When something you have done causes the accidental death of your pet, your emotions can overtake you. The “Blame Game” becomes your focus and can turn inward in an unhealthy way. This stress can be particularly painful to deal with and can take more of a toll than just the death of your beloved pet..
It helps to have healthy strategies for coping during such a difficult time and below are a few ideas to help you:
- Take care of yourself
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Try and get plenty of sleep
- Talk to others Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol These may seem to help with the stress, but in the long run they create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
- Journal Express your thoughts and feelings or even write an apology to your beloved pet.
- Take action Think of an action that you could promote that might help another family prevent the act that contributed to your pet’s death. (ie encourage people to get a pool alarm that alerts when a pet falls into a pool)
If you or someone you know would like to begin the healing process of how to cope with such a loss,
please email info@ccpc.ws for more information