Pet owners know that losing a dog, cat, parakeet or pig can be devastating. The process of grieving a pet can be similar to the process one goes through after losing a human friend or companion. There are a few differences, of course, but pet lovers know that the pain is very real. I was recently interviewed about pet loss and how the reactions of those around us can affect the situation in a really powerful way.
Comforting, supportive and understanding friends can make the process easier to bear.
Dismissive words and lack of compassion from family and friends can quickly turn the grief into anger and hurt. I spoke to Dogster.com about how to cope with friends who don’t seem to understand grief after the loss of a pet (hint: knowing how to talk to a grieving friend is always tough, no matter what – or who – the grief is about).
Take a look:
Dogster.com August 2014
Want more info on grieving the loss of a pet? Check out this article I wrote over at APA.