Guilt may occur if you feel responsible for your pet’s death. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with guilt for the accident or illness that claimed your pet’s life, and only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief.
Denial makes it difficult to accept that your pet is really gone. It may be hard to imagine that your pet won’t greet you when you come home. Some pet owners carry this to extremes, and fear their pet is still alive and suffering somewhere. Feeling of disloyalty to the old pet are often experienced when a new pet is introduced.
Anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, or the driver of the speeding car, or even the veterinarian who “failed” to save your pets life. Although sometimes justified, when carried to extremes, it distracts you from the important task of resolving your grief.
Depression is a natural consequence of grief but can leave you powerless to cope with your feelings. Extreme depression robs you of motivation and energy, causing you to dwell upon your sorrow.
Many pet owners are self-critical of themselves. They may have thoughts like “it is silly to feel so upset, it was only a cat” or “Losing a dog shouldn’t hurt this much”. Helplessness and even clinical depression can result. Occasionally professional counselling may be required.
The emotional roller-coaster of grief is a very confusing and traumatic time & no two people respond the same. It is important to seek support from people who are sensitive and understanding of this particular issue. We form close bonds with our pets and we have the right to feel sad.