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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66 topics, 369 posts
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I lost my Westie 11/4/09
He was 12 years old. He just got sick quickly and before I knew it he was gone. The vet even took him home to give him medi... (continued) |
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17 hours ago by Linda view |
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IMHA and Canine cancer
Hello all, I just wanted to share a short story about our two ladies. actually, we have (had) 3 dogs. they were all re... (continued) |
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Oct 27, 2009 5:24pm by john view |
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Gut wrenching story about a tragic loss
There is no way to describe how sad a story this is. A loving family with many beautiful birds had a tragic loss. All of t... (continued) |
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Oct 23, 2009 7:42pm by Fond Pet Mem... view |
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My beautiful Ling and Tashy are gone
Our 14 yr. old Pekingnese died a few weeks ago. She was breating fast and shallow the day before she died, and she coughed ... (continued) |
3 | 180 |
Oct 22, 2009 4:23pm by xia view |
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