August
Pet Bereavement
It’s not easy losing a pet no matter how long they have been with you. They become part of the family and we fall in love with them the minute we set eyes on them. Pet Bereavement can feel agonising and extremely difficult. We pick the animal we want, we choose their name, we bond with them, we play with them and make sure they are healthy and safe. Our pets are always there for us during our difficult times, and our happiest too. They never stop loving us and wait all day for our return from work or even a couple hours from the shops with a waggy tail, always happy to greet us.
Many of us share an intense bond with our pets. For us they are more than just ‘a pet’ but a member of the family, bringing companionship. The pain of losing our pet can often feel overwhelming, triggering all sorts of painful emotions, making it difficult for us to process. Some people may not understand the depth of feeling you have for your pet. You should never feel guilty or ashamed about grieving for their loss.
We all respond to loss differently and there are many factors that contribute to the different ways people grieve. The more significant the pet was to you, the more intense the emotional pain you’ll feel. We understand how the loss of any pet has an impact on you and the devastating pain it can cause.
The people who contact Justice for Reggie are not just grieving for the pet that they should be making memories with, but are so angry for purchasing a pet from someone who appeared to be genuine.
We don’t like it and every animal person feels the same. We all have the experience of loss when we own a pet. We know we have to be prepared to say goodbye but it's still hard to cope with.
There are healthy ways to cope with the pain, come to terms with your grief and when the time is right, perhaps open your heart to another pet.
So many people struggle with loss, sorrow and grief which are normal reactions and natural responses to death. Just like we would grieve for our friends, we need time to grieve and process the loss of our furry companions. Some people may not understand the pain, but it is easier to let them have their opinion as when they experience losing a pet they will then too understand the heartache.
It is not just the death of a much loved pet that can cause us to feel as we are falling apart, but also the theft of our pet. We have all seen a rise in pet thefts during Covid-19 and lockdown. The not knowing and never seeing them again is just as painful and traumatic. Nobody can imagine the pain and guilt felt, it’s a pain nobody wants to feel. Due to the Kept Animals Bill, the Government has seen the devastating effect pet theft has had and they have a section making it a criminal offence for pet abduction. They are now making much needed changes and hopefully they will sit up and listen to us all who have supported #reggieslaw, to swiftly act on regulating online animal sales. Bringing in Reggie’s Law should stop us all having our hearts broken by being sold an already poorly animal, only to do the humane and loving thing for them.
Bereavement is hard at the worst of times, however there are ways to deal with pet bereavement. Listed below are some services if anyone ever needs them.
Justice for Reggie have an open inbox if anyone ever needs to talk. We would never turn anyone away and are always here to listen.
The Scottish Pet Bereavement Counselling Services
www.thescottishpetbereavementcounsellingservices.com
find her or Facebook
Animal Samaritans Pet Bereavement Service:
0203 745 9859
www.animalsamaritans.org.uk
Cats Protection Paws To Listen and Grief Support:
0800 024 9494
www.cats.org.uk/grief
Confidential phone line providing emotional and practical support to owners experiencing the loss of a cat. While the volunteer listeners do not offer counselling, the team provides a supportive ear to callers struggling to cope with cat-related grief as well as providing information about topics such as euthanasia, burial and cremation.
EASE Pet Loss Support Services:
www.ease-animals.org.uk –
offer a wide range of support resources, covering different aspects of grief in pet bereavement - free to download or view or listen to online:
Pet Bereavement Support Service:
0800 096 6606
www.bluecross.org.uk
Open every day 8.30am-8.30pm
email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk and they will reply within 48 hours