Grief over Pet Loss: How to Cope and What Needs to Change

Dr Jones' cat Murray died recently- he is dealing with grief. Dr Jones shares with you how he is coping with the loss of his pet, and his thoughts on how this can be better.

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[maggiedonaldson]

When people say “it’s just a dog” or “just a cat”, I feel sorry for them. They’ve obviously never experienced the deep, essential love of a beloved animal companion. With great love and joy comes great grief too. As you say, these are legitimate emotions to feel, and the impact of the loss can be profound.

[liztowers]

i quit my job when my dog of 13 yrs died after a long battle with bone cancer, i had to take so much time off, and i didnt give a crap what anyone thought. jobs are a dime a dozen, my dog wasnt. he was with me 24/7 we seen British Columbia north to south on our roadtrips. i will miss him, loosing Herman was the same pain as loosing my dad and im NOT ashamed to say that.
RIP to both of the men in my life. I hope you are running together in heaven. :( xoxo

[mollybradshaw]

I don't think it gets any easier....and it's not supposed to. But with age and wisdom you grow to appreciate the lives they led and what they taught. Every creature in my life has taught me something and still lives in my heart.

[LauraHopkinsCDL]

I find the loss of a dog far more difficult than any human. Thanks for talking about this.

[johndennis]

The older you get, the harder the loss. Prayers for all those that experience this sadness.

[zelinaworden]

My pet loves me more now that my ex did for 26 years.
He greets me at the door every day when I come home from work.
Now that's true 'unconditional love's'.

[theresayoung]

So sorry that Murray passed. My 6 lb chihuahua Missy died in 2018 and I still cry every time I talk about her. My precious 10 1/2 year old Min pin Buddy passed on this month, January 11. I cried almost non stop for 3 days. I just barely started leaving the house. We did everything together. My heart is broken. To me they are family and the grieving is enormous. God Bless you all

[nailartShookme]

I've had many pets over the years. Each time, it gets harder and harder, as it chips away another piece of me. Paying this toll is how we get to be part of these beautiful souls' lives. Yes, they do have souls. Nobody can change my mind on this. Losing one is losing a family member.

[karenzoubek]

Strange timing, I’ve been inconsolable as the vet is coming tomorrow evening to put my beloved German Shepherd down. Almost made it to 12, but lost the ability to walk and is in pain. My almost 19 year old cat will soon follow😢.
Love to all missing their pets who have passed on.

[christinah.]

I think the most comforting part of losing a pet is knowing that I made sure they had a fantastic life. To know that I did my very best and that I have lots of good memories of them. Then, as sad as it is, I know my pet had a great life and that is, in itself reassuring.

[tsescoe]

Lost my girl of 14 1/2 years almost a week ago. I’ve cried so hard everyday. I feel as if my life was shattered. I’ve been completely devastated. The agony of losing a pet is real. Losing her was more detestation than any human loss I’ve ever had to experience

[tutsieO]

My cat died 5 days ago. Honestly, it has been a hard week. I've cried every time I think about him. No one seems to understand the pain and sadness I feel. All I can do is remain grateful to God for the moments spent. Thank you for this video. ❤

[louiZiana-Gurl]

My service dog Noble died last Saturday. I have never experienced euthanasia. When he left a huge part of me did also. The struggle is real. Family doesn’t understand the depth of my grief. 10 years was not enough so many wonderful experiences. Sorry for all who have lost their baby.❤🐾

[JinxstandsforJinx]

My 14 year dog passed away recently due to old age but by the time he was alive, little did I know that the last time I would see him would be our last goodbye in that day. 💔 I appreciated the unconditional love he gave me during the years and I know he's in a better place now. 🕊️ His wings might have been ready, but my heart wasn't.
I send love and peace to all, missing their pets who have passed on.

[boogphilly]

I lost my baby 2 days ago. It’s so weird waking up and she’s not scratching at my bedroom door for food, or pulling the bathroom door open while I’m on the toilet. Oh god I miss her so much.

[plantsmanscorner]

I am a retired tough skinned nurseryman from England. I have never found losing any of my dogs easy. I lost my mother about 10 years ago, which was sad but she was old and crackers to be frank. It was nothing compared to the utter devastation on having my last old Jack Russell (I always have three on the go) put to sleep…..the pain was utterly crippling…..I have two other old ones now (featured with on the Plantsmans corner channel) who’s time is coming and I dread it. However, confessing the pain of losing the dog was worse than losing my mother is somewhat embarrassing, and I know most folk will see it as disrespectful or cold. But it’s the truth and the pain is so different because of the trust they have in you that you can make everything right for them. You see it in their eyes, love, faith, and trust. It is so utterly heart-wrenching. Thank you for your channel and advice. Best wishes from the UK……Malcolm

[firststateelder]

I was fortunate that my employer gave me 7 days off when my Lola passed. With pay(listed as sick leave), I thank the entire office and flowers send to me telling me me how much cared, they were all pet ownerd

[dmm]

I cannot even go down the dog food, treats, toys aisles in stores because my eyes fill with tears. It has been 2 years that my precious dog Sophie lost her battle with congestive heart failure. She was 14 years old. Her constant companion and BFF Emmy my cat followed her to Heaven just weeks after Sophie. She also was 14. The loss of those 2 girls left me with such sadness even though I have taken in a couple homeless cats. These new cats do help me.

[Not.Soph]

My dog has been living at my uncles place on his farm, i went out to visit him the other day and he was such a sweetheart, tail wagging, tongue lolling, he was quite literally jumping with joy to see me and I just got a text message that he died in his sleep. Almost no warning signs other than a bit of an upset tummy for just over a day. I haven't stopped crying all day and I dont think im going to feel better for a while. He was buried with his favourite blanket in the field, after a life full of sleeping on leather couches and kisses. His fur didn't even have a chance to turn grey yet. See you across the rainbow bridge someday Hank

[bullymama]

I had a "friend" tell me "get over it, it's just a dog". Obviously, you don't know me at all. Beginning of the end of our friendship.