Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is a painful process. Some of us dread it from the moment we welcome a new animal into our homes, knowing full well their lifespan is a fraction of our own. For others, the pain and grief of such a loss can creep up, often revealing a previously underestimated level of attachment.

No matter what category you fall into, the death of a family pet can be a devastating event for your entire family. Like any family member, your pet has his or her own personality with unique habits and quirks that will be painfully absent when he or she is gone.

In addition to the physical loss, losing a pet can serve as a painful reminder that time is passing quicker than we would like. Our pets mark eras in our lives and remind us of our own mortality. Maybe you adopted your cat before deciding to have kids to see if you and your significant other could handle the responsibility of caring for another living being. Perhaps you remember the first time your child laid eyes on the dog he or she just knew would be a forever friend. The loss of a pet can invoke flashbacks to earlier times and remind us how precious each moment is.

At Gentle Journey, we appreciate the special bond that exists between owner and pet. That’s why we provide in-home euthanasia services that honor this bond by providing a peaceful, familiar setting for you to share the final moments of your pet’s life. Only time can heal the grief over the loss of a pet, but a peaceful goodbye is a good first step in the healing process. For a free consultation, give Gentle Journey™ a call at 602.332.7757.