Not “just” a pet.

Our beloved animal companions are not “just” pets. They are family. They are loved. They are important. And we grieve when they pass away.
This is normal.

Grief can feel all encompassing, big, heavy. You may not feel like eating, or going out, or getting out of your pyjamas. Memories of your loved one may make you cry. You may find a favourite item of your loved one, and the sadness and heartbreak hits like a tidal wave.

Some may struggle to explain the feelings to their children and not know how to talk about what’s happened. They may not have the words to explain why their animal friend is no longer around.

Some may bury the loss deep down and simply try and keep going like nothing has changed. But, everything has, and it feels like the pain of loss will never reduce.

There is no “correct” way to grieve. Each person’s experience of loss is unique, and each person copes the best they can, in whatever way they can.

The stigma around grieving the loss of a pet is slowly reducing, with workplaces becoming more understanding, and conversation around pet loss more open and common.

To assist, here is a list of resources which may help. This list includes helplines, counselling, toolkits, and books.

Speaking to someone who specialises in pet loss support can help, a lot more than you may realise. And reading a book, written so carefully by someone who understands, can help you feel less alone and scared by the feelings of loss you may be experiencing.