Pet Loss Bereavement Services
Pet Insurance Accepted
Over 20 Years of Experience
Locally Owned
Pet Insurance Accepted
Over 20 Years of Experience
Locally Owned
Losing a Furry Family Member is Tough
Dealing with the loss of a pet is heartbreaking. Many people look at their pet as a member of the family, and when you lose a member of the family, it hurts. Our pets are as loyal to us as owners. When a beloved pet's time has come, you want to handle it the best way possible, especially if you have children. 9 Tel Animal Hospital is here to help you in this time of grief.
We can offer guidance about euthanasia, as well as resources to help you cope with loss. Please call us for a sympathetic ear.
Common Reasons for the Loss of a Pet
- Terminal illness
- Old age or senility
- Fatal accident or unexpected occurrence
- Behavioral problems
- Long-term or chronic illness entailing heavy burdens in terms of care or finances
Bereavement Begins Before the Loss of Your Pet
As a pet owner, you are responsible for the health and welfare of your pet. When the time comes to consider humane euthanasia, you have to make a decision that is best for the quality of your pet’s life and not your personal feeling. In the event that you have to euthanize your pet, it could be the hardest decision, which is why we say bereavement begins before the death of your pet. Our vet can advise you on whether you should euthanize your pet.
Assessing Your Pet's Quality of Life
As you make this big decision, it's important to consider your pet's quality of life and the amount of discomfort he or she experiences. Keep an eye open for the following signs:
- Pain or serious discomfort when walking or moving
- Drastic loss in appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea following eating or drinking
- Difficulty in breathing
- Incontinence or other serious problems with urination or defecation
- Capacity to see and hear properly
- Unresponsive, unmanageable, or dangerous behavior
The Grief Process
Grieving Adults
Losing your pet is like losing a close friend or family member — it’s very painful. Dealing with this type of loss can exert some feelings of anger, denial, guilt, or depression. These feelings are normal when grieving. Everyone grieves in his or her own way but acknowledging your feelings is part of the grieving process.
Explaining the Loss to Children
- Provide your child with honest, simple answers that are age-appropriate.
- Avoid euphemisms because they will only confuse your children.
- Encourage your child to speak freely about their pet’s death.
- Make sure your child knows that no one is to blame for the death of your pet.
The Healing Process
Although the phrase “time does heal" seems like a bit of a cliché, we believe that it's true. You will never truly get over the loss of your pet, but you will learn how to live with the loss of your pet over time. Working through sorrow, guilt, and pain will vary across each person. Having a support system is healthy and beneficial to the healing process. You can find support within your family, message boards, hotlines, chat rooms, and support groups. Over time, your pain will lessen, and you and your family will be able to cherish the memories made with your pet.
Learn More About
9 Tel Animal Hospital
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