Losing a beloved pet is an immensely challenging and emotional experience for many people. Pets hold a very significant place in our lives and families, making their loss deeply felt. While everyone’s grief is unique, there are some common experiences and emotions that most people often encounter after the death of a pet.

Spiritual Experiences

Many find comfort in their relationship with God, and find that losing their beloved pet draws them closer to Him. Allowing God to comfort you and let you know that you will see your pet again one day can be incredibly reassuring. Personally this relationship has gotten me through losing my pets when nothing else could. God’s gentle, constant, loving presence has offered me a peace that nothing else offers. It is the peace that passes understanding mentioned in Philippians 4:7

Sadness and Grief

One of the primary emotions that people face after losing a pet is profound sadness and grief. The bond between a pet and their owner is often very strong, similar to that of a parent and child, leading to a sense of loss that can be overwhelming in the initial days and weeks following the beloved pet’s passing.

Shock and Disbelief

Many people find it challenging to accept the reality of the situation immediately after their pet’s passing. Feelings of shock and disbelief frequently cloud the mind, especially if the pet’s passing was sudden, unexpected or symptoms were unnoticed.

Guilt

It is common to experience a great deal of guilt after the death of a pet. Questions about whether more could have been done to care for the pet or if different decisions could have been made plague many pet parents, particularly if the pet’s death resulted from an accident, illness that was unexpected, or euthanasia.

Loneliness

The absence of a pet, who was often a constant companion, unquestionably leaves a void. The loss may lead to feelings of loneliness since people miss the companionship, presence, and daily routines that their pet provided.

Anger

Some pet parents experience anger following the death of a pet. These feelings are often directed at oneself, others, or the perceived unfairness of the situation.

Numbness Or Detachment

In some cases, pet parents feel a sense of numbness or detachment. This happens because the loss can lead some people’s brains to attempt to protect themselves from being overwhelmed by grief by shutting off the connection to their emotions. This emotional numbness can make it difficult to process grief, and may lead to them questioning their emotions or even the love they felt for their pet. While it can be alarming, it is simply a self preservation tool in the brain doing what it needs to do.

Reminiscing

Many people find themselves reminiscing about their pet and longing for their presence. Memories of shared experiences with the beloved pet may bring both comfort and sadness at the same time. It is a normal part of the grief process, and can be quite healing.

Physical Symptoms

Grief can also manifest in physical ways, such as appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and overall exhaustion. These physical symptoms are common responses to the emotional toll of losing a loved one, be they human or animal.

Feeling The Pet Is There

It is very common to experience odd moments that can feel as if the pet is still around. Some examples are:

• Thinking you hear your pet walking into the room or making their normal sounds (meows, barks, etc.)
• Feeling as if they are sleeping beside you.
• Believing you see them out of the corner of your eye.
• Smelling their scent.
• Noticing your surviving pets acting oddly.

All of these experiences are common. Grief manifests in many unusual ways sometimes, particularly after living with the decedent for a long time.

Struggling To Let Go Of The Familiar Routine

After spending time caring for a pet who needed regular medication or treatment, once they are gone, adapting to a routine without such things is a challenge. For months after losing my cat with diabetes, I still watched the clock to make sure I would not miss his glucose test and insulin shots. This is completely normal and in time, you will adapt to live without that routine.

Guilt When First Adapting To A New Routine

If you have cared for a sick pet for a while, you are familiar with routine. After your beloved pet is gone for some time, one day you will realize that for the first time, you went through your day without thinking that you needed to do that familiar routine. It will make you feel guilty, as if you no longer care about or love your pet. Nothing could be further from the truth! This guilt is unwarranted, but is also just a normal experience. It will dissipate over time.

Guilt Over Moving On

Many pet parents feel guilty about the idea of moving forward, whether by considering getting a new pet or finding moments of happiness again. This is completely normal. Do not force yourself to avoid moving on or to move on. You will know when the time is right.

Guilt Over Adopting A New Pet

Many pet parents find healing by adopting a new pet. Not that this new one replaces the deceased, of course. But, a new pet makes the heart increase a bit more in its capacity for love. Even knowing that however, loving a new pet can feel as if you are somehow forgetting the deceased pet. This is completely normal, but please know that the guilt is unfounded. Adopting a new pet in need is a wonderful way to honor your deceased pet while helping another animal in need.

Gradual Acceptance

Over time, the slowly the acceptance of the loss of a beloved pet happens, although the pain and longing never entirely vanishes. Grief does not disappear entirely but will evolve from intense sorrow to a more gentle sadness intertwined with fond memories.

Losing a beloved pet can evoke a wide range of emotions and experiences. Each person’s journey through grief is unique, and it is vital to allow yourself the time and space needed to heal. Remember, grieving the loss of a pet is a natural process, and it is ok to seek help if the grief feels overwhelming or prolonged.  I can help you navigate this painful process.  If you would like my assistance, please visit this page, or email me via MentoringByCynthia@gmail.com