| Animals form a significant part of our lives, and | | | | they are going through and let the person let you |
| can be a vital part of our relationships. Now, more | | | | know what he or she needs to hear, and the kind |
| than ever, animals are often valued as family | | | | of support he or she needs from you. For |
| members and are also living longer than they | | | | example, if he or she says something like, "It's so |
| have in the past. | | | | quiet and lonely without Spot," reflect that back: |
| But with the Circle of Life, there comes a point | | | | "You must be so lonesome without Spot" or |
| when the animal dies and we (humans and | | | | "Spot added so much to the household." If he or |
| possibly other animals) are left alone with our grief | | | | she is crying, simply let them cry, maybe offering |
| and pain. | | | | tissues or water. However, be sensitive if you |
| Not too long ago, I was asked what to say to a | | | | feel they are uncomfortable showing their tears in |
| person whose animal has passed away. That's a | | | | front of you. |
| very important, but also sensitive question. These | | | | - You do not have the ability to make this better |
| are some suggestions for you to keep in mind as | | | | for the individual who is grieving. Each person |
| you are speaking with someone who has recently | | | | experiences grief in their own way and in their |
| lost a beloved animal: | | | | own time. Often when we try to make a grieving |
| - Remember that we all grieve in our own way: | | | | person feel better, we are really feeling |
| Some people are stoic, some are angry, others | | | | uncomfortable ourselves and are unknowingly |
| may cry uncontrollably, or one person may go | | | | trying to make ourselves feel better. Experiencing |
| through different emotions at differing times. Let | | | | the death of a pet is very hard. Your presence |
| the person grieve in their own way and in their | | | | alone will bring comfort and support to that |
| own time. | | | | person. You don't have to make it better for |
| - Be there to support the person through what | | | | them, just be with them. |