Our animals can become part of our families, our routines and our everyday lives. When they die, the silence and absence they leave behind can feel overwhelming. You may be experiencing sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness or even relief if your pet had been suffering. You may find yourself questioning decisions that were made or replaying the final days in your mind. Whatever you're feeling, your grief is valid.
Pet bereavement isn't always understood by the people around us. You may hear comments such as “it was only a pet” or feel that you should have moved on by now. But there is no timetable for grief. Counselling can provide a private space where you don't have to minimise your loss or explain why your animal meant so much to you. We can talk about your relationship with your pet, the circumstances of their death, the emotions you're experiencing and what life feels like without them.
Making the decision to have an animal put to sleep can be one of the most difficult experiences an owner faces. Even when you know it was the kindest decision, you may still experience guilt, doubt or “what if” thoughts afterwards. These feelings are common parts of grief and can be explored safely within counselling.
As someone who has worked for more than 25 years as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, I have experience of the veterinary environment and understand that euthanasia and end-of-life care can affect both owners and veterinary professionals deeply. My counselling work provides a space to explore your own experience of loss without judgement.
If you're grieving the loss of a much-loved animal and feel that some support might help, please get in touch. You don't have to stop missing them in order to begin moving forward.