Getting a puppy or a kitty is perhaps one of the most exciting events of your year. They are so cute and cuddly. You teach them everything and watch them grow. You spend hours with them, and you share your life with them. However, like all living things, your pet ages, and one day, they will pass on. That day is most definitely not the highlight of your year, and you now have to deal with the grief of losing a furry member of your family.
New Market Animal Hospital is a local animal hospital that offers the best in veterinary care. We specialize in treating only cats and dogs so that we can ensure your cat or dog receives the best care possible. From spay and neuter clinics to complete veterinary diagnostic services, our vet clinic is a 24-hour animal hospital. Below, we’ll offer up tips on how to deal with the grief of losing a pet. Contact us today!
DEALING WITH THE GRIEF OF LOSING A PET
You Will Cry
Dealing with any loss is very emotional. Humans and their pets can form powerful bonds that make saying good-bye even harder. You will most likely be overwhelmed with a sense of loss and grief, and you will probably cry. Grief experts say that the best way to cope with a loss is to not deny your feelings. New Market Animal Hospital recommends that you don’t try to bottle them up in order to appear “strong.” Your family will probably grieve in different ways as well. It will take some time to process the loss.
Talk About It
Talking about your pet is one way to heal, and remembering them is also a great way to heal. There are support groups online for those who have recently lost a pet, as well as friends and family. Since most Americans have owned a pet or do own a pet, most know what you are going through and can offer comfort in this trying time.
Address Any Feelings of Guilt
Many of us have feelings of guilt any time anyone passes from this world, whether it’s humans or animals. We wonder if there was anything else we could have done, or even, in some cases, if we contributed in some way.
In the case of dogs or cats, many pet owners have to make the difficult decision of euthanasia. Deciding when to end your pet’s life is gut-wrenching to say the least, and being that our pets can’t talk to us and tell us how they are feeling, if they are in pain, or the like, it only adds more doubt to the decision. Odds are, you will feel incredibly guilty over the matter. This is a burden you should not have to carry around. If you are struggling with guilt over euthanasia of a pet, New Market Animal Hospital recommends that you seek professional help.
Memorialize Your Pet
Many local veterinarians now will make a paw impression for you of your dog. In most places, there is a nearby pet crematorium as well. These places are run by compassionate people who deal with death day-in and day-out. They often sell beautiful urns or boxes for your pet’s ashes to be placed in so that you can either keep your pet close by or bury them as you see fit.
It’s also a great idea to remember your pet in special ways. One way is to make a photo scrapbook of your pet to remember all of the good times you had. You can plant a tree, volunteer, or donate to a local animal charity. Do whatever you need in order to move on.
Your New Life
Without your dog barking at the door or your cat purring next to your head at night, your life can seem incredibly lonely, especially if you live alone. It can also seem very quiet in your home without the presence of your pet. This will take some getting used to. As cliche as it sounds, death is a part of life, and it will help to remember all of the joy your pet gave you throughout those years rather than the pain of their absence.
CHOOSE NEW MARKET ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR YOUR VETERINARY CARE
There truly can be no words of comfort when you lose a pet. It will just take time to adjust. Furthermore, you should not deny your grief because someone says “it’s just a cat,” or “it’s just a dog.” New Market Animal Hospital wants you to remember the wonderful life you gave your pets while they were here on earth. From the moment you brought them home to the moment you said good-bye, you had years together full of joy and happiness. Embrace those memories, and know that your pet is in a better place rather.
New Market Animal Hospital offers you the best possible veterinarian care in order to maximize the years you are privileged to have your furry friend with you. From preventative care and immunizations to 24-hour emergency vet care, we have got your needs covered. When your pet is not feeling well, we can help with diagnostics and treatments. Our mission is to come alongside you and help keep your pet as healthy as possible.
We also offer pet boarding services, so when you are away visiting family or on vacation, you can rest assured that your pet will be well taken care of. You can also be comforted by the fact that your dog or cat is at a vet clinic so if something should arise while you are gone, your pet will be safe.
New Market Animal Hospital also offers vet coupons to help you pay for routine medical care of your beloved pet. We do our best to keep the cost of must-needed vaccines down so that your dog or cat is protected. Our caring and compassionate team of local vets and staff are ready to help you with all your veterinary care needs. Contact our New Market emergency vets today!
