The loss of a dog, a life long family pet can be just as crippling as the loss of any loved one. The pain is really no different and the grieving process is very similar. There are 4 steps in the grieving process with the loss of a family dog – denial, anger, sadness, and then finally acceptance. The stages can vary in length and often times intermix.Denial is when you just don’t want to believe it has happened. It is a natural defense mechanism we use to try to protect ourselves from emotional pain. It hits a first time dog owner harder than someone who has own pets in the past. The length of this stage will vary depending on length of dog ownership and how one has dealt with previous loss.
Anger sets in after the denial stage – when reality really starts to set in. Anger can be directed at yourself or at other people such as if your dog was hit by a car – the driver of the car, at a vet for a misdiagnosis, or at a loved one who is not being supportive. Self-directed anger can be for not doing the “right thing” or for what one thinks they should have done or could have done to prevent their pets demise regardless of validity.
Sadness strikes at any stage, from the moment your dog takes ill to its demise, and throughout the grieving process. This stage can linger and/or come in bouts.
Acceptance is the final stage. The owner recognizes the loss and is able to look forward. Memories of the dog are easier and more celebrated rather than bringing on tears.
No two people work through the grieving process the same. It will vary by person and individual situations. None right or wrong. Recognizing the stages can help though in working through them quicker. If you have a friend or a loved one who has lost their family dog, please be patient with them and supportive- it can be just as devastating as losing a two legged family member.
The main purpose of Doggie-Corral.com is to provide dog owners with an entire line of dog supplies needed to care for their beloved pets. We ship to the entire United States and provide a one stop shopping experience. We offer dog-training aids, dog insurance, health care essentials, dog apparel (e.g. dog shirts, Dog Pro sports apparel, dog boots, dog coats, dog College Sports apparel, dog blankets, dog sweaters, dog pajamas),dog beds, plastic and wood doghouses, dog crates and kennels, dog toys, dog chews, dog treats, dog and puppy foods, dog grooming products and more. Feel free to check us out at Doggie-Corral.com.
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