Animals are the best companions one can ever have. Most often, pets become your immediate family, and the majority of people do agree with this fact. People find more solace while being with their pets as compared to their human companions. What comes to your mind when you hear about pets as the man’s best friend? Well, this thought brings the idea of unconditional love, constant companionship, and acceptance into our minds. However, everyone possesses a different capacity to love their pets, but losing your pet is very painful for anyone, whether they’ve too much closeness with their pets or not.
The ways we respond to our pet loss vary because there are a number of factors involved in the level of grief we experience, such as age and personality, the age of the pet, and the conditions in which your pet died. It is obvious to feel more intense and emotional pain while losing your lovely pet. We cannot ignore the reality that animals’ role in your life can have an impact. So, let’s explore some interesting details in relation to this topic while also enlightening the 7 ways of healing after pet loss.
In this blog, we’ll highlight some thought-provoking aspects from Sarah Whitten-Grigsby’s book, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog” about pets and how to deal the situation if we lose them.
Why is Losing A Pet So Traumatizing?
Pet loss is traumatizing for many of us, as we humans develop a lasting bond with our pets, which breaks at their loss. Whatever the reason for death is, a pet owner perceives death as traumatic and distressing. People often show or exhibit post-traumatic stress symptoms after losing their pets.
According to conventional perceptions, pet loss was not broadly acknowledged and was said to be a type of disenfranchised grief. However, over the years, this perception has changed because people now consider animals as part of the fabric of their lives. Pets play a key role in improving our mental health and general well-being, so this is why we feel hopeless and traumatized while losing our lovable pets.
How Do You Heal from Losing A Pet?
In the book, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog,” Sarah Whitten-Grigsby enlightens the importance of healing from losing a pet, as she reveals that it is important to give some time to yourself for healing after this traumatizing loss. As one of the best books for healing pet loss, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog” shares some insightful elements and comforting suggestions for anyone who is in pet loss grief.
Sarah Whitten leaves a lasting impression on the readers from her heart-warming experiences as a pet lover and how it feels when someone loses his pet. Her book is a great relief to the ones who feel alone after losing their pets. So, how to heal from losing a pet? You should have Sarah Whitten-Grigsby’s book to get to know her personal stories, tips, and also moving advice if you want to recover from this loss.
Also Read About: 10 Best Grief Recovery Books for Pet Loss
How to Cope with Losing A Pet Suddenly?
The feelings when we say goodbye to our faithful companions cannot be described in words. It is because these small creatures never leave our side in our happy and challenging moments. However, if we lose them, then how should we overcome with this situation of losing a pet? This question is never easy for someone who is dealing with such a devastating loss. But don’t worry! Sarah Whitten-Grigsby is here to present some great ways for readers who are looking for comfort and encouragement to deal with pet loss healthily. Below are some practical ways, as recommended in the book “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog” by Sarah Whitten-Grigsby. So, let’s explore them!
7 Ways to Heal After Pet Loss
Healing pet loss, also termed as the grieving process, should be comforting for all who lose their pets. “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog” highlights exceptional ways to cope with the loss of a pet based on the author’s individual experiences.
1. Allow Yourself to Grieve and Remind Yourself that Your Feelings are Genuine
The grief of losing your loved one is tough to handle. Sometimes, we go through different stages of grief when we lose our pets, which are denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance. According to Sarah’s recommendations in her book, it is perfectly fine to feel this way – such as having grieving thoughts. We must acknowledge our feelings because there is no right or wrong way to feel at such a moment.
2. Ignore People Who Suggest to Replace the Pet Quickly
We often feel frustrated and heartbreaking when anyone from our family and friends says it’s only a pet and suggests you replace it instantly. It is usual for anyone who doesn’t own a pet to feel this way. You must only understand that you didn’t do this and never blame yourself for this loss.
3. Give Time to Yourself to Heal
In any situation, art therapies are the best healers; however, Sarah Whitten also acclaims these therapies in her book regarding pet loss recovery. Art therapy is one of the best activities in terms of helping you and shifting your energies into something positive.
4. Talk About Your Pet with Your Loved Ones
There is always someone trusted or anybody who doesn’t feel impartial to listen to your emotions. In the book, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog,” Sarah supports this excellent therapy about talking to your loved ones regarding your pet loss, as it will definitely help you express and process what you’ve just lost.
5. Seek Professional Help if it is Needed
The loss of a pet can be really intense for anyone. If you’re finding it hard to cope with your mental state, depression, and day-to-day functioning, then don’t feel ashamed of seeking professional help. But always seek out a licensed professional or counselor, mainly one specializing in grief or pet loss.
6. Plan Something Calming to Get Yourself Relaxed
Sarah reassures everyone who are in grief due to the pet loss to find a refreshing activity to calm their mental state. People who are dealing with such relatable situations always seek hope and encouragement, which you’ll find in Sarah’s latest book on the healing process after losing your animal companion.
7. When You’re Ready, Get A New Pet
The book by Sarah addresses a very important aspect while addressing those people who are still grieving for their pets. She advises that you shouldn’t rush into getting a pet again; however, there is also no correct time for this. Get the pet when you feel fresh, both mentally and physically.
Final Thoughts
Sarah Whitten-Grigsby’s book, “The Staggering Loss of Your Dog,” is a must-read book and a ray of hope for individuals who find it difficult to cope with the situation of losing a pet. The book highlights some practical approaches based on the author’s personal experiences. So, if you’re not feeling good after your pet loss, get this amazing book and enjoy!
