The loss of a pet is extremely difficult. Although pets are more widely accepted as full-fledged family members than ever before, acceptance of the pet bereavement process has not advanced quite as far. Sadly, there is sometimes a bit of a stigma attached to grieving for a pet; we are not expected to grieve nearly as fully or as long as with the loss of a human loved one. As a result, people dealing with the loss of a cherished pet frequently have the somewhat unique challenge of finding a way to work through their grief without the full support of those around them.

This is an opportunity for emotional growth. Your life was and will continue to be brighter because of the time that you shared with your pet. This is the best testament to the value of your pet's existence.