Some people find grief following the loss of a pet comes in stages where they experience different feelings such as denial anger guilt depression and eventually acceptance and resolution.
Grieving loss of dog guilt.
The grieving process after the loss of a pet.
For example we might cover up electric cables in the future having had a pet that bit through them or we might replace the lock on the garden gate having had a pet escape when the gate blew open.
If our pet died in a way we perceive could have been avoided the duration and severity of guilt can be intensified.
Pet parents also may feel guilty replaying events that led to the pet s death and second guessing themselves.
Feeling guilt is a sign of just how much you cared about your pet.
Instead of remembering all we contributed in love and quality to our friend s life we focus on self criticism and condemnation the time we were too tired for one last walk the time the demands of life left our sentient being with little attention the time we went on a vacation or.
Guilt is our brain s way of protecting us feeling the full weight of our grief and sadness over something like loss.
Grieving the loss of a pet can feel isolating but it doesn t have to be.
Experiencing the sudden death of a pet makes the grief even more painful.
Circumstances surrounding the loss.
See here what you can do to relieve the guilt and heal from pet loss.
Feelings of depression might follow regardless of whether the person has a history of depression as the pet parent realizes the loss is permanent.
Finally people reach acceptance where healing occurs pich says.
Grieving is a highly individual experience.
I should have closed the screen door.
In some pet loss situations there are things we can learn through the questions our guilt forces us to ask.
When you are grieving the death of a pet one of the most painful feelings is guilt.
For anyone grieving the death of a pet the pain can be overwhelming.
After all you and your pet were close.
Occasionally overrun animal shelters and other places and people will opt to put a healthy pet to sleep.
Explore common patterns of guilt when it comes to tragic loss runaways and incomplete endings.
Here are some ways you can begin the healing process.
Guilt is among the most difficult common and initial feelings following the loss of an animal companion.