subject: Coping With Loss Of Pet - 4 Tips To Get Past Feelings Of Guilt [print this page] Having a pet is one of the best friendships you can have - a pet is always available and in spite of human flaws, they do not judge and will continue to love you! Coping with the loss of your pet is never easy. Grieving after a pet dies is a completely normal reaction, however, it is easy to take it a step further and start to blame yourself for the death. You may feel that if you were in more command of the situation, the death would never have occurred.
Holding yourself responsible for the death of a pet can prevent you from moving ahead and healing from the loss. There can be many factors involved that cause you to having feelings of guilt:
avoided getting the annual vaccinations
did not provide enough exercise and play time
adequate nourishment was not always given
did not see symptoms of ill health
unable to afford additional medical care
were careless and allowed an accident to occur
Although you may not have always made the most desirable decisions in caring for your pet, it is important to stop blaming yourself. To better cope with the loss of your pet, accept that you wish you had handled the situation a better way and discuss this with people you care about.
The following are four tips to help get past feelings of guilt:
1) realize that animals tend to hide signs of illness
2) remember the love you had for your pet and that you never planned to hurt it
3) recall all of the wonderful times you spent with your pet, and the occasions you provided for and cared for it
4) write a letter to your pet, explaining why you feel guilty and ask for forgiveness
In coping with the loss of your pet, guilt can be one of the strongest emotions you experience. By learning to get past the self blame, you can move forward and appreciate the wonderful times you shared with your treasured pet.
