Pets enhance the lives of their owners by providing companionship, emotional support, and unconditional love. With average lifespans of 13 years, dogs and cats can become beloved members of the family and, when they die, it can feel like a significant and even traumatic loss. In this way, it’s natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness when a pet dies. Additionally, feeling shocked, confused, angry and having difficulty sleeping or focusing are not uncommon. For many people, a pet is not “just a dog” or “just a cat.” The level of grief you experience can be dependent on several factors, including the role your pet played in your life and household, your age and personality, the age of your pet when they died and how they died. Yet dog expert and host of the T.V. series, Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, maintains that the most important thing after the death of a pet is to, “allow yourself to grieve.” Here are some healthy ways of coping with the loss of your beloved pet:

• Reach out to others who have lost a pet before - this can include talking to friends, family members or a counselor, contacting your local humane society or joining a pet loss support group
•  Rituals can help healing. A funeral or ceremony can help you and others who knew your pet openly express your feelings
• Create a legacy - prepare a memorial, plant a tree, compile a photo album or scrapbook. Sharing memories you had with your pet can have healing qualities.
• Write about how you’re feeling – expressing your thoughts and feelings through writing can be therapeutic
•  Remember to take care of yourself! 

For more information and resources on pet bereavement, visit the Pet Therapy category in UB's Wellness Resource page: http://www.urbanbalance.org/UB-Wellness-Resources/Pet-Therapy.html

To find out more information on grief counseling services offered at Urban Balance and how UB can help you cope with the loss of your pet, visit our website at www.urbanbalance.org, follow us on Twitter @Urban_Balance and check us out on Facebook at Urban Balance, LLC.