“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
The pain of grief is never easy for anyone. Some people might still be in shock at the depth of loss and heartbreak they are experiencing. Losing a pet is like losing a family member. While others may have a different coping mechanism, always remember that this could be traumatic, which may also lead to depression and anxiety.
As relatives or close friends, you may want to show support to the person dealing with this unfortunate incident. It’s only reasonable to struggle for the right words to say to your fellow animal lover. This only proves you truly care about their feelings.
Here are some ways to help you show support to a person grieving for the loss of their beloved pet:
1. Empathy is Key
Showing empathy for a grieving person is important. While you may feel uncertain about the words you have to say, your presence is enough to show you care. You can say things like, “I am sorry for your loss.” or “He was such a wonderful dog, and I can’t imagine the pain you have right now.” You can’t take the loss away, but letting them know they’re not alone means a lot for them.
2. Let the Person Grieve
Sometimes, you need to let the person grieve for their loss to take away the pain. Don’t feel pressured to cheer them up, or look for the bright side. It is comforting to hear “This is such a terrible news” as opposed to pushing them to feel better. In some cases, the best thing you can do for them is to validate that their experience is painful, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
3. Keep Up with the Process
As time goes by, all the initial support you have given may tend to wane over time. Others may get busy, while he or she may feel alone and still hurting. Don’t forget to keep up with the process. Check them from time to time, and make sure they’re doing okay. The important thing here is to let them know you’re willing to lend an ear, or a shoulder to cry on.
4. Listening can be Good Enough
As the person is still trying to process everything, they may need to share a story about their beloved pet. You don’t have to say anything. Let them talk it out to help them get through their emotions. Sometimes, listening is enough, and it’s a powerful way to lend support to others.
5. Commemorate their Beloved Friend
One of the best ways to show how much you care is to commemorate their beloved pet. You can get a portrait of their pet, or frame their favorite pic. You can also include an emotional pet support letter to cheer them up. Share some of your best memories with them. Making efforts to celebrate the life of their dearly departed furbaby will give them comfort.
Showing your support to a grieving friend or relative may help them ease the pain. Keep in mind that recovery is a process, and healing may take time. Always let them know you’re there for them.
