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loss of a pet can have a significant impact on you and your family. Companion
animals give us support, love and loyalty; and, losing a family pet can
be one of the most difficult times in your life.
Many people feel surprised and guilty at experiencing grief over the loss
of a pet and may respond by trying to stifle their feelings and hide their
grief. But, please be assured that grieving over the loss of a pet is completely
normal. It's healthy to acknowledge your feelings and go through the grieving
process.
Often, "memorializing" your pet helps you deal with your loss and cherish
his memories. Some suggestions for memorialzing your pet are to the right.
But, you may have questions, such as, "What does euthanasia involve?",
"How can I help my child cope with the loss of our pet?", "Should I get
a new pet?"
You can join a local pet loss support group, if one is available. If not,
there are online support chat groups and hotlines for this purpose. There
are also many resources online with answers to your questions and suggestions
that can help you cope with your grief. Below is a list of some of the
most helpful:
-
Petloss.com
- is a wonderful pet loss site. It has an informative article on:
"Grief
and Pet Loss."
-
Time
to Let Go - an excellent guide to euthanasia and pet bereavement.
-
APLB.org
- The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement is a great resource. They
also have an online support chat.
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