People grieve over the loss of a pet.It is difficult to know how to help someone who is going through a loss.There are a number of things you can do to help a friend who is grieving over the death of a pet.
Step 1: Let your friend talk.
In any process of grieving, the most important thing is for the grieving person to be able to share her feelings.Your friend should be free to talk to you.She should be given plenty of opportunities to check in on her frequently, inviting her over for dinner, going for a walk, or getting coffee.If she wants to talk about the pet, let her know that you won't get tired of listening.Prepare for the unexpected.Some people grieve by not talking about their loss at all, while others repeat the details of the pet's death over and over.You may think you know how your friend will respond to death, but you may be surprised.Your friend might grieve silently one day and then cry all day the next.Try not to compare your friend's loss to anything in your life, or to talk about your own troubles.If you don't know what to say, just say that you love your friend and will support her through this time.
Step 2: It's a good time to reminisce.
People who lose a pet feel like they have lost a child.They might want to talk about the pet all the time.If she wants to talk about her pet's life, be prepared with stories and artifacts.Take photos of the pet.Your friend will see your support if you share a post on social media about how much the pet meant to you.If you have a funny story, include a photo.
Step 3: Ask what she needs.
A friend who is grieving the loss of a partner or friend may not be able to do her daily chores without breaking down in tears.Ask her what she needs you to do.Many people experiencing intense grief will not be able to articulate their needs, and their minds are often preoccupied with loss and sadness.Take into account your friend's daily life and fill the needs you can.If you can, bring her coffee, mail or newspaper, offer to do her laundry, or pick up her kids from school.
Step 4: Offer to make a meal.
A meal is a great way to support someone who is going through a difficult time.Bring something healthy and comforting to your friend if you know what he likes to eat.A friend can freeze half of a casserole or other one-pot meal for later.You could freeze a portion for her.
Step 5: You can find resources in your area.
If your friend's grief seems overwhelming or you don't know how to help, look for professionals or services in your area that can support her.It's important that you don't force these types of services on your friend, who might not want to use them, just find the appropriate numbers or meeting times and leave them with her.You can look online to see if there is a support group near you.Some veterinarians offer grief counseling.You can offer to attend with your friend.Pet loss and bereavement can be handled by therapists and psychologists.
Step 6: Keep supporting her.
She will always miss her pet even if she is fine.Good friends spend time with their friends and keep an eye on them.If you mark the pet's birthday and day of death on your calendar, you will be prepared to offer support when those anniversaries come around.
Step 7: As soon as you hear, send flowers or a card.
It is a beautiful way to say that you are aware of her grief and that she is on your mind.Being acknowledged grief can be helpful.Let her know that you are thinking of her.A simple card that says "I'm thinking of you and your pet today" is enough.Don't say "The pet is in a better place" or "You will feel better soon."Special bouquets are offered in memory of a lost pet.You can check to see what is available from your favorite florist.
Step 8: Buy a gift or make one.
Depending on your budget or artistic skills, there are several ways you can create a small memorial for the beloved pet, which will show your friend that you care and that the pet will not be forgotten.You can paint a portrait of the pet.You can find paintings of pets on websites like Etsy or local artists.A dog memorial stone could be made for your friend's garden.These are available for purchase at pet stores and online, and are often engraved with the pet's name and birth and death dates.
Step 9: It is in the pet's honor to do something.
Think of a random act of kindness or a gift to a charity that would mean a lot to your friend or pet.Ensuring that the pet's legacy continues even after death is a great way to do this.If her pet loved children, you could make a donation or volunteer with an organization that trains therapy dogs.Donate to the park to build a bench or dog run, volunteer to pick up trash, or plant a tree if she had a favorite park where she would bring her dog.A beautiful handwritten note explaining what you did in the dog's honor is included with a card or letter.Donate in the pet's name to the humane society.
Step 10: The pet was a part of your friend's life.
If you don't have pets, it can be hard to understand what your friend is going through.Pets can fill the same psychological role as a sibling, partner, or child, according to psychologists.Any pet lover can tell you that the human- animal bond is deep.Losing a pet is very similar to losing a loved one.
Step 11: There are health issues to watch for.
Scientists have found that the health benefits of owning a pet include lowered blood pressure, lower levels of anxiety, and lower cholesterol.It is possible to increase feelings of calm and happiness by owning a pet.Pets can help reduce symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.If your friend used to walk her dog frequently, she may now be getting less exercise.It is likely that the death of a pet will cause health problems for the owner because there is no one else to comfort and relieve stress.Help your friend find other ways to relieve stress in her life, such as going for a walk, taking up yoga, joining a book club, or finding a creative outlet like painting or music.If your friend is feeling lonely because of the loss of her pet, you can offer to attend classes with her.
Step 12: Understand the grieving process.
The death of a pet can cause an intense grief cycle that never really resolves.Don't expect your friend to stop talking about her pet or just get over her loss, they are not friends.Grieving can take months or years and doesn't end in resolution, but rather in dealing with the loss.Different for everyone, grief is a very personal process.There isn't a timetable for your friend's grief.Many people don't understand the psychological intensity of pet bereavement, so your friend may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about her loss.She may be afraid that you will think she is overreacting.
Step 13: She shouldn't be pressured to get a new pet.
Your friend will know when the time is right to adopt another pet if you try to force them to replace a pet quickly.She may decide not to adopt another pet.Any child could be replaced for her beloved pet.A new pet may be a good idea to give a sense of purpose to a senior living alone.It is your friend's decision, and she should not be forced on her.
Step 14: Understand how she would feel if the pet were euthanized.
Even if there was no other choice, people who have to kill their sick or injured pets experience intense feelings of guilt and shame.Unless she talks about the decision, don't talk about it.Let her know that she made a difficult choice and that it was the right thing to do.Assure her that the process of dying her pet is monitored to make sure that it is painless and humane.