If you’ve ever welcomed a pet into your home, you’ll know that they quickly become part of the family. They become your best friend and support network, and although you can’t talk to them how you would another member of your family, you soon develop a way of communication whereby you rely on them, and they rely on you. There’s nothing that can prepare you for the relationship you build with your pet, and this becomes even more apparent when they fall ill or reach an age where the end could be near. Nobody wants to say goodbye to their pets, but is it ever easy?
Are they in pain?
If you had the chance of saying goodbye to your pets or having them in your lives forever, there’s a high chance that you would choose the second option. That’s because they become such a huge part of your life, you just can’t imagine yours without them in it. However, sometimes, you need to look at the bigger picture. If your pet is in pain after an accident, an injury, or a chronic illness, then it’s important to put your animal first. Although you may not want to see them go, do you want to see them suffer? It’s incredibly hard to watch an animal living their lives in pain in front of you, which is why it’s sometimes better to do the right thing and let them go. Knowing that they will no longer be in pain may offer some respite for you, even though it will still be difficult.
Is it time?
When you bring a pet into your home, it’s best to understand the length of their lifespan. Most animals will not outlive their human owners, which means that there will come a time when their old age will ultimately cause their passing. For the most part, owners can normally tell when this is coming. This gives them the chance to say goodbye, to spend quality time with their pets before they pass, and to prepare themselves for the ultimate heartache. This may make the whole process easier, especially if you know in yourself what will eventually come of the situation.
How will you cope?
Coping with the passing of a pet is never easy. While you can plaster a smile on your face and pretend that you are fine, it’s hard to fill the hole that your beloved animals leave behind. However, it’s important to come to terms with what has happened. You need to realize that they are in a better place, you need to focus on the amazing memories you had together, and you need to believe that you did the best for them and that they had a happy life. If you don’t do this, you will struggle to move on with your life. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you forget their memory.
It’s never easy to say goodbye to your pets, but sometimes letting go is for the best. It’s your job to cope with the loss on your own terms while understanding that they will never be gone from your life if you remember the fond memories you have with them.
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