Supporting People who are Grieving
A friend or family member just lost a pet. Whatever the
circumstances surrounding the loss, whether it be expected or unexpected,
whether the pet was young or old—a loved one is hurting because of their
loss. What do you do or not do? What do you say or not say?
It is difficult to know how to act and how to be their for your
friend/family member. We are here to help you help them. Here
are some suggestions ways in which you can help your friend.
Perhaps most importantly recognize this is a BIG loss for your friend.
For many people, losing a pet is the same as losing a close human member of
the family. Support them as you would support someone how has just
lost someone very dear to them.
Do Not Put Your Views/Beliefs on Them
It is important to allow your friend to go through the grieving process in
their own way. There is no given time-line on when a person will get
over the loss. There is no correct way to display this loss—grief can
be shown in may different ways. See
the Normal Grieving Process.
Perhaps you are a person that has never had a close relationship with an
animal-and when you lost your pet, it only took you a short time to get over
it. Remember that everyone is different and that your friend may have
been very close to their pet and is very distraught about the loss.
Their grief is very real whether or not you understand it. Perhaps the
situation is reversed and you are very close with animals and the friend who
just lost a pet is not.
You may not understand (and often times cannot understand) what your friend
is going through but you can provide non-judgmental support during their
time of need.
A Listening Ear
Just be there for them. Often what so many people want is to be heard.
Allow them to tell their story. Listen actively. They may talk
about old memories, feelings of guilt, self doubt or depression. They
may go from crying to laughing to anger all within a few moments. This
is ok—allow them these different emotions. It is normal to have ups
and downs. See
Do’s and Don’ts when talking with a Friend in Grief.
Silence is Ok
It is ok for you to just sit in silence with your friend. Sometimes
there really is nothing you can do or say that will make them feel better.
Again just being there IF they want to talk means so much to them.
Don’t think because they have stopped talking they no longer want you
around. There may be long periods of silence when they do talk with
you. That is ok.
Your friend has a lot going on right now and is probably processing it all.
They may appear distant and not ‘in the moment’ (numb). Again this is
all normal.
Be Understanding
Above all be understanding—whether you knew or loved the pet that was lost;
your friend did. Let them know it is ok to have strong feelings.
Many people feel alone in times of pet loss—as if no one understands or
cares for their loss. Often they get the message from others that they
should just ‘get over it.’ It is important that you do not make them
feel this way.
Let them know you are there to help them. If you have had a similar
experience talk about it and explain how you felt. Avoid ‘taking over
the conversation.’ Small comments like: I am so sorry for Leo’s death.
When I lost Scruff I was so upset. It was really hard on me—I want you
to know you can come to me if you want to talk of just be with someone.”
Knowing others were emotional in pet loss as well as knowing they have
someone to talk to will really help them. Your friend needs you.
They need understanding. They need support.
Offer Help
Offer to help your friend. Sometimes it is hard for people to ask for
help either because they are embarrassed, they don’t think they need help,
or they don’t know how to ask. Let your friend know you are there to
help them. Give specific offers so they and you know what you are able
to do. If there is a scheduled euthanasia you could offer to go with
them. They may not want you in the room but offer to take them there
and drive them home. Offer to go with them to pick up the remains or
help dig a grave.
Offering help that is not related to the loss is also greatly appreciated.
Offering to cook dinner one night, clean their house, pick up the mail etc.
all of the daily chores that can seem overwhelming during these times can be
very helpful.
Extend Condolences
Giving gifts of letters, cards, flowers, donation to a local shelter in
their name will mean so much to a person that is grieving. (Please see the
Pet Memorial Program at Washington
State University). They can help soften environment of their home and
letter/notes can be read and re-read bringing them some comfort during this
time.
If you knew the pet well and have some good memories with the pet-include
these in the letters. Letting your friend know you loved their pet too
and are hurting can also bring them comfort and be very special to them.
If you have mutual friends—tell them if they do not already know.
Encourage them to send some type of condolence as well. It is
important that your friend feels supported.
Perhaps this person is not someone you knew particularly well but you want
to show you are thinking of them. Sending flowers, cards or a note are
greatly appreciated. It is a recognition to them that you understand
this is a difficult time for them. For many losing a pet is the same
as losing a close family member—treat it as such and do what you would do
for someone who has lost a mother.
It Takes Time
The grief process is different for everyone. See
the Normal Grieving Process. Some get over the loss within weeks
and for others it can take months and even years. Continue to provide
support for your friend. Know that grief comes in waves and there may
be good days/weeks and bad one. Holidays can be particularly painful.
Allow them to tell and retell their stories. Be patient... the best
thing you can do is be there.
