Coping With the Loss of a Pet – Grief Counsellor Vancouver

So many people share an irreplaceable bond with their pets. Pets are more than just animals, they’re companions that bring an intense amount of unconditional love, joy and fun to our lives. Caring for them gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, helping us thrive and keeping us active and social. Having the guidance of a grief counsellor Vancouver can bring an immeasurable amount of support to your healing process.

The loss of a pet can trigger overwhelming feelings of grief, sadness and pain. You shared an especially strong and powerful bond with your animal companion, and It’s perfectly normal to grieve the loss of your friend.

There are so many different factors that play into how you grieve. Factors such as your age and the age of your pet, the conditions of the death and the connection you shared all play a significant role in how you process the loss. Your animal friend may have died from old age or an injury that you may be blaming yourself for. If your pet had to be put down due to an inability to pay veterinary care, these feelings might be stronger. If your pet was a service animal helping guide you throughout life, you are now grieving the loss of not only a friend, but also a fellow worker, roommate and therapist, in a way. The emotional support your pet gave you has been shaken up, leaving you to rebuild yourself on your own.

While losing a pet can feel like something impossible to overcome, there are healthy ways to process your grief on your own, with the help of your loved ones, and with the guidance of a grief counsellor Vancouver.

Facing the Grieving Process

Just like the loss of a family member or friend, the grief you experience when you lose a pet happens in stages. You will find yourself experiencing denial, anger, bargaining or guilt, depression and finally, acceptance.

Shock and disbelief are normal. Allow your mind and body to fully feel these emotions without guilt. Cry, lay in bed, scream if you have to, but be present and allow them to pass through you like waves.

Everyone’s grieving experience is unique. While some grieve strongly for weeks, others may struggle for months and others, years. It’s not a process that can be hurried. In order for these emotions to be processed, they must be felt so they can be let go.

Be Present. Give room to every emotion. Let them carry you at their pace, not the pace you give them. Grieving can’t be scheduled. Talk with friends and family, journal and take part in personally-significant rituals rather than holding in your thoughts and feelings.

Coping with the Grieving Process

When you are actively mourning your loss, there are many things you can do to move towards a journey of reconciliation and peace.

Acknowledge the reality and permanence of death. Death is something we will all face, in time. It may take a while for you to fully come to terms with the fact that your companion will no longer be with you on a daily basis.

Reach out to friends or family who have lost a pet. It might be helpful to hear about their experience and how they coped with their loss, how long it took them to overcome the pain, or what they did to heal.

Actively work with the pain, rather than against it. Take your time to move towards the pain of the loss, rather than pull away from it. This will facilitate a more grounded, healthy journey.

Come up with rituals that are meaningful to you and your pet. Rituals are helpful in the loss of a friend or family member, a breakup, or divorce and can be especially helpful in the loss of an animal companion. You may find it appropriate to hold a funeral, write a letter, or collect a box of their possessions to donate.

Reconnect with yourself and your identity. Losing a pet takes an emotional toll on you, making you feel stressed, lost and in pain. Use this time to take extra care of yourself. Do things you love, spend time with the people you love, eat healthily, exercise and get plenty of rest.

Finally, contact a grief counsellor Vancouver for help if you find yourself unable to cope on your own. This is not something to feel guilty or ashamed about, especially if your grief has elevated to the point where it hinders your ability to function in day-to-day life. I would love to meet with you and guide you to a place of inner peace.