I'm going to ask for forgiveness in advance, ladies. I'm probably going to rant and vent a bit, and it really doesn't have much to do with this topic at all...
Our vet called about an hour ago to let me know that my kitty died (after she'd told us yesterday that he was doing much better and could come home tonight).
I've just spent the last hour crying my heart out for the loss of my little four-footed child.
What really amazes me, is the unfeeling and unkindness some people can portray, at the most inopportune moments, even unknowingly.
The loss of a pet, is to most people, not just the loss of ‘a dog’ or ‘a cat’. It is not just a pet. Most people see their pets as part of the family and love them unconditionally. A pet can be such an integral part of the family, that it is no longer referred to as ‘it’ but as ‘he’ or ‘she’, as the family’s ‘four-footed children’ even.
Feeling grief over the loss of such a beloved family member is then quite normal. Even though most people may find it strange. But those are, in my opinion, the people that do not view their pets as family members, and have never experienced the true unconditional love your dog or cat can give you. It is completely normal to feel the loss of a beloved pet as strongly as you would if it were your best friend or relative. Grieving for your pet just shows how deeply you loved him/her, and this is something you should be proud of. Be proud to have loved so deeply that the loss affects you so much. It is not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
I know that these people are well-meaning, and that they think they’re ‘helping’ or ‘consoling’ by trying to be flippant about the loss of your pet, but what they don’t realize is that at that very moment, the worst thing they could do is to try and ‘console’ you with their own very business-like view on the matter. What they also don’t realize is that in doing this, they are triggering your anger, instead of letting you grieve in your own way.
While anger is a normal coping mechanism of grief, having your anger directed at some asinine person, who will never understand why you’re so upset, is not the right way to express your grief, and could just end up prolonging the grieving period.
Easy to say just let their comments roll off your back, or ignore them. While you’re upset and in tears over your loss, it is very hard to just ignore these people. Even harder is to find someone who truly understands, and can give you the emotional support you need.
In time we forgive people their comments, and we do go on with our lives, get another pet, and love that pet just as much, but nothing and no-one will ever take the place of that kitty or doggy that crept into your heart, and was loved just as much as any other family member was.