Where Did My Shadow Go?

The all-too-real grief of pet loss

Those among us who have lost a beloved pet, to death or for any other reason beyond our control, already know the pain. Yet, people rarely discuss just how deeply that experience affects us. Our culture, and life itself, is stressed and busy, so little attention is paid to the emotional burden that follows in the days, weeks, and months - and sometimes years - after our loss. We often carry the weight alone in private, hiding lingering sorrow as best we can. After all, we reason, it isn't as if a person died, right? But our pets are members of the household, and thus are family. The emotional impact of losing them is jarring.

These companions affect our lives deeply, offering precious companionship in return for our love, support, and attention. Don’t they change us, uncovering new parts of ourselves?

What emotions do they evoke in us while they're present and after they're gone? What memories of them remain constant?

Our pets are unique beings who take a permanent place in our hearts and souls. We’re better for their presence; they are like home and fireside for us.

Give yourself time to feel each loss and never apologize for sudden tears.

Though gone from sight, your beloved pet remains in your heart always.

If you or someone you know is feeling the stress of having lost a pet, here are a few good resources:
Coping with Pet Loss
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement