Pet Bereavement Couselors: Role in Your Pet Loss

Pet loss can be a traumatic event, often leading to depression, loneliness and melancholy in the dog owner. If you recently suffered a traumatic loss of a pet, it is important to remember that your feelings of sorrow and grief are normal and, if necessary, you may want to seek out the advice of a pet bereavement counselor.

Finding a Specialist
In the realm of psychology, there are many therapists and counselors that specialize in unique health complications. Because the grief and sorrow of losing a pet can be traumatic to a pet owner, some psychologist and mental health therapists enter into a niche specialty of pet grieving. As a pet owner who has lost a family dog or cat in recent days, this type of specialty health need is common and should not be avoided if your depression is impairing quality of life.

What to Expect in Counseling
When meeting with a pet bereavement counselor, it may be normal to feel as if you need to explain why your pet died and what your pet's medical history may have been. Interestingly enough, counselors in this health specialty do not need to know those specifics as your grief and sorrow is typically not associated with the pet's actual illness. Instead, your counselor may point out that your family pet's presence in your home was a lifestyle and, as a result, the sudden loss of the pet may have resulted in a sudden lifestyle change that you were not prepared for.

It's Okay to Grieve
It is true that our pets create a lifestyle for us. In the book entitled, "When Your Pet Dies", by Jamie Quackenbush, the author states the loss of a pet is identical, in many cases, to that of a human companion death. Unfortunately, it is not yet acceptable in society to bereave such a loss as intensely. For this reason, you may find it necessary to seek out counseling by a therapist as the ability to discuss your emotions may not be as readily acceptable within your circle of family and friends.

Without proper emotional health support in the days and weeks after your pet has died, it is possible to develop complications of depression. If you have a pre-existing history of depression, you may find that your loss of your pet further exacerbates your symptoms, ultimately leading to a reduction in quality of life. Never feel ashamed to seek out the treatment needed for your pet loss and, when unable to find social support with your closest family members, seek out bereavement services from a licensed therapist.

Sources:
Quackenbush, Jamie. When Your Pet Dies. Simon and Schuster. 1985. Google Books
Human Society Pet Grieving
http://www.spca.org/Page.aspx?pid=253