Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on the part of the human.
Animals are so special to those of us who love them. We miss them when they are no longer with us. We grieve for them in ways which are just the same as grieving for a human loved one.
Whether the end comes through old age, illness, sudden death, or euthanasia, the death of a pet can cause enormous feelings of sorrow, guilt, and loneliness for children and adults alike. Yet pet owners are often inhibited in their very real grief, even if the animal was considered a fully-fledged family member, a child's favoured playmate, or an older person's loyal and faithful companion.
Pet owners in grief are largely misunderstood and can even be ridiculed by friends and by society in general.
Some people don't want a pet because they do die ! It's understandable to be reluctant to expose yourself to death but, at the same time, we become immeasurably more human because our animals die. When we live with animals we're more in tune with the rhythms of the planet from day to night and from season to season because our companions make us more aware of the changes around us. Our companion animals teach us about the simple gifts of a beautiful day, a good meal and a gentle touch.
The death of a pet can make us wrestle with our belief structure - a natural part of the grieving process. Whether grieving an animal or human, we question our beliefs and many people find their belief structure becomes stronger when they ask themselves hard questions. Others find an new way of acceptance.
We use some kind of visualisation during our grieving process, imagining our loved ones in a beautiful place of peace and tranquil beauty, filled with light and flowers. Many of us see out deceased animals in this same place. This can be helpful and can provide some peace for those who are grieving.
And we learn from our animals. Animals aren't afraid to die, they show us that the end of life can be faced without fear. They can teach us to accept death as an opening for love and wonder.
Allow yourself to grieve in whatever way is appropriate for you. The loss of a pet is real grief and causes us to travel through the stages of grief - denial, anger, depression, guilt, and acceptance. These stages must be lived through for the mourning process to allow full healing.
Susanna Duffy is a Civil Celebrant, grief counsellor and mythologist. She creates ceremonies and Rites of Passage for individual and civic functions, and specialises in celebrations for women. http://celebrant.yarralink.com
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
Talk to the animals?Yes.And what's more, they talk to us!If... Read More
All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
As pets go hamsters are fairly easy to take care... Read More
Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More
So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Dog House Training can be simpleTo start your dog house... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
My dear owner,Thank you once again for giving me shelter.... Read More
Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Pet |