Pet condolences when your friend's pet dies
For some people, pets can be like the children they never had
and for others the pet relationship is simple and uncomplicated.
Regardless of the type of relationship a person may have with their
pet, it's important to understand very real and intense feelings of
grief and sadness
are natural when a pet dies. It's important to acknowledge the
grief associated with pet loss, just as you would acknowledge any
other type of grief.
If you know someone who has recently lost a pet, you can help by
being a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold or by simply listening
to and honoring the story of the life they shared with their pet.
You can also offer specific help such as offering to go with your
friend to pick up the pet's ashes or help bury the pet.
Below are pet condolence tips on what you can
do to help your friend grieving the loss of a pet.
Just listen. It's been said a person needs to
talk about their grief a hundred times to move through it, yet it's
so hard to talk about. You may feel as if you should offer words to
make them feel better but understand, nothing you can say will make
them feel better, so just listen and be there for your friend.
It's not "just a pet." The feelings of
grief associated with pet loss are very real and no less painful
because it is not a human loss. Whether you understand the
relationship or not, never minimize how much pain your friend is
feeling, or suggest they should "get over it" because it was a pet
who died and not a person. Visit our support section for more
suggestions on what to say (or not to say) to a grieving
person.
Help with administrative matters. It may be
difficult for your friend to make decisions related to their pet's
death. Offer to do the research to find pet funeral and pet
memorial products and services.
Offer to plan a pet memorial service. Having a
ceremony to honor the pet - whether it be a small intimate ceremony
at home or a large elaborate affair - can be therapeutic for the
grieving pet owner. Offer to help them plan a pet memorial
service.
Other ways to express your sympathy:
Useful Links on Pet Sympathy
Two Hearts Pet Loss Center
ASPCA
The Humane Society
The Association for Pet Loss and
Bereavement
