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Dealing with the loss of a pet can be and is often just as difficult as losing a human being. Sometimes the pet that has passed away can be closer than even family members. In fact, most pets ARE family members which is what makes losing them so difficult. Dealing with the loss of a beloved family member whether it’s a fish, dog, cat, reptile or some other exotic family member has the same emotional challenges you will unfortunately have to go through.

Let’s look at some basic tips on what to expect when dealing with the loss of your beloved pet.

Depression Help in Calgary Tip 1: Don’t stuff the emotions.

Allow the icky feelings to be “felt” which might include feelings such as anger, being sad, questioning life, and shame based on feelings of relief now that the possible suffering of your pet is finally over.

It’s good to keep in mind the tough emotions in dealing with your pet loss might be for other reasons as well that might trigger other reasons for the loss of your pet; especially if they were a therapy pet to help relieve things like depression, anxiety, abandonment etc…

Depression Help in Calgary Tip 2: There’s a cliché saying that says “time heals all wounds.” While this may not always be the case, there is some truth in this statement that grieving properly does take time…so take all the time you need. 

Depression Help in Calgary Tip 3: Have a personalized memorial service for your Pet.

Even if it’s just you who shows up to your pet’s funeral you can conduct your own personalized memorial for your loved one in order to have space to say goodbye and support you with closure in your time of grief.

Depression Help in Calgary Tip 4: Develop healthy memories

Develop healthy memories by collecting any photos and develop a memory station. This can be done on your phone or even through the traditional method of having a scrapbook. Feel free to write about your favorite memories or have captions beside your pictures to help sustain good memories of your pet.

Depression Help in Calgary Tip 5: Do something in honor of your pet.

Beyond the memorial you can do something that would honor your pet’s memory. Some people like to make a donation, volunteer, adopt another pet (when your emotionally ready to do so), or even plant a tree to have a living memorial for your lost loved one.

Depression Help in Calgary Tip 6: Talk to someone.

Not everyone gets pet loss and it’s important to make sure you are talking to someone who can hold space for your loss. If you are having difficulty in dealing with your pet’s loss and it’s affecting your life, family and work it might be time to seek out professional help from a counselling therapist that can support you with your deep loss.

Depression Help in Calgary Tip 7: Do Self-Care.

Self-Care is important to support your emotional and mental health. Some ways to do this is by keeping up with your regular routines, engage in healthy activities such as resting, eating healthy and exercise. Writing out your loss or creating Art is also a way to express yourself and support in the processing of your loss.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Everyone, including your pet, is unique and it can take time to deal with the loss of your family member that brought so much joy to your life. 

If you’re finding you are still struggling to deal with the loss of your pet call 403-690-8617 and set up a time to consult or meet with one of our counsellors to support you in the grief and loss of your pet so you can begin to walk in New Life.