Coping with the loss of your pet may be harder than you expected it to be because it can trigger painful memories of other losses, cause your children and surviving pets to grieve, and upset your entire household. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others if you’re grieving about the loss of your pet. And the grieving process can last for days or years, depending on the individual. We all handle loss in different ways. Here are a few suggestions on ways to cope.

• Give yourself permission to grieve. Don’t deny your pain.


• Reach out to others, especially those who can lend a sympathetic shoulder to cry on.


• Express your pain. Try writing in a journal or looking through photo albums.


• Give your surviving pet(s) lots of attention and extra love while keeping to a normal routine. Remember, cats can grieve for dogs and vice versa.


• Don’t rush to get a new pet. Work through your grief first. You’ll sense when the time is right.


• Ask your veterinarian or humane association to recommend a pet loss counselor or support group if you’re having trouble finding someone to share your grief with.


• Be honest with your children about the loss of your pet. You’re the best judge of how much information to convey.