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by Gary ~ August 16th, 2011. Filed under: Grieving for your loved ones.I’ve tried to find resources for help with the issues of pre-loss grieving and guilt. Everything I’ve found so far deals with actual pet loss. I’ve really having issues and would like to find some support.
I have two labs, one is 10.5 and one will be 9 next month. I know (hope) I have a lot more time with my dogs, but I’m having a tough time lately coming to terms with their age and dealing with the reality that I will lose them at some point. It’s really tough. In this process, I’ve really come to be hard on myself and asking myself if I’ve been a good owner and if I have given them the life they so deserve. Can you suggest resources for assistance?
August 16th, 2011 at 9:10 am
We have all experienced loss of our furry loved ones and try to fathom what it would be like without them in our lives. It’s important to focus on the here and now. Use any feelings of remorse or regret to make today, tomorrow and the next better. Try to come up with a specific list of things that you wish you would have done or shared with your pet and go out and do them now. Start with something as simple as morning cuddles and go from there.
I don’t know of any books or reading material specifically for pre-loss. I would recommend reading ‘The Art of Racing in The Rain’ by Garth Stein. It is a reflection of how his beloved dog brought joy to his life and how his life was forever changed and enriched by the experience. The first chapter is very sad and a hard read, but it’s something we all feel and go through yet rarely talk about. The rest of the book is reflection and inspiring.