LVSES - Pet Loss & Grief Support

“State-of-the-Art Medicine
with a Caring Touch”

24 HOUR
EMERGENCY CARE

13160 Magisterial Dr. Louisville, KY 40223

Member
Since 2007

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The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those hurt or maimed are made whole again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone before your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

- Author Unknown

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Pet Loss & Grief

When you lose a pet, it is only natural and perfectly normal for you to feel grief and sadness. Research has shown that the human grieving process following a pet's death is very similar to that experienced by people who have lost a family member or close friend. Whether the loss of your beloved pet comes through old age, lingering illness, accidental death, or euthanasia, the loss of a pet can cause enormous feelings of sorrow, loneliness, and guilt. These same feelings hold true, even if your pet has gone missing.

The staff at LVSES recognize the importance of the bond you share with your pet and the need to grieve following a loss. We have created this section of our web site to provide some additional resources to help guide you through this difficult time.

When Pets Lose Their Animal Companions

Just as pets may experience a broken heart when their human caretaker dies, pets often suffer from sadness and depression when their animal companion dies or goes missing. Pets are very sensitive to any change in the household routine, and are quick to notice the absence of an animal companion. Pets often form very strong bonds to one another, and the surviving pet(s) may grieve for the loss of another in the family.

They may be lethargic, not eat, or have trouble sleeping. They may act anxious or lost and search from room to room looking for their friend. Some owners have let their other pets, sniff or snuggle with the lost pet before burial or cremation is done. It has been shown to help surviving pets to also say goodbye. Pets recognize a lot more then we give them credit for. They also are sensitive to your emotions and your grief over another pet’s death.

You will need to give your surviving pets a lot of extra attention and love to help them through this adjustment period. Spending extra time playing together, grooming them, exercising, or just sitting together and talking to them can help to ease the transitions in the household for them. The love of your surviving pets can also be wonderfully healing for your own grief.

Helping Those Who Have Lost A Pet

Guidelines for Helping

1. Be physically and emotionally present for support. A simple touch on the shoulder, holding hands or hugging will let the bereaved know they are not alone. It can be especially difficult for the single person living alone who lost their only pet. Home is now a reminder of their loss and loneliness. Being available to help with meals and small errands in days and weeks immediately following the death may be especially helpful.

2. Allow the bereaved to express their grief and emotions without judgment of fear of rejection. It is essential to the healing process to allow the person(s) to talk, cry and review their lost relationship. Encourage them to talk and be willing to listen. Encourage them to identify, express, and accept their feelings.

3. Assure them that grieving is natural. It is especially helpful to calm their fears and embarrassment about their level of grief. Our society today often does not do a good job of validating the grief process over the loss of a pet.

4. Be sure to encourage self-compassion. There truly is no time table to be feeling or not feeling a certain way.

5. Express your feelings. Show your genuine concern. Share your feelings also, especially if the loss affects you.

What To Avoid

Do not measure their loss, do not compare or demean.
Do not tell the griever, "you should", feel better because they may have other pets still alive.
Do not tell them not to cry.
Do not encourage them to acquire another pet right away as a solution to their grief. A new pet does not “replace” a lost one and the bereaved may need time to complete their grieving process before they are able to accept a new pet companion.
Do not discourage the bereaved if they DO want to acquire another pet soon after their loss. For some people, focusing their energies on a new, healthy pet can be a very positive step in moving forward.
Do your best to not allow the griever to isolate themselves.
Do not be alarmed if the person continues to talk about the loss repeatedly. This process is essential to the healing process.