Dealing with the Loss of a Pet

Dealing with the Loss of a Pet

Pet Loss
As a child, you may have a pet who shares your secrets, hopes, and dreams. They can be great listeners! Sadly,
unless you own a parrot or tortoise, your lovable pets may not live as long as you’d like. When our pets die
from illness or accidents, our hearts hurt.

A Child’s Perspective
I was very young when our first cat, “Snowball” followed my brother on his paper route. The sun was
just peeking across the winter sky. Our kitty couldn’t be seen against the snowy rural road so it was hit by a car.
He died instantly. Heart broken, my brother brought him home in a basket aided by a kind neighbor. Our dad
fought his way through the hardened icy ground to lay the little feline to rest under our crab apple tree.
Snowball’s death was my introduction to loss. Still in shock, I went to school that morning. As I thought
about my kitten I could not hear the teacher. I held back tears. Then a girlfriend asked what was wrong. Another
told me, “It was just a cat.” As you might guess, that did not help. I did learn that the sadness of losing pets
hurts greatly but can be replaced in time by gratitude for having known them.

Coping
There are normal feelings humans experience. We each deal with these feelings in our own time. Recently our
cat, Baby, and then our dog, Tiger died. Each pet was special and unique. Our lives are different now and
we’re coping. Writing is one way to cope. Drawing or reading or talking are other ways.
If you have lost a pet, talk to an adult about:
❖ Feeling very sad or depressed
❖ Knowing you cared for your pet
❖ Accepting life has changed
❖ Focusing on good memories
❖ Remembering to respect and appreciate
pets and people in our lives

It is normal to go from the shock of a losing a pet through a time of healing. We each handle loss
differently and perhaps get to the point where we can help others going through similar situations.
When you talk with your parents, remember they have lost their pet, too. They also have the added concern
of your feelings since when you hurt, parents do too. Talking together may help everyone.

The Story Continues
Even with heart medicine, Tiger died one October day just before sunrise. The night before, I had held him
in my arms then cupped his face in my hands looking into his big brown eyes. I knew he would soon be gone.
He died as he had lived; peacefully at home next to the pillow we had bought for him so many years ago.
Our hearts were saddened for ourselves and relieved for him. He had no more pain. As you can guess, our pets
live on in our hearts and memories.
Will we get another dog? Too soon to tell.
If so, it’ll be a new adventure with a unique
creature.
Loss of a Pet
Dealing with the
C.A. Ritz ~ Author and Illustrator
www.facebook.com/TigersWorldChildrensBook