Grieving A Pet

    Pets are always there for us. They greet us at the door when we come home; they keep us company, and they comfort us when we need cheering up. Your pets aren’t just animals; they are an essential part of your family. They are there for us when no one else is, and they love us unconditionally. The bond between a pet and its family is a strong one. It can be hard-hitting when your pet passes away. The grief felt after the loss of a pet can be incredibly strong because of how much they mean to you. 

Grieving The Loss of Your Pet

    Grief is a normal reaction to any loss, and your pet’s passing should be no different. Your furry companion is a member of the family, and the loss you feel can be just as much as losing a dear friend or close relative. You’ve shared good times, cuddles on the couch, and even your bed with your pet. Mourning the loss of our pet is natural.

    Grief affects everyone differently. It can be manifested physically or emotionally. Physical signs of grief include crying, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. Emotionally, you can experience anger, sadness, loneliness, confusion, guilt, or even numbness. It will take time for you to accept this loss.

Grieving a Pet at Different Ages

    Children, adults, seniors, and other pets can all experience grief from the loss of a pet. While your other animals or young children may not be able to fully grasp the concept of the pet loss, they will still feel the grief.

Grief and Your Other Pets

    Your other pets specifically may experience changes in eating habits or other unusual behaviors. It is important to give them extra attention, and to comfort them as you would any other family member.

Guilt and Losing a Family Pet

    Guilt is a very strong and often complex emotion in pet loss. Many pet owners will feel guilty for the passing of their beloved companion. They will often blame themselves for things like infrequent vet trips, not enough exercise, or even the diet of the pet. Medical care for pets can often be expensive. You should not blame yourself for the loss of your pet. 

When Putting a Pet Down

    If your pet has a terminal illness, euthanasia may be an option that is available to you. It is a choice that no pet owner wants to make. Unfortunately, it is something that might be considered to ease the suffering of your pet. If the quality of life for your pet is becoming poor, you may have to make that decision. The important thing to remember is that you did everything you could for your pet.

Burial and Cremation

    There are a number of options to consider for your pet. There are several pet cemeteries, cremation options, and options for local burials that are available to you. Some human cemeteries have small sections for pets. As funeral directors, we can help you choose what options are right for your pet. 

How Matthew Funeral Home Can Help

Matthew Funeral Home offers several services to help you and your loved ones with the loss of your beloved pet. This includes flowers for your memorial ceremony, pet urns, and memorial stones. 

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For more personalized grief care, find a grief counselor who is right for you. For our Grief Resource Center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 

For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.