Some
of your friends, colleague's, and family may be insensitive to the lose of your
loved one. Saying such things as "It was only a dog it can be replaced"
and other such thoughtless remarks. It is hard but please try not to allow them
to add to your pain. You should pity them really, as they obliviously have never
known the true unconditional love which you have. If you had not loved so much,
and been so happy you would not feel the pain you feel now. Remember the cuddles,
the games, the walks, the unique times you spent together. They will remain with
you always.
Guilt is often felt following a death, I have a lot of guilt about how My
Tammy died. It was all out of my hands and there was nothing I could do. I
know this, but I still feel guilty, you may also feel this way too, it is normal.
Please read the excellent Dealing with Guilt page on the
US Pet Loss Site
You
are not "silly" for feeling the way you do, your best friend who you
loved and cared for over many years has suddenly gone and has left a huge painful
empty void in your life. You are allowed to grieve. Grief is Grief and Pain is
Pain no matter if your loved one had four legs or two.
Be kind to yourself, don't try to hold back your tears. Every time you do something
without your friend it WILL hurt there is no getting away from it, it takes time.
Some days you may feel able to cope better than others this is normal. Sometimes
something will suddenly remind you and you may burst into tears even if you thought
that you were starting to improve and go on with your life.
I
have no magic solution as I write this it is over 18 months since My Tammy died
and tears are flooding down my face. I miss her every single day. Everyone's circumstances
are different, my own are certainly different to most. I offer you my heartfelt
sympathy and hope that you will find your way through your grief and will reach
peace in your heart.
Do
not be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Below are some links to help you
find more support and help with the loss of your best friend.
Pet
Bereavement Support Service
The
Pet Bereavement Support Service is a telephone support line that offers support
to bereaved pet owners in UK, through a national network of trained volunteer
Telephone Befrienders. It is jointly run by SCAS and animal welfare charity The
Blue Cross.
Download
the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement leaflet
Blue
Cross support line is open seven days a week 8:30am - 8:30pm with an answerphone
outside these hours. To make contact, call the freephone number 0800 096 6606.
or
email them at pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk
My Tammy memorial
Page You
can write a memorial for your beloved Pet and upload a picture of them here -
it is a free service.
Watch
a Beautiful Flash Movie of "The
Rainbow Bridge" Story"
| When
I listened to Journey Through
Pet Loss, I finally knew, that I had found someone who actually understood
how I was feeling. There
are suggestions on how to cope with your loss, and poetry to echo your own feelings. The
pain never goes away, but this audio book helped me to try and cope during my
darkest of days. More
Pet Loss Books |
My
Poetry Page
My own and others poetry on pet loss, grief and also happier times
Ways
to remember your loved one
Tributes, memorials,
and ideas to remember your beloved dog or pet.
My
Tammy Angel was custom made for me by Karen