Pet Loss

Losing a pet can be devastating experience

If you have recently lost your animal companion you may find yourself surprised by your level of grief.

You may even find that you grieve more for the loss of your pet than you might have for people you have lost in your life.  This is a common experience for many.

In your relationships with people, you may not have experienced the same unconditional, loving, acceptance that your pet offered.   It is no wonder it is so painful when your animal companion passes away.

As with other significant losses, some common reactions to losing an animal companion may include:

• loss of appetite
• intense loneliness
• difficulty sleeping
• feeling as though you have lost part of yourself
• anger
• guilt
• isolation  

To make matters worse you may also find yourself surprised by the reactions that you are receiving from friends and/or family.  It is very common for people who have lost a pet to feel very alone in their grief when those people around them do not understand the strength of the human-animal bond.  Some common reactions from others may include:

• “When are you going to get another cat?”
• “Why are you so upset; It was just a dog”
• “Aren’t you over that yet”?
• “What is wrong with you”?

These types of responses suggest that your animal friend is simply replaceable; this is anything but the case. These responses may also cause you to feel shame around your feelings, forcing you to suffer alone with your loss.

Grief counselling can help you cope with your overwhelming feelings due to the loss of your animal companion and allow you the opportunity to share your feelings in a safe and supportive environment.  This is paramount to the healing process.

Other benefits of counselling include:

• acknowledgement of the many normal feelings associated with losing a pet
• improved coping skills allowing you to tolerate difficult feelings without them incapacitating your daily life
• facilitation of the passing through the various normal stages of grief
• help you to reach a place of acceptance of this very difficult loss
• find ways to honor the memory of your pet

“Before I started seeing Bronwyn I felt completely alone with my grief.  I didn’t want to leave the house and no one seemed to understand what I was going through.  Bronwyn has given me a safe place to talk about my best friend and work through the devastation of losing her. I am coping much better now. I  am leaving the house again and I am feeling very hopeful that I will be able to get through this pain….”

- S. J., Toronto

I understand what it’s like to lose a special pet

As a life-long animal lover I know the devastation that comes with losing a pet. I know first hand the unbearable quietness in the home that follows the passing of a pet; the unconscious daily routines shared with pets that are so difficult to break; and the constant reminders of their former presence around the home.

I now also know that working through the pain of the loss is possible over time. I continue to miss my animal friends dearly but the pain is no longer so overwhelming. I can think fondly of our memories and laugh at the funny moments we shared together without being consumed by the pain of the loss.  I have also been able to come to place of appreciation for the time we shared together and the many important life lessons that I learned from my furry friends.

It is through my own passion for animals, my pain and struggles of losing pets over the years, and my strong desire and commitment to helping others that I have come to specialize in this area of counselling.

If you are wondering if you might benefit from grief counselling at this time please feel free to contact me for a free 30-minute consultation session.

244 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M5R 1V7 | 416-999-7146 | info@dicksonpsychotherapy.com