Hollywood Pet Hospital: Dealing with Loss of a Pet

		3565 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97232 Phone: (503) 234-9229 Fax: (503) 234-1584 staff@hollywoodpet.com
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Look in the Dr's Bag monthly for new articles and information on animal health issues. Dealing with the Loss of Your Pet The following information is from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and is provided as a public service of the OVMA. O SAY THE DEATH OF A BELOVED PET is painful is a great understatement. Our pets are our friends; often our closest, kindest, and truest friends, and important members of our families. We rely on them, take their unconditional love for granted, and when they die, we miss them terribly and grieve for them as a beloved family member. Understanding the grieving process and knowing that grieving for your pet is natural and necessary will help you to process your feelings of loss and to adapt to life without your pet. Grieving for Your Pet It is important to give yourself permission to grieve the loss of your pet. Grief is experienced differently by each person and proceeds at an individual pace. If you feel as though you are "stuck" in one phase, it may help to seek counseling or support from others who have also lost pets. Usually the grief process includes: Shock and Denial: A phase where your pet's death doesn't seem real. Anger and Guilt: The bereaved may lash out at others - family members, the veterinarian, or God - blaming others, or themselves, for the pet's death. Bargaining: The bereaved may try to make a deal with God or with the veterinarian in hope of bringing their pet back. Depression: The bereaved may feel sad, hopeless, confused, guilty, drained, and helpless. All of these feelings are normal, but if depression persists over time, you may want to see your physician for an evaluation. Acceptance and Resolution: This phase is reached when the loss is integrated into the bereaved's life. It does not mean forgetting about the pet. The Healing Process Honoring and memorializing your pet is an important part of the grieving and healing process. You might consider making a donation to an animal-related organization in memory of your pet, carrying out a ritual such as lighting a candle for your pet, having a memorial service with family and friends, making a scrapbook of your pet's life, writing about your special memories of your pet, or talking to others, such as a support group, who have experienced similar loss. You should only get another pet when you feel that you are ready. Some bereaved are ready soon after the loss of their pet; others may need to wait until they have completed the grieving process. Deciding to Euthanize Your Pet The decisioon to euthanize your pet is often difficult and overwhelming. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's health and treatment options. You will want to consider your pet's quality of life as well as your family's, your pet's level of pain, and his ability to do the things he once enjoyed. Feelings of guilt are common, but it is important to remember that as caregiver the decision to euthanize is often the kindest and most unselfish decision you can make for your terminally ill or severely injured pet. We Want to Help All of us at Hollywood Pet Hospital, veterinarians and staff, share your sadness at the loss of your pet. We can give you the medical information if you need to make difficult decisions for your pet. We can also assist you in dealing with your pet's remains. Dr. Decker has received special training in pet bereavement and regularly volunteers at the Dove Lewis Pet Loss Support Group.
Pet Loss Support Resources • Dove Lewis Emergency Pet Hospital Portland, OR Thursday Support Group 24-hour Message Line (503) 234-2061 • Winter Spring, Medford, OR Support Group & Classes (541) 772-2527	• Ark Animal Hospital, Philomath, OR Individual Grief Counseling (541-929-5061 Web Resources • ASPCA Pet Loss Support • Pet Loss Grief Support Website
In previous Dr's Bags: • Renal Failure in Older Pets • Internal Parasites • Slugbait Poisoning • Think Twice Before Giving a Pet as a Present • Pets Need Dental Care, Too • Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD, Osteoarthritis) • Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Older Dogs • Break Through in Preventing Feline Aids • Salmon Poisoning Can Be Fatal to Dogs • Pet Medications: Veterinarian or Mail Order? • Are You Allergic to Your Pet? • Winter Proof Your Pets • Tips for Preventing Dog Bites • Warning for Cat Owners about Flea and Tick Products • Summer Time Care for Pets • Dealing with the Loss of Your Pet
Home \| Staff \| Location \| Boarding \| FAQs \| Dr's Bag \| Links Hollywood Pet Hospital • 3565 NE Sandy Blvd • Portland, OR 97232