We all have had a pet we loved so much. Unfortunately for us, Pets only have a certain amount of lifetime. They say that a cat’s life lasts 13 to 17 years, some have lived up to 20 or 22 years. For us, that is not long enough.
Depending on the breed of the dogs, they can live up to 10 to 18 years, and as I understand, smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs.
In many families, our pets are like part of the family. We love them so much. So, if we lose one it can be very devastating. Why? Because we love them just as much as a loved one in our family. Especially if that pet has been in our lives for a long time.
They have loved us back, they have been our comfort companions in times of loneliness, the only ones that we felt understood by. Our pet was like our therapist, our only one true friend, who missed us if we were gone too long, even if they only needed to be fed at that moment or just needed to really be taken outside to go relieve themselves, they would get excited just to see us.
Cats, however, were nice to us, too. I had a friend who had a cat and it would get pretty upset when my friend would not get home in time from work or vacation. Even though, my friend would have someone check in on her. My friends’ cat would pee on her shoes, tear up her curtains. Cats are different but very lovable.
I myself, had a dog, a chihuahua. I taught her to dance for me. She would thrill herself around and around, I would give her favorite treat. I made a tutu for her and had her wear it when she danced. I would take her outside to dance and children would stand around and see her dance and give her treats. I loved my dog so much.
We even got pregnant at the time. Wasn’t that weird? After she had her puppies, she had four of them. I gave them to my family, who would one. I was so glad to have given them to a family, because after I lost her. Her babies were still around me.
Next thing you know she was gone. I cried so much for her, some people said, “it’s just a dog”. Crying over a dog it’s just an animal? Some people do not understand your relationship or the role your pet had in your life.
My dog was my family to me. Overcoming her loss was even harder. Now, while experiencing a loss is an inevitable part of owning a pet. It hurt as if I had lost one of my loved siblings, or maybe even a child. I am telling you it hurt so bad, that even today and someone comes to me and says “I lost my pet, today” I start crying because I know how it feels to lose one.
I just cry with them and hold them a moment. Because the grieving process happens slowly. In Reality, there is no normal timetable for crying, or missing your pet. It is a normal reaction to the loss of someone you love.
As I have said, talk about your pet, tell those who would understand, about the cute things your pet would do. Like my little dog would dance for a treat. I would be watching T.V. and she’d start dancing in front of the T.V. because she wanted a treat.
Like everything in life, the pain of missing your pet will ease, but your memory of your pet will never go away. Your pet will live forever in your heart, even if you decide to get another pet. Due to the devastating pain, I decided never to get another pet. It hurts way too much to put myself through that pain again knowing they do not live long enough. But that’s just me.
- Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel.
- A little ritual can help the healing or maybe a funeral with some friends. Only with those who would understand and know your pet.
- Find others who understand and you could start a support group for those who have lost their pets, as well.
- If you have other pets, they too experience loss. They could become stressed by your sorrow.
Think of them too and maintain their everyday routine.
- Do not argue, with others who do not understand about grieving a pet.
- Stay connected with friends, neighbors. Do not spend your days alone. YES TRY.
As always seek professional help if you need it. If your grief is persistent and interferes with your abilities to function with your daily routine, like sleeping, eating, and showering or other things like working. Please seek professional help. Your Doctor, support group, or mental health professional.
Remember, YOU! Can make a difference in others people’s lives, just keep this in mind. We are not here to see through people… We are here to see people through.
Many blessings to you and remember that all the animals that we have loved, will be waiting for us to join them, on the other side. I am looking forward to that experience.
God bless.