Content
- the loss of a pet
- My cat died and I'm very sad
- accept your pain
- talk about it
- Ask a professional for help
- How to bury a dog
- Collect dead animals
- Funeral for animals
- How to tell the child that the pet died?
- Should I adopt another pet?
If you came to this article because you recently lost your pet, we are very sorry! Everyone who lives with nonhuman animals knows how much it costs when they leave. Unfortunately, most pets have a shorter lifespan than humans. For this reason, all of us who share our life with non-human beings, sooner or later we will go through this moment.
In this moment of deep sadness, it is very common for tutors to ask themselves "my pet died, and now?". The PeritoAnimal wrote this article to help you in this difficult time or to prepare you if it hasn't happened yet.
the loss of a pet
Pets, nowadays, have a fundamental role in human emotional stability who live with them. Animals bring many benefits to human beings, whether through the reciprocal exchange of love and affection or even through therapeutic effects such as assisted therapies with dogs, dogs used to help autistic children and the elderly, therapies made with horses, etc. The importance of animals in our lives is undeniable, as is the bond that is created between us and them. For this reason, when an animal dies it is clear that its death will be dramatic and leave marks on everyone around it.
Unfortunately, society does not view the loss of a pet in the same way as it views the loss of a human family member. For this reason, it is very common that those who lose a pet tend to isolate themselves and suffer psychologically due to this devaluation of your pain by society.
My cat died and I'm very sad
If your cat or other pet has died it is normal and perfectly "healthy" for you to be sad. You lost your partner, a friend who was with you every day, who received your love and gave you back. This moment is very difficult to get through, but you'll manage to be fine. Here are some pieces of advice that we consider important for you to follow:
accept your pain
Start by accepting your pain and that it's perfectly natural what you're feeling. All of us who have been through this know how much it costs and we all feel differently. Just like when we lose someone important to us, we all experience grief differently. Pain is part of grief, we cannot avoid it. It's no problem to cry! Cry and cry a lot! Release everything in there. If you have to scream at the top of your lungs, scream! If you feel anger, exercise to release it is the healthiest way to do it.
talk about it
As sociable beings that we are, we need to talk. This situation is no exception! You need to talk to someone, be it a friend, family member or acquaintance. You don't need opinions, needs to be heard and understood. Look for your friend who knows how to listen and is always there when you need him. You can also try to talk to other people who have been through it recently. If you don't know anyone who has been through this, look in forums and social networks. Today there are many groups where people share what they feel. IT'S easier to manage pain knowing we are not alone and believe me, you are not! All of us who love our animals and have already lost some know exactly what you are going through and how difficult it is to deal with that pain.
Ask a professional for help
Talking to a professional can help you overcome the loss. The therapist will be there to help without criticizing or judging, which can be very helpful in getting you through this terrible time in your life. Especially if you feel that you are not able to live normally, if cannot perform tasks normally day-to-day such as cooking, tidying up, working etc. Don't expect the problem to get worse to the point where it's too hard to fight. It has no problem seeking help. Nowadays there are many bereavement psychologists and many of them have a lot of experience in grieving processes related to the loss of companion animals. Ask your veterinarian if they know any professionals near your area. Many veterinary clinics already work with psychologists who help with the grieving process.
How to bury a dog
After the death of an animal, many people do not know what to do with its body. In an act of desperation, some people even throw their animals in the garbage or on empty lots. You need to know that this option puts on public health risk! There are many diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
If you would like to bury your dog or other pet, there are some animal cemeteries in some cities. They are places with specific authorizations from the city halls and follow the necessary requirements for everyone's safety.
If you want to bury your pet in your backyard, use a sturdy plastic bag that seals tightly. Never throw the animal in the river or in the garbage. Corpses are a very dangerous source of contamination for our soils and groundwater.
Collect dead animals
talk to a Veterinary clinic in your area and ask if they have this animal collection service. The garbage generated by the clinics is hospital waste and the city halls collect and incinerate (including animal corpses).
In large cities, such as São Paulo, there are animal crematoria. You can even keep the urn with your faithful companion's ashes.
Funeral for animals
For some people, a farewell ceremony can be too useful in the acceptance process of the loss of the pet. Of course society does not accept this type of ceremonies as it should. What does it matter what society thinks if you are the one suffering? Surround yourself with your best friends and people who understand you. If organizing a funeral is important to you, don't hesitate to do so. There are already some specialized services in these ceremonies with animals. You can hire a specialist service or organize a ceremony yourself. Do whatever you feel most comfortable with and whatever will help you get through this moment!
How to tell the child that the pet died?
Children form very strong bonds with pets. In fact, up to a certain age, children really believe that the pet is their best friend. The pet's death can be very traumatic for the child. We know that, for this reason, many adults prefer to lie or make up a story so that the child doesn't realize what really happened.
Child behavior experts say you shouldn't lie in situations like these. Regardless of the child's age, you must tell the truth. Children are much smarter than adults sometimes think. Stories such as "the puppy went to sleep and didn't wake up" or "the cat decided to leave" will awaken a lot of doubt and confusion in children's minds, who will quickly realize that you are lying. If they find out you lied, they may feel betrayed and the feeling of betrayal it can hurt the child even more.
Ideally, you should tell the child the whole truth. Psychologists advise that this moment happen in a place in the house where children feel comfortable, like their bedroom. Tell the truth, but don't shock the child. You don't want the child to be scared and think that the same thing will happen to other friends or family members.
After telling the child, respect her moment of sadness. Most likely, the child will cry and be sad. It may also happen that the child does not react immediately. Like adults, children have different types of grief. You must respect the child's space when she asks you. Be close to comfort her when you see what she needs. Let her speak and express her feelings as this is very important for her to get over the loss.
Everyone at home is sad, don't be afraid to show this to the child. It is perfectly normal for everyone to suffer if your pet died, he was part of your family. Also be an example to the child that together they can overcome and accept what happened. If the child sees that the parents are okay, he knows that he can do it too.
Should I adopt another pet?
Some guardians ponder whether or not to adopt another animal after their pet's death. Other guardians can't even think about putting another animal in the house. Most likely, even after a few months, the question of a re-adoption will arise.
Adopting a new pet won't erase the void that his faithful companion left when he left. However, the presence of a new animal in the house can help to overcome grief. Consider it very carefully before making this decision. Don't expect the new animal to be the same as the one that left. There is a great tendency to look for what we have lost. Remember that each animal is a world and even if it is of the same species and even race, each animal has its own personality and will never be the same as the one that left. If you decide to adopt a new animal, adopt it with full awareness that it is an individual totally different from the previous one, with which you will live new moments, new adventures and build a story from scratch.
If you have made the decision to adopt a new animal, for example a new puppy, visit an association near your home. Adopting a mutt has many advantages and unfortunately thousands of dogs are waiting for a home. Also, many of these dogs are grieving because they lost or were abandoned by their trusted guardians.
