The loss of a dog, no matter the circumstances, is difficult. Just like grieving a human, grieving a pet will take time. And it’s only natural that you might experience a range of emotions at what will be a difficult time.
There are lots of different ways to manage grief, with no right or wrong. But sometimes you might need to reach out for support. Here are some places you might decide to turn to.
Mental Health Professionals
A mental health professional, like a therapist or counselor, might be able to help you manage your grief. If you’re already seeing one, you may decide to bring up your loss in a session. Or, perhaps you might decide to begin seeing a mental health professional to help you deal with your loss.
On websites like Psychology Today you can look for a therapist in your area that can meet your needs, or find an online or telephone therapist if that’s what you’d prefer.
Books About the Loss of a Dog
Instead of or as well as speaking to somebody, you may decide that reading will help you. For instance, there are a number of books out there. And you might find some of them useful in helping you cope with the loss of a pet.
On the Best Friends website, a number of books are outlined. Some are aimed at adults. Others are designed to help children and teenagers, at a time when they may be experiencing their first real loss.
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) is a non-profit organization that offers a number of services, and has plenty of resources on its website.
Certainly, you may find its directory of pet loss support groups useful, while it also offers a chat room service.
Pet Loss Support Hotline
The Pet Loss Support Hotline was first set up in 1989 at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis, and it’s staffed by volunteer veterinary students who have undergone training with grief counselors.
The Argus Institute
The Argus Institute at Colorado State University provides a lot of support and resources to help manage grief after the loss of a pet.
On its website are a number of useful articles surrounding pet loss. In addition, there are links to support groups and counselors.
DogTime
At DogTime, we know just how difficult losing a pet can be. You can take a look at our Dog Grief section for advice on how to manage grief, or when it might be time to say goodbye to your furry friend.
From how to help a friend dealing with their own loss to how to help children with their grief, there’s plenty of support and advice.
