LOSS OF A FRIEND

The bond between humans and animals is very strong, and the myriad of emotions you feel over the loss of your loved one can be painful and difficult to understand. If we did not love them the pain would not be so sharp.

 

It is so difficult becauseh you have been fortunate enough to share a special bond with your Wheaten? He is always there for you; each of you gives the other a great deal of emotional support. Your Wheaten is a source of unconditional love, forgiveness, and appreciation. He is one of your most constant companions. He is part of your family. Many times, places, feelings, thoughts, and events are associated with him.

 

It is called a labor of mourning because it is exhausting and difficult work to grieve over the loss of a loved one. The “work” is actually feeling the pain that you experience whenever you think of or are reminded of your dog who is no longer with you. Healthy grieving is the process of going through the pain. It is a typical response to try avoiding the pain. The pain of the loss will soften in time if you acknowledge it. Yes, pain hurts and it is uncomfortable, but It is not bad. It is testimony to the love and joy you shared with your friend.

 

Grief manifests itself in many ways, and is different for each person. There is no specific way to grieve. You may experience physical symptoms that include crying, sleeplessness or oversleeping, headaches, chest pain or tightness, lack or increase in appetite, lack of energy and motivation, forgetfulness, distractedness, inability to concentrate, and sensitivity to loud noise or large groups. There may be intellectual manifestations of grief including sadness or depression, guilt or anger, resentment towards the dog, confusion, shock or numbness, denial, regret, relief, and short temper or irritability. It is common for the memory of past losses to resurface. Grief may be felt and expressed differently within a family, which can lead to conflict or misunderstanding. It is important to accept different forms of grieving, whether public or private, quiet or pronounced. It is also important to talk about it if someone else’s grief makes you worried or uncomfortable.

 

If a decision to euthanize was made, it is normal to feel sadness, guilt and self-doubt. Many feel that their dog suffered too long; others may feel they acted too soon. Knowing that euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions we may ever make, it is important to see euthanasia as a gift that we can release our loved ones from pain and suffering, and can allow our dogs a dignified death.

 

What can help the most is talking, talking, talking. Talk to family and friends, co-workers, a support group and/or counselor. Share your pain,