Wednesday, 21 July 2010 08:23

"After several months, I keep feeling so distraught over the death of my dog, Pixie, I can not even talk about it. I miss watching television with her on my lap, and I miss his company. "- Diane, 74 years old. Pets can be an important part of life, and occupy a special place in my heart. A pet can be a faithful companion, an integral part of home life and a person's daily schedule. A pet can give unconditional love that many people, particularly older adults, can not get from anyone else.

When a pet dies particular, this loss can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing of a person.

Today there is growing public awareness about the anguish that people can feel when a beloved pet dies, and more community resources are available to help those who are crying
a pet.

How older people benefit from having a pet?

Pets can provide their owners a sense of purpose and fulfillment, companionship, affection, acceptance and friendship. Pets rely on their owners for food, water, exercise and medical care, which may give the owner a sense of responsibility and, if needed. In return, pets often express their satisfaction through their songs, wiggles, licks and purrs. A pet can provide opportunities for physical contact, such as whether to touch her, hug her or hold her, and even can be a companion to bedtime. The owners speak, spend time and play with a pet. Through this interaction, a pet can become an integral part of daily life. For many, a pet can take the place of "valued friend" or "close family member."

Caring and giving a home to love an animal can help an older person stay active and healthy. This actively involved with an animal can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress and bone loss, lower cholesterol and improve blood circulation. A pet can also have the opportunity to meet others and socialize with them, for example, meeting with owners of pets in the park or chatting with the staff at the vet's office. Thus, a pet can help reduce or prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness.

How could affect the death of a pet for the elderly?

Losing a beloved pet means losing a significant relationship. Losing your pet can feel overwhelming, especially if you are experiencing other losses, many of which are common to the aging process. It is not unusual, for example, for older adults, their longtime friends, your spouse and a pet die all within a short period of time. Your pet may have been the only link he had with the past, or maybe it was his loyal companion during a time that otherwise would have been lonely. Or you may have moved from his old neighborhood to a new environment, and your pet may have been his source of strength during the transition to their new home.



For those who were coping with a chronic illness, your pet can be comforted if any, remaining near or licking your hand. For others, your pet may have been trained to help with their daily activities. For example, just like a guide dog is specifically trained to help move someone with impaired vision, your pet may have been trained to move with ease and bring things in the house, or alert others in case you need help in an emergency.



Losing your pet can change your outlook on life. For example, you may lose your sense of purpose in your day if you experience feelings of emptiness or sadness at not having a dog and take a walk, or a bird to talk, or brush a cat. In addition, the loss of a beloved pet can remind you of your own vulnerability and mortality. This can lead to feelings of worry about getting another pet, wondering if the new pet will disappear if you suffer a prolonged hospitalization or died.

What are the common feelings when a pet dies?


Pain is a natural response to loss of a link. It is normal to have pain for a pet that has been part of his life. There is no right or wrong ways to express their feelings about the loss of their beloved pet. Some people are apparently emotional, while others express their feelings in private. Some feel the pain only for days or weeks, while others it may take months or even years to recover from the loss of a beloved animal friend. His own reactions and feelings related to this loss will probably depend on the nature of the relationship you had with your pet, how long she was part of his life, if death was sudden or gradual, and the situation in the death of her pet.


When a pet dies, it is not unusual for a person to experience a range of feelings. When a pet's death occurs in circumstances particularly stressful, emotional response can be quite intense. For example, you may experience anger or impotence if you have to give someone a wonderful pet due to financial constraints, sickness or moving to a new place where pets are not accepted as a nursing home or assisted living facility. You may also experience anxiety when faced with the difficult decision to euthanize a pet. Or, if your pet has died of an accident, you may feel guilty if you think you might have protected her better. The holidays and birthday celebrations can be enjoyed at least after the loss of a pet. After this situation, you may feel sad every year on the anniversary of the arrival of the pet to your heart and your home.



If your sadness and pain seem to increase over time, or realize that the loss of a pet affects their ability to do their thing every day, it's probably time to seek professional advice to help him cope with his continued pain.



Why are the feelings about the loss of a pet often hide?


You may feel angry and sad about the loss of your pet and find hiding these feelings of others. Can you believe it is inappropriate, stupid or weak to be so concerned about the death of an animal. Or it may have been raised in the belief that showing emotions is inappropriate, making it difficult to express their feelings. If you feel ashamed, embarrassed or uncomfortable with their emotional reaction to the death of your pet, it is common to try to ignore or disguise their pain.



Also, sometimes otherwise well-intentioned people can say things neglected as "You can always get another." This might be true. However, this statement does not recognize that your pet was unique or special relationship that you enjoyed. If you feel misunderstood, you might decide not to share the sadness you have.



Our society does not always recognize the depth of feeling that can accompany the loss of a pet. Thus, many communities do not offer any way, or offer only some very limited, share the loss of a pet with others (eg, rituals, ceremonies or memorials). Without an organized opportunity to remember a pet, many people are uncomfortable expressing their pain.


Suffering the pain of the loss of a pet, though difficult, can be a healthy process. Restraint can leave with a heavy heart for a long period of time.


How I can bear the loss of my pet?


It is common to feel sorry for the loss of a pet. It is important to realize that things will improve over time. Here are some things you can do to cope with the loss of your pet: Talking about your feelings for your pet with compassionate, sensitive and understanding. Remember your pet doing a scrapbook about her, put a framed photograph of her in a special place or write a story or a poem about it. Join a support group, a counseling session, chat rooms, Internet or call a toll of lost pets. Your veterinarian or Humane Society (HumaneSociety) can recommend local counselors or support groups that might help.


* Consider the possibility of holding a memorial service, purchase a burial site or to a brand of stone in your garden or a room in your home.

* Make a contribution in memory of your pet to a charity of your choice or an animal rescue organization. Saying goodbye can give you the opportunity to express their feelings, achieve closure and to think about the role of the pet in your life.

* Volunteering for a charity or religious group to which it is affiliated, to be busy and others. Animal shelters and animal organizations need people to take a walk, pet and care for abandoned animals.

* Increase your interactions with family, friends and social groups in their community.

* Read books and magazines about pet loss and how to manage their feelings of pain.