work for different people. No matter how you cope, it's important to honor your time together and acknowledge the loss in a way that's meaningful and comforting for you. You may be inspired to put up pictures or create a shrine incorporating your dog's collar and a candle. Or it may feel right to display a memorial urn. Sometimes simply sharing your grief with understanding friends, especially those who have dogs or who have lost them, can be tremendous consolation. Many humane societies offer grief counseling or support groups that allow you to discuss these feelings of loss with others. Above all, don't hold back the tears and don't pressure yourself to recover sooner than you're ready. Know that it is perfectly normal--unavoidable, really--to feel this loss down to your very core. Sherri Franklin is the founder of Muttville, a San Francisco–based recue center focusing on senior and special needs dogs. Read more about Sherri Franklin in the DogTime expert center... |
 
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69 topics, 380 posts
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Burying Wiggles in mu uard
Wiggles is 12 and is as much a member of our family as any of us. She is very ill, in enourmous pain and Im having her eut... (continued) |
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8 hours ago by patty view |
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Bury or Cremate?
Does anyone know if there are any laws against burying your pet in your backyard? Maybe cremation would be better but where do you keep the urn? Anyone have advice for me? |
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9 hours ago by patty view |
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not death, but another kind of grief....
I am facing a challanging situation regarding one my dogs, Gabby. She is fighting with everyother dog we own, mostly scarle... (continued) |
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Nov 19, 2009 11:31am by Purple.twili... view |
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What to do with pet ashes
Hi, Our wonderful Pomeranian, Fluffy of 13. 5 years died 10 days ago. Actually my elderly father accidentally hit he... (continued) |
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Nov 18, 2009 5:55pm by Dawna view |
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