What are some strategies for coping with the loss of my pet?

Grieving the loss of a pet is hard work. Grief is an emotionally and physically exhausting experience. The only way to heal the pain is to move through it, and that takes time. During this time, it's important to take care of yourself.

Below are some suggestions to help you cope:

• Give yourself permission to grieve. Express your sadness; moving toward it is the only way to lessen the pain. Find outlets to express your grief; write about it, cry it out, talk about it, and work it out through exercise and projects.

• Realize that it is normal to grieve deeply for a pet. Losing a pet is a significant loss. It's normal when you've sustained a great loss to feel debilitated for a while. So take all the time you need to heal.

• Cut yourself some slack. Grief is hard work. You may have trouble sleeping and may not feel like eating. As a result, you may lack focus at work or be forgetful. Be kind to yourself, as it is normal not to perform your best during this time.

• Identify your own personal coping strategies. Recall past losses you have experienced and review how you got through them.

• Pick a meaningful way to memorialize your pet. Make a scrapbook, plant a tree, write a poem, or donate money in your pet's name to a charity for animals. You may even want to volunteer with your humane society or rescue group.

• Take time for you. Seel out the healing effects of small pleasures: baths, afternoon naps, favourite foods, and long walks.

• Take good care of yourself. Get extra rest, eat healthfully, drink lots of water, and exercise moderately.

• Surround yourself with supportive family and friends. Let others help you. Limit your exposure to people who do not seem to understand the significance of your loss and may be less supportive.

• Seek out professional help and / or a support group. It can be helpful to talk to others who have gone through similar situations, especially if you are experiencing a complicated grief process. Your veterinarian may have resources for you.

• Expect the first year to be the hardest. Lots of "firsts" (holidays, birthdays, and vacations) without your loved one may be difficult.

• Allow yourself to backslide. Grief is a roller coaster. Try not to get discouraged with the ups and downs of your emotions. Know that this is normal; be gentle and forgiving with yourself.