They are cheerful, companionable and full of love. Anyone who lives with a pet knows how strong the bond between the pet and its guardian can be. This feeling is even stronger at a time when people are increasingly distant from each other. Therefore, it cannot be denied: Pets fill our void and offer us an opportunity to have an important emotional bond. They are an almost inexhaustible source of attention and affection.
Advances in veterinary medicine and nutrition have increased the life expectancy of animals. However, it is natural for pets to live less than humans. Therefore, mourning the loss of our companions is a reality for which all of us must prepare ourselves.
It is worth mentioning that, despite the prejudices that still exist, the bond between a guardian and a pet is genuine and must be respected. Regardless of the species, the affection and pain of leaving are true. Therefore, mourning exists and must be lived with dignity. We’ll talk more about it later.
Death process
The process of dying and grieving for a pet can be slow and exhausting in many ways. As the pet ages, it tends to lose vigor and health. As a result, they demand more attention. At the same time, the owner also loses reference to what the pet was like years before.
In the elderly, chronic diseases tend to manifest themselves more strongly, impairing the quality of life of the whole family. Therefore, it is common for them to suffer from chronic health problems, such as orthopedic and vision changes, in addition to the occurrence of heart disease and oncological diseases, which may require surgical interventions and complex treatments.
Despite all this, it is very important to make the most of every moment of health with your partner. And this becomes increasingly relevant as the years go by. In older age, sharing peaceful moments with you will form affective memories for the rest of your life.
Anticipatory mourning
Anticipatory grief is precisely the process of saying goodbye while still alive. That is, it means being aware that the pet is going through something natural. It means offering affection, care and love throughout the dying process. Thus, both the pet and its guardian suffer less from the farewell. This process begins to take place when the family receives a difficult – and often terminal – diagnosis, when veterinary medicine cannot offer a cure.
Therefore, the support of a trusted veterinarian is very important. Preferably, a professional who accompanies the pet throughout life and knows its clinical and family history.
With the help of the veterinary doctor, the guardian will be able to understand what is happening with his pet. In this way, the professional will be able to suggest interventions and palliative treatments, which will make the processes of death and mourning easier and more comfortable.
Make the most of life with your pet. When the time comes, offer all the affection, care and love he deserves. It will be worth it!
Source: Pet Support
