Dealing with the loss of a beloved companion

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When you bring that bouncing bundle of energy known as a puppy into your home, you've made an enormous commitment. For the next ten or more years, this charming creature will look to you for food, shelter, exercise, health care, and companionship. In return, he will give you the greatest gift imaginable: true, steadfast, unconditional love. No matter what happens to us, whether we lose our spouse, our friends, our jobs, even our homes, there is one constant in our lives: the love and devotion of our dog. The bond forged there is very deep, and very real.

Then one day you notice that your companion is starting to walk a little slower. His muzzle has turned gray, his eyesight begins to dim, and you realize that someday you will lose your old friend. When that final day comes, your grief and sense of loss knows no bounds, but where do you turn for support during this difficult time?

Not everyone is supportive. Some people will insensitively mock your grief, telling you, "It was only a dog. How can you be so upset?" Remember that it's okay to grieve. Your dog meant a lot to you, and only you will know when the time for mourning is over.

Grief is often experienced through fairly classic stages, and although this list in not all-inclusive, it does cover the most common. They are:

1. Shock, denial, disbelief
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance, recovery

Usually grief will follow these stages, but sometimes it finds other paths of expression. Sometimes you think you have reached the acceptance stage when something, like the anniversary of your dog's death or the memory of a special time you spent together, will send you right back to stage one. This is totally understandable, and quite normal.

If you cannot pull yourself from the depths of despair, or if you just want to talk to someone who understands what you're going through, there are many places to turn.

Friends and family

Your family and friends will probably be your main source of support. Don't be afraid to ask them for help. Chances are, someone in your family loved your dog as much as you did and they are trying to deal with their own grief over his death.

Your veterinarian

Your veterinarian and the veterinary-support staff that have been there for you throughout  [Continued]

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