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What can I do about my feelings? |
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most important step you can take is to be honest with yourself about what
you are feeling. Don't deny that you are feeling pain, guilt or anger.
Only by looking at these emotions and coming to terms with them can you
begin to work through them.
You have a right to grieve. An animal you love has died. You are going to feel alone and bereaved. It is only natural. Locking away your grief doesn't make it go away. Express it. Cry, scream, pound the floor, talk it out - do whatever helps you the most. Reminisce about the good times with your pet and the pleasure of their company. This will help you understand what they meant to you and clarify the significance of your loss. Many people find it helpful to express their memories and feelings in stories, poems or letters to the departed pet. Other techniques that may be helpful in your grieving process include: re-arranging your schedule to fill in the times you once spent with your pet, removing their things from sight (though some find that keeping the pet's things in view is helpful instead), preparing some form of memorial such as a photo collage, and talking to others about your loss. |