Chilli Morning was an extraordinary stallion, and now 4 years after his passing, his name…
Pet Loss – an Underappreciated Grief
Pet Loss. An Underappreciated Grief?
At Gemini Genetics, we fully understand the grief that losing a much-loved animal companion causes. It is often an underappreciated grief as many people think it is less significant than other bereavements, but we know that it can be just as painful. Many people consider their pets to be an integral part of their families and find their loss comparable to the loss of a human family member. Pet bereavement requires time, help, support and comfort to allow for progression through the necessary stages of grief, and for gradual adjustment to life without your special animal companion.
Pets are often integrated in their owner’s day-to-day activities, from walks to feed times, and the hole that these leave when a pet is lost can be very destabilizing for their family. The loss is compounded by the fact that the owner-pet relationship is one in which we are fully responsible for our pet, and many of our activities revolve around taking care of them. The absence of the daily routine can be very difficult at first and a first concrete realisation of the loss.
Grief and its stages
Grief takes time to heal and is a different process for everyone. Some classical definitions of grief such as the 5 stages of grief can be a useful roadmap for someone experiencing them but does not apply to everyone.
Traditional definition of the 5 stages of grief:
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
This definition of the stages of grief is referred to as the Kubler-Ross model. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the model of a linear progression through these stages but rather a list of states of mind that can be felt at any point during the grieving process.
There are many other models of grief, some define the later stages of grief as 3 separate moments:
– The upward turn: Starting to adjust to a new life, life becomes calmer and the depression eases.
– Reconstruction: Becoming more functional and realistic in seeking practical solutions to the loss.
– Acceptance & Hope: Learning to accept a new reality and work towards regaining happiness.
These stages go deeper into what the reality of grieving can be but it is still important to remember that this process will be different for every bereaved pet owner and their family.
At Gemini Genetics, we would like to highlight the impact of pet loss. We believe it should be recognised on par with the loss of a human family member or friend. This is why all of our staff members are trained pet bereavement counsellors and are able to help bereaved pet owners with their journey through grief.
With immediate and ongoing support available for those affected, to help in what is a very literal life changing event, Gemini Genetics is available to help.
Our services of genetic preservation are a valuable tool for bereaved pet owners, who find it a meaningful way to carry on their pet’s legacy in the future. Some owners decide to go straight into the cloning process and some simply preserve their pet’s DNA to make sure they can have the opportunity to bring them back later if they decide to – and leaving that door open into the future brings them a great sense of comfort.
Look out for more posts and a complete webpage coming soon on our work in the subject area of pet loss – a grief that we believe requires greater recognition for its impact upon our lives.
To find out more about the genetic preservation work we do at Gemini Genetics, take a look at the rest of our website.
Gemini Genetics – UK Pet & Equine Genetic Preservation & Cloning, with partners Viagen Pets & Equine – Pet Cloning in the USA.
Genetic Cryopreservation from £600 + VAT. www.geminigenetics.com Tel: 01948 668 057 / 7710 778 016 Email: info@geminigenetics.com
Related Posts
