Grieving for your pet and for your loss is normal and understandable; and you should never feel embarrassed or ashamed about your feelings.\u00a0 It is important to recognize the grief that you and others may feel surrounding the loss of a pet, but remember that not everyone will show and experience grief in the same way.<\/p>\n
Symptoms can be physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual.\u00a0 No matter how grief affects you, it is important that you recognize that what you are going through is quite natural.\u00a0 It is also important that you give yourself time to grieve.\u00a0 Find a way to honor the memory of your faithful companion, something that feels right for you and helps you to cope and, eventually, to heal.\u00a0 Options include memorials, candle lighting, and rituals.\u00a0 Our website has a paw wall where you may leave a memorial for your lost friend.<\/p>\n
Perhaps one of the most important facets of this is not to shield children from death.\u00a0 The loss of a pet is often a child\u2019s first experience with death, and this experience can be a powerful learning opportunity for children.\u00a0 While it is natural to want to protect our children from the heartbreak associated with loss, it is often better to be honest and support them through the process. \u00a0Be willing to answer all of their questions, no matter how strange or complicated they may be.\u00a0 Consider involving your child in saying goodbye to the pet, if at all possible. Above all, help your child to remember the good times with a much-loved pet, and encourage them to share happy memories.<\/p>\n
This is a difficult question, and the answer is as unique as you and your family! \u00a0First take time to grieve for your pet, but remember that having another pet (while never a replacement!) can help your family and your heart to heal.\u00a0 There are many pets out there who would love to come into your home.<\/p>\n
We are here to help<\/em>, and there are plenty of other resources available to you as well.\u00a0\u00a0 Charlotte has a pet loss support group that meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30 at St. Peter\u2019s Episcopal Church.\u00a0 These meetings are facilitated by a grief counselor from Presbyterian Hospice care and also have a veterinary advisor (Dr. Ginny Dodd) in attendance to answer any questions you may have.\u00a0 You can find more about this group at www.petgriefsupportgroupnc.com<\/a>.\u00a0 The ASPCA also provides a Pet Loss Hotline that you can reach by dialing (877) GRIEF-10.\u00a0 The ASPCA Hotline can provide support in your decision to euthanize, in coping with pet loss and grief, and in helping children through the grieving process.\u00a0 Other websites you might find helpful are www.petloss.com<\/a> and www.petlosshelp.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our animals are a huge part of our lives; they help to make our lives whole.\u00a0 That\u2019s why losing a pet can feel like losing a part of ourselves. Grieving for your pet and for your loss is normal and understandable; and you should never feel embarrassed or ashamed about your feelings.\u00a0 It is important […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-651","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-loss"],"yoast_head":"\n