Losing a Pet: How to Deal and Heal in a Healthy Way

For many of us, our pets are our family members.  Losing a family pet can be devastating for adults and children, alike.  It can help to know what to expect.  Some common reactions you may experience after losing a pet can be physical, emotional, intellectual, social or spiritual.

Dr. Lenka Glassman of Georgetown Psychology Associates writes “Although there is no ‘normal’ timetable for grieving, the pain of losing your pet usually eases with time. Some people feel better in a matter of weeks or months, while for others, the grieving process can last years. It is not unusual, over time, for certain memories of your pet to become blurred, or for grief to come in ‘waves,’ changing from day to day. This does not mean that you are forgetting about your pet, or that you love them any less. They will always remain in your heart as a special part of your family.”

For more information on pet grief support, visit http://www.georgetown-psychology.com/blog/pet-grief/losing-pet-how-deal-heal-healthy-way/

Lenka Glassman, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist practicing at Georgetown Psychology Associates in Bethesda, MD and Washington, DC (Georgetown).  She offers support services for individuals and families who have been impacted by the loss or chronic illness of their pet.  Dr. Glassman received her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from The Georgia School of Professional Psychology in Atlanta, GA. Following her graduate studies, Dr. Glassman completed her pre-doctoral internship at Temple University, Tuttleman Counseling Services in Philadelphia, PA, and post-doctoral training at Howard University, Counseling Services in Washington, DC.

* Featured image courtesy of cartoonsmix.com.