As pet owners, we know the awful truth: One day we will have to say goodbye to our animal friends. Hopefully, that day is in the very distant future. Losing a beloved pet can affect us more deeply than anticipated. It can be extremely difficult and leave us reeling. It is important to allow ourselves to grieve and mourn the loss of our pets. Here are five reasons why grieving after losing a beloved pet is necessary:
- Pets are family members
For many people, pets are not just animals, they are family members. After all, they live in your home and eat your food. Seriously though, pets provide comfort, love, and companionship and all without expectation or judgment. It’s no wonder losing a pet can feel like losing a part of the family.
- Pets are constant companions
Pets are always there for us, no matter what. They are there to greet us when we come home- spent from the day’s efforts; they cuddle with us on the couch providing emotional as well as physical warmth; and they provide us with unwavering and unconditional love. Losing a pet means losing a constant companion who’s always in your corner, or maybe on your lap.
- Pets help us through difficult times
Pets have been known to help people through difficult times such as illness, depression, and anxiety. Their intuitive nature is remarkable and there are many positive effects of pet ownership on human health. Therefore, it makes sense that losing a pet can feel like losing a support system.
- Pets have unique personalities
Each pet has its own unique personality; and the silly, sometimes irksome, but later missed quirks that make them special. Losing a pet means losing that uniquely beautiful personality that brought laughter, and sometimes a touch of frustration, into our lives; making the world a little dimmer in their absence.
- Pets leave an empty space in our hearts
Pets occupy a large amount of real estate in our hearts. When they pass away, they leave a vacancy that can feel like a veritable crater. It takes time to heal from the loss and allow that space to shift and receive new occupants alongside the old.
Grieving is inevitable where the love of a pet exists. While we can’t avoid it, we can approach the end of a beloved pet’s journey with all the tools at our disposal. In the proper circumstances, one such tool is euthanasia. Euthanasia is often said to be a final gift of love, and in-home euthanasia is a final gift of love at home. Here are four reasons why in-home euthanasia is preferred by many:
- Comfortable environment
In-home euthanasia allows pets to pass away in the comfort of their own home surrounded by their loved ones and familiar sights, sounds and smells. This can be less stressful for the pet and therefore less stressful for the pet’s family.
- No travel required
Transportation to a veterinarian’s office can be stressful for pets, especially if they are already ill, in pain, or fearful of traveling. In-home euthanasia eliminates the need for travel and allows pets to be wherever they are most comfortable. In-home euthanasia can be performed in a pet bed, on a couch, in a favorite spot in the yard, or wherever the pet is comfortable.
- More time with your pet
In-home euthanasia allows owners to spend more time with their pets before and after the procedure. This additional time can provide private space for families to grieve in their own way and allow for greater closure.
- Peaceful passing
Because in-home euthanasia provides pets the opportunity to pass in a familiar environment, without traveling, and maximizes time with loved ones (both human and other furry family members), it allows pets to pass away without fear or anxiety; simply with love and peace.
Facing the loss of a pet is heart-rending, but we can be kind to ourselves by making room for grieving and kind to our pet by providing them with a peaceful passing surrounded by their loved ones.
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