Dealing with a Pet Death

Dealing with a pet death can be like losing a precious member of the family. Many families consider their pet to be an important part of their lives and when a pet dies, the loss is great.

Your pet might be ill and after countless trips to the vet, it is inevitable that he is going to die. What can you do?

Preparing yourself for the death of a pet is never easy. Try to make your pet comfortable. Talk to him often. Let him know how much you appreciate him. True, your pet will not understand your words, but he will sense your love.

If you and your vet decide that is best for the pet to be put to sleep, this can be difficult. Even though you know the decision is what is best for your canine or feline friend, the reality can be hard to come to terms with.

When a pet dies suddenly due to an accident, the emotions can be difficult to handle. One minute your cat or dog was fine, and the next, his heart has stopped beating. This situation is especially upsetting because there was no time to prepare for his death.

Helping children deal with the death of a pet is important after a beloved pet dies. The pet might be one that was just your daughter's, a turtle or lizard she kept in a cage in her room. Or she might be grieving the death of the family dog or cat just as you are. As your child grieves, let her freely show her emotions over the death of a pet. As she lets you know how she feels, reach out to her to comfort and love. Depending on the age of the child, she will need more hugs during this sorrowful time. Be a listening ear, spending time with your child and available to answer her questions.

After your pet dies, you will want to dispose of his body. Perhaps you have a casket to place his body in and then bury. Some bury their animals at cemeteries designed especially as final resting places for pets. There are also dog cremation services available in some parts of the United States. You can purchase an urn for your pet and place the ashes inside.

Children might be responsive to holding a funeral or memorial service for their deceased pet. This ceremony can help with their acceptance of the finality of death. At the service, poems can be read. Perhaps a child wishes to write her own poem and read it. Others can contribute to this service by sharing a memory about the pet. Some families like to take the ashes from the cremated body and scatter them over a favorite place they shared with their pet during happier times.

There are ways to memorialize your precious pet. Pet stores, both online and at shopping centers, often have sections where items in memory of a pet can be purchased. You may want to buy a stone for your garden or yard that has a paw print and the engraved name of you deceased pet. Something tangible like this, will always keep your pet's memory close.

Pet figurines are a popular way to remember. These miniature replicas of a specific breed of dog or cat can be placed on the top of an urn, or simply used to display in your home. Looking at the artistic figurine of a terrier or poodle, engraved with your pet's name, might bring some healing for you.

Know that there is nothing wrong with feeling sorrow when dealing with a pet death. Pets provide solace, companionship and comfort for humans and losing one is never easy. A relationship has been severed and there is now an emptiness that your pet once filled. Some choose to get another pet, and some do not. Do what feels right for you and your family. Talk to others who have been through what you have experienced so that you will know you are not alone in your circumstances and grief..

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