coping with pet loss

We recently had to say goodbye to our cat after he was dealing with liver failure. It was so difficult and we miss him so much. He was a part of our family and he was very loved. I’m so glad he’s no longer suffering, but it’s still so hard to not have him with us anymore!

Here are some tips for coping with pet loss:

1. No, you aren’t crazy for feeling intense grief over the loss of your pet. They were a big part of your life and a part of your family! Don’t let anyone tell you that it was “just an animal.”

2. It’s normal to feel guilt, denial, anger, and/or depression. I felt all of the above. Guilt over making the decision to put my cat down, denial that he was sick, angry that he got sick, and depressed that he was really gone.

3. Come to terms with your feelings. Then, work through them. You have a right to feel whatever you are feeling. Someone you loved has died, and you are grieving.

4. Remember all the good times you had with your pet! There were many times your pet made you happy. Cherish your memories and try to be thankful for bond you had with your pet. I truly don’t think your pet would want you to be sad because they loved you too. If it brings comfort, think about your pet crossing the rainbow bridge or in heaven. If that doesn’t resonate with you, there’s nothing wrong with that either!

There are no rules when it comes to grieving. Everyone works through it in their own way - there is no right or wrong way to grieve. If you’ve ever loved and lost a pet, I feel your pain. Owning pets is so rewarding and losing them is absolutely heartbreaking.

#petloss #Petlover #Lemon8Diary #catsoflemon8 #petowners #catlovers #petsoflemon8 #petparent