THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 17, 1994 TAG: 9407150291
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
THE DECISION IS a difficult one: To save the pet or have it euthanized.
Once that choice is made, veterinarians say you should realize that the grief will be real. It may take weeks or even months to come to grips with the loss, they say.
``Grief is always grief, whether it's a hamster, a dog or a parent,'' said Dr. Virginia Vaughan of the Veterinary Clinic of Chesapeake. ``Never belittle the loss. You're not just grieving for the pet, you're grieving for life changes you associate with it subconsciously.''
Talking about the loss at home with other family members is important. But don't listen to friends or co-workers who say, ``It was just a dog. You'll get another,'' Vaughan said.
If you want to bury your pet or have it cremated, consider a short memorial service or plant a tree in remembrance of your pet. ``It's OK to feel sad and it's OK to feel sad for a long time,'' Vaughan said.
Vaughan cautions against rushing out to get another pet; wait until you're ready.
Karen Kellum of Pet Cremation Services of Tidewater suggests that pet owners ask themselves whether they will be able to handle watching their pets being euthanized.
After the pet's death, expect to feel guilt, anger, denial and possibly even depression, Kellum said.
It may help to rearrange schedules to fill the time you would have spent with your pet. It also may help to remove your pet's belongings from sight.
Kellum recommends the book, ``Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet'' by Moira K. Anderson.
- Robyne R. Cooke by CNB