By: Kelsey Wooten, LPC
Growing up we had a cat named Bailey – he is a constant in my childhood memories. A memory that sticks with me is that every year on Christmas morning as we unwrapped gifts we would throw the wrapping paper in the middle of the room and watch him play in it. A year or two after he passed away I found my mom crying as she was throwing away wrapping paper. Concerned, I asked her what was wrong. She told me that the wrapping paper made her think of him and she missed him.
The loss of a pet can be just as painful as losing a person in our lives. It can be sudden and traumatic. The pain we feel is partly due to the role our pets play in our lives. You often hear people refer to their pets as their “fur baby” or like a “sibling” if they grew up together. Our pets are a constant source of unconditional love and support. They are there through times of pain and joy and can brighten up the monotony of life. According to Psychology Today dogs and cats live an average of 13 years. Just take a moment to think about how much you experience in over a decade, and having them with you every step of the way.
Once our pet passes over the “rainbow bridge” we realize the hole in our lives almost immediately. Grief is a process that looks different for everyone. For some it is helpful to have an urn and memorize them in some way. For others it’s getting another pet or taking time before doing so. There is no timeline or a “right way” to do it. If you have a loved one who is grieving a pet and you don’t understand why, because “it was just a cat or dog” I encourage you to ask your loved one to tell stories or talk about their pet. Their furry friend was a living being they loved and cared for. Living with and coping with the loss is hard. Just be there for them, even if you don’t understand.
If you or a loved one is having a hard time, Sonder is now accepting new clients. Call or email today!