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When your pet dies, you will experience sadness and loss. Buying another pet does not quite replace your old friend. That's because you remember the times you spent together with your pet. Grief and bereavement is a long process with stages of different emotions and feelings.
The first reaction of grief is shock and denial that such a loved one can be gone. Sometimes, there is advance preparation of the eminent death during the ailing period. Still, the final moment of truth is difficult to accept.
When reality dawns, the next stage is crying in misery. This expression of emotions is actually good for releasing the stress and other feelings. What follows is the familiar numbness of physical fatigue. This numbness may be helpful if one has to take care of the practical arrangements to bury the pet or dispose of the body.
The next stage is the anger and guilt. There are thoughts that we could have done more for our pet to prevent its death. The anger may be directed towards anybody and is usually baseless.
Grief and bereavement haunts the pet owner. This is the sensitive period whereby memories are hurtful. Slowly, the pain decreases and the bereaved owner accepts the loss. He begins t adjust to a new life without his pet.
To make this grieving process easier, you should let your grief run the full gauntlet of the grieving process. Recognize your emotions and express them to let off steam. Talk to your friends about your grief. You can also join a support group from your local pet club or Internet. This will help you pull through.
Take good care of yourself. If your body is healthy and strong, you'll be able to cope with the stress and not fall sick. Don't let your grief sink into depression. If you think that you can't cope, make an appointment with a counselor.
The final step in coping with grief is realizing that it is time to let go. The past and the dead can't be brought back to life. Some pet owners relive memories of their pets by immortalizing them in stories, poems or songs. However, you still need to let go and continue your new life without your old friend. One day, you'll be ready to take another pet and share your life with it and be loved in return again.
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