Losing a pet can be one of the most difficult trials a person is faced with in this lifetime. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your pet is “just an animal.” As a lover of all animals, I can say with certainty that our pets love unconditionally and have very special traits that us humans lack. Losing a pet can be just as devastating as losing a human family member.
I believe that the reason we love our pets so much is not only because they love us unconditionally, but they lack the negative human qualities that are so abundant in our every day lives. People can be angry and jealous. We hold grudges and hurt each other on purpose. We have wars and destroy the earth. Animals, however, are innocent. The basically do what is necessary.
When I was a child, we always had pets. We had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and the list goes on. My parents showed me how to love a pet. I observed their behavior and adopted it myself. Unfortunately, whenever one of our dear friends had to be “put to sleep,” the responsibility fell on my mother. My father, as strong and masculine as he was, just couldn’t do it, and I was generally pretty young and wasn’t expected to go.
Now, at the age of 31, I know what it is like to be truly responsible for the care of a pet and what it is like to be bonded to them as well. The reason I chose to write this article is because I recently lost my cat Vera. She was the first pet I had after moving out of my parents house. I was completely responsible for her and I loved her very much. She was “put to sleep” in my arms and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I cried non-stop for days and still cry in the evenings sometimes. I had a meeting to attend that evening and when I told them I wasn’t coming because my cat died someone said “THATS why you’re not coming?” How insensitive!
Anyway…I am not some “expert” on grief and pet loss, but I can tell you what made me feel better. After Vera died I said what my family always said after losing a pet. “No more animals!” Well, within a week I walked into our local pound and adopted the adult cat that had been there the longest! I felt like I had turned something terrible into something good. I know my Vera would have wanted me to give a good home to another special kitty. This worked for me because I did not walk into the pound expecting to replace Vera. All pets have distinctive personalities and can never be replaced. If replacement is your intention, you will be disappointed.
Sometimes it is helpful just to know that other people feel the same way you do which is why I felt the need to share my feelings on this subject. However, if you are interested, please visit my website metaphysicaldiscovery.com and look under resources. There are numerous links to resources related to death and grieving, and there is even an excellent e-book about grieving the loss of a pet.
