If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you may wonder how life can go on without the

support of your treasured animal companion.

It may surprise you how much you depended on your pet’s presence in your

life. We tend to think that we take care of our animals, but in so many ways

they are the ones taking care of us. And that’s why it hurts so much when

we lose them.

We’re very close to our pets and we miss them when they go, because they

are not only our friends but very often an important part of our support

system.

Especially nowadays when so many people live alone, far away from loved ones,

and when we rely on technology for staying in touch but feel physically

isolated, a pet is a crucial source of love and connection.

If you’re like many people, you may find that people around you don’t

understand the depth of your grief. But I want to assure you that millions of

pet owners feel the same way that you do, and there’s nothing odd about it.

Losing a pet is a very tough experience.

It’s only recently that the field of mental health has begun to recognize

how important animals are to the health and wellbeing of their owners and how

devastating it is when they pass away.

If you’re hurting from the passing of your pet, know that there’s hope

even in your grief and that your tears will help heal your heart. Crying

actually releases some of the stress of loss, so don’t try to hold all your

despair inside.

Tears wash your heart clean and help you to feel more at peace. So don’t

deny yourself this very real and human way of reacting to grief and trauma.

Even though your soul may feel broken from losing your animal companion, know

that you can mend it back together. It’s done by experiencing all your

feelings rather than stuffing them or trying to deny them.

You are experiencing a terrible loss. While you are dealing with it, remember

that your animal loved you and would not want you to remain in pain.

The greatest tribute to your beloved pet is to let go of any self punishment

or guilt around your animal’s passing and to be committed to living fully

again after a natural period of mourning.