We all experience grief when an important relationship ends.
Other people may want you to feel better before you are actually able to. Remember that everyone has a different relationship with their pet. The way that grief is expressed varies from one person to another. That is to be expected. The most improtant thing is that you do express your grief in whichever way works best for you.
If there is a time when additional support is needed (for whatever reason) it can help to speak to someone who understands the special bonds humans have with their pets. I offer non-judgmental acceptance and am trained to help you come to terms with your loss. Please call me for an appointment at (09)575 4000 (reasonable rates apply.
Adapted from The Human-Animal Bond and Grief,
by: Laurel Lagoni MS, Carolyn Butler MS, Co-Directors, Changes: and Suzanne Hetts PhD (Saunders 1994)
