Dealing with the loss of a beloved pet

When life deals us its worse blow, namely the loss of a loved one, people rally round and offer sympathy and a shoulder to cry on.  Their sensitivity level is raised and words and subjects are often avoided in order to help us through the pain.  Although this is not necessarily the best way to help, as sometimes we need to talk loss through, nevertheless it is well intentioned. 

However, if we are mourning the loss of a pet then the situation changes in many cases.  Animal lovers who have lost a pet are the only ones who really appreciate how we feel. 

It appears that such a loss is devalued it was, after all, only an animal.  Yet to those of us who have to come to terms with the loss, know that even the death of a budgerigar can break our hearts. 

When my dog died, a 14 year old relationship went with her.  Yet when I visited a friend soon after the event she spent much of her time talking about her dog and expecting me to admire it.  At the time I could barely look at her dog, let alone stroke it.  Had I lost a child such a situation would never have arisen.

People often advise us to get another dog/cat whatever.  But to those of us close to our pets we know that there will never be another pet quite like it, even if there is a close physical resemblance. 

It was four months before my eyes stopped filling with tears and now four years later I still keep her photo on display and I miss her still.  I miss the pleasure of her, the companionship of her, the laughter that she brought and even the sweet smell of her fur. I cannot replace her although perhaps one day I will get another dog. 

On the whole, however, I think it is better to love and lose because the memories stay and when the pain of loss retreats then those memories and those photographs can be enjoyed again.  

Finally, to the animal lovers reading this, let me say that the pain will eventually go and there are other animals in need of a loving home which can also bring joy and companionship back into your life.  To those who find this article sentimental please find it in your hearts to show some sympathy to friends who lose pets.  This is especially appreciated by those who are older in years.  As their circle of friends decreases their beloved pet may have become their best friend.