subject: Pet Loss And Grief - 4 Steps To Help Cope With Feelings Of Guilt [print this page] When we have a pet, we naturally take on a deep sense of responsibility. Our pet depends on us for food, water, shelter, healthcare, and love. When we suffer a pet loss, the grief may seem overwhelming. One of the strongest emotions we can feel after a pet's death is guilt.
Feeling guilt is a normal reaction to the grief we are going through after experiencing a pet loss. If you lost a pet through an accident, you may be thinking "if only I had..."
Been keeping a closer eye
Exercised more caution
Had come directly home
Been more aware
If you lost a pet through an unforeseen illness, you may be wondering "why didn't I..."
Get to the veterinarian sooner?
Consider getting another medical opinion?
Pay closer attention to see signs of illness?
Not wait so long to do anything?
You may still find other reasons to feel guilty about a pet's death, thinking "if only I had..."
Not been so preoccupied
Devoted more attention
Not pushed him/her off my lap
Not yelled at him/her
Sometimes there is nothing we can when our pet succumbs to an illness or suffers an injury. In working through feelings of guilt, we may learn how to better identify symptoms of ill health or gain knowledge from a mistake. The following four steps can assist in coping with feelings of guilt after a pet's death:
1) Talk about your feelings to a family member or close friend who can provide more objectivity
2) Change the focus from your feelings of powerlessness to the times you had with your pet in good health and the occasions you took excellent care of your pet
3) Recognize that you cared for your pet the best way you could at that time, that injuries and sickness happen, and that people make errors
4) Talk to your veterinarian about any remaining concerns about your pet's state of health
Although the pet loss and grief can be devastating, it is important to remember that having feelings of guilt are to be expected and it will take time to work through them and begin the healing process.
