Ask Dr. LaFarge: Healing from Pet Loss
I lost my beloved 11-year-old Chihuahua, Miss Giz, on Monday morning. She was hit by a car. I am suffering huge amounts of guilt because I failed to protect her. I didn't even get to soothe her in her final moments to tell her that everything was going to be all right. I fear the last thing she heard were my screams, and it's haunting me.
I just want to know that she's forgiven me. I don't think I'll be able to get over this. I don't want to wake up in the morning, I can't concentrate at work, and I hate going home. Please tell me the best way to go about healing.
—Dana
The tragic circumstances of your loss of Miss Giz certainly make the task of grieving her death much harder, Dana. Since you were completely unprepared for this loss, it is a traumatic one. I know you are distressed by the difficulties in functioning that you are having, but this is completely normal for a devoted owner at this stage of the grieving process. You may even have intense experiences of her presence, especially at night. Haunting, guilty feelings are often experienced by the most responsible owners. I can assure you that time will reduce the intensity of these waves of grief and also consolidate the wonderful memories of your dog, so that you will be reassured that she forgives you.
Read the rest of Dr. LaFarge's advice...
I just want to know that she's forgiven me. I don't think I'll be able to get over this. I don't want to wake up in the morning, I can't concentrate at work, and I hate going home. Please tell me the best way to go about healing.
—Dana
The tragic circumstances of your loss of Miss Giz certainly make the task of grieving her death much harder, Dana. Since you were completely unprepared for this loss, it is a traumatic one. I know you are distressed by the difficulties in functioning that you are having, but this is completely normal for a devoted owner at this stage of the grieving process. You may even have intense experiences of her presence, especially at night. Haunting, guilty feelings are often experienced by the most responsible owners. I can assure you that time will reduce the intensity of these waves of grief and also consolidate the wonderful memories of your dog, so that you will be reassured that she forgives you.
Read the rest of Dr. LaFarge's advice...
posted by ASPCA at 10:00 AM PERMALINK
1 Comments:
Dana,
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I lost one of my dogs last year and I know what you are going through. PLease take comfort in knowing that Miss Giz knew how much you loved her. I won't lie, it will be hard for a while, but I promise that it does get a tiny bit easier as each day goes by. I know that no other dog could ever replace your beloved Miss Giz, but when you are ready, you will be able to provide a loving home for another dog who needs you. They will be very lucky to find you. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
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