Pets are an integral part of many families. They love us, comfort us, and they have their own unique personalities. And the loss of a dog or cat can be a very painful experience. But how do you cope mourning the loss of a pet?

The loss of a pet is very similar to the loss of a human relative or companion. However, many people (usually those who have never had a cat or dog as a companion) simply cant imagine that the pain and depression you feel is real, or that it should be real. But be assured, the pain you feel for the loss of your dog is as real and as valid as the pain you feel for the loss of Uncle Roscoe. And you should recognize that you are going to experience much of what a person would feel at the loss of a human companion when mourning the loss of a pet.

These feelings will usually progress through guilt, denial, anger, and depression.

Guilt will usually be expressed in an if only I had been more careful attitude. Since the dog or cat cant watch out for itself, it must have been my fault. Thus we blame ourselves or try to second guess ourselves in the actions we took or didnt take.

Denial, as with the loss of a human companion, is a strong desire for the loss not to have occurred. This feeling can even keep you from adopting a new companion from the guilt of being disloyal to the lost one. However, adopting a new companion will probably do the most to help you complete the grieving process.

Anger will be directed at the veterinarian who failed to save your companion, the driver of the car that hit and killed your cat, or the other animals who may have played a part in your companions death. While this is certainly normal, it doesnt change anything and should be worked through with the goal of getting through your grief but should be recognized as a natural part of mourning the loss of a pet.

The final stage is depression. The worst aspect of depression is that the very condition leaves you powerless to work through your feelings youre too depressed to do anything or want to do anything. Its here that support and understanding from those around you can be most effective.

Above all, get back in the game. As we said at the beginning of the article, pets are a tremendous source of comfort for us and a new companion can help us cope with the irreversible loss of the previous companion. I hope by recognizing these natural morning emotions that you can with understand and gain comfort when mourning the loss of a pet.