Understanding Pet Loss

Most pet owners know that companion animals bring the greatest joy to our lives, sharing unconditional love and loyalty, yet few are truly prepared for the pain experienced when a pet dies. There is no quick fix, we cannot rush through a period of bereavement, before we heal we have to experience the heartache.

Grief is the price we pay for loving our companion animals, but we all find ways in which to cope with loss, some will use coping strategies they have learned and used in previous losses, whilst others seek new coping strategies as they navigate their way through their period of bereavement. You must also take care of yourself- don’t be too hard on yourself by placing unrealistic expectations regarding your recovery. Be patient, as these intense feelings will pass and you will discover ways to honor your pet as you adjust and progress through bereavement to a new way of life.

Disenfranchised Grief

Unfortunately it is commonly experienced by the majority of pet carers. Pet bereavement falls under the banner of disenfranchised grief – the definition: a grief that is not openly acknowledged or accepted by society or worthy of grieving for. Pet carers can experience disenfranchised grief throughout the period of bereavement, and for many years after, leaving them feeling isolated, ashamed, vulnerable and often too embarrassed to talk of their loss.

Pet carers experience the effects of disenfranchised grief due to the reaction from family, friends, work colleagues and acquaintances. Pet bereavement counsellors should always be aware of the effects of disenfranchised grief on the pet carer as it has proved to be a barrier for many pet carers reaching out for support during bereavement resulting in prolonged, complex and cumulative grief.

Anticipatory Grief

When we speak of grief it is in reference to a death in the past, whereas anticipatory grief is associated with a death in the future i.e. the death is anticipated. Grieving begins prior to the death of a pet, for example when a vet tells the pet carer that their pet is terminally ill or that they should consider euthanasia to prevent or end suffering. Pet carers involved in their pets’ palliative care suffer from anticipatory grief, which can result in the pet carer being overwhelmed physically and emotionally throughout this period. Living in a state of limbo, the pet carer may experience many of the symptoms associated with grieving.

Services
Havertown Animal Hospital 117 N. Eagle Road Havertown, PA

ZOOM sessions also available
email byspetloss@gmail.com for more information

Group Counseling Sessions

first Wednesday of each month 6pm

Share with others in an intimate, friendly non-judgmental setting
Interact with others who are experiencing a similar loss or anticipated loss
Gain insight into how others are beginning to heal
Receive helpful coping strategies and resources
Group atmosphere promotes a strong bonding experience with others that understand and help you begin to heal

Individual Counseling Sessions

Art Therapy Workshops

by appointment

coming soon on select dates

Receive the personal attention of the pet loss specialist
Share your feelings in a safe non-judgmental environment
Identify any areas of concern that you may have and come up with specific coping strategies designed to help in the healing process

Help process grief and find new ways to memorialize your pet
Open to all ages; children welcome

Cindy Saltzman, MS
Pet Loss Support Specialist

My degree in Psychology has afforded me extensive opportunities in academics and counseling with a focus on educating others with compassion and warmth. Animals have always held a special place in my heart and I know first-hand what losing a pet feels like. As a certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, I am able to really combine my passions to help clients process their loss and move through the grief.