Understanding grief in our furry friends: Do dogs and cats grieve?

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The journey of pet ownership is a tapestry woven with love, companionship, and shared moments that form an unbreakable bond. When we experience the heart-wrenching loss of a cherished pet, the reverberations of grief extend not only to our own hearts but also to the hearts of our pets. The question that often arises is, do dogs and cats truly grieve?

The resounding answer is yes. Just as we humans experience a profound sense of loss and mourning, our four-legged friends also undergo a complex emotional journey when a companion passes away. These beloved animals, who have shared our joys and comforted us in our sorrows, are not immune to the pangs of grief.

While our pets may not grasp the abstract concept of death as we do, their keen senses and deep emotional connections enable them to perceive the absence of a companion. Dogs, for instance, may exhibit behaviours that mirror our own grief responses. Restlessness becomes a common theme as they search for their lost friend, their paws silently patrolling spaces once filled with the comforting presence of their companion. Their appetite might wane, mirroring the loss of the one who shared mealtimes with them. Whimpers and howls transform into plaintive expressions of longing.

Cats, with their enigmatic grace, embark on a journey through grief in their own unique way. The feline spirit, often independent, finds solace in solitude. Yet, when confronted with the absence of a bonded companion, they might retreat to hidden corners, seeking a shelter for their emotions. Their once-playful demeanour might become muted and then, there are the vocalisations – mournful cries that may otherwise be uncharacteristic.

Recognising these signs of grief in our pets is essential, as it paves the path for providing them with the solace they need during these periods of grief. Our role as their caregivers extends beyond the physical to the emotional. Amid our own grief, we become the pillars of strength for our companions as they are for us.

Spend time with them, comfort them, treat them how you would treat any loved one experiencing loss. Maintaining routines that offer a semblance of stability, give them a gentle stroke, a favourite toy, or even just a treat.

As you navigate this journey of loss, remember that you have help available. Pawprints Cremation serves as a compassionate support system, understanding the significance of the connection you had with your beloved pet. Our commitment lies in honouring their memory with the dignity they deserve.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you during this trying time.

Early Signs of Death in Kittens & Puppies

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Having a pet can be a wonderful experience, but when it comes to early death in kittens and puppies, it can be heartbreaking. The loss of a pet is never easy, but it can be especially difficult when the pet passes away suddenly or at a young age. Knowing the early signs of pet death can help you prepare and make the best decisions for your pet. 

 

Early signs of dog death can vary depending on the pet and the underlying health conditions they may have. Common signs of pet death include lack of appetite, decreased energy level, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. 

Your vet can provide a more accurate diagnosis and help you make decisions about the best course of action.

 

In some cases, early death in kittens and puppies is caused by a sudden illness or injury. If a pet has a sudden illness or injury that is causing pain, they may stop eating, their behaviour may change, and they may become lethargic. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your pet to the vet immediately. 

In other cases, early death in kittens and puppies may be caused by an underlying health condition. Some pets may have a genetic or congenital condition that affects their health or increases their risk of early death. It is important to be aware of any known health conditions your pet has and to monitor their health closely. If you notice any changes in their behaviour or health, as always consult this with the vet. 

 

 Knowing the early signs of pet death can help you make the best decisions for your pet and create a more comfortable and peaceful passing. Additionally, it is important to make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations and that they are regularly seen by the vet. This can help to identify any underlying health conditions and provide preventative care. Losing a pet is never easy, but being aware of the early signs of pet death can help you make the best decisions for your pet. 

 

Regular visits to the vet and loads of playtime, good nutrition and of course paying attention to your pup at the early stages of life will ensure your pup has a long and happy life!

Treating Grief with the Respect it Deserves

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When it comes to dealing with the grief that comes after losing a beloved pet, it can be complicated. Some might even say that grieving the loss of your darling pet is no different than grieving the loss of a person. It is a deep and meaningful loss that can be difficult to cope with.

 

When dealing with grief after losing a pet, the first step is to be kind to yourself.

 

Allow yourself to feel the pain, sadness, and anxiety that come with the loss. Acknowledging these feelings and giving yourself the time to process them is essential for healing.

 

It is natural to experience stages of grief and other ranges of emotions after losing a dog, including anger, anxiety, sadness, or even guilt. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through each stage and that the process of grieving is different for everyone.

 

The stages of grief are varied, but they can typically be broken down into denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Everyone experiences these stages differently, and it is important to remember that there is no timeline for grief.

 

There are a variety of ways to cope with the loss of a beloved pet. It can be helpful to talk to friends and family or to seek support from professional counsellors in Ireland.

 

 

Pet bereavement can be a difficult and emotional time for pet owners. It is important to take the time to properly grieve and say goodbye to your beloved pet, and a ceremony or funeral can provide the closure needed to move forward. A small ceremony or funeral allows pet parents to grieve in a meaningful way; it creates a space to honour the life of the pet, celebrate memories made together, and express the sorrow of saying goodbye. A ceremony can also serve as a way to share the pet’s life with family and friends and can help the owner to feel supported during this difficult time.

 

Many people find consolidation by keeping the pictures of their furry friend that remind you of the best moments together. Life will go on without your beloved pet, but your memory of them will never age, never change, never fade away..

 

It is also important to remember to take time for yourself and to find ways to connect to the memory of your pet. Whether it is through talking to friends, journaling, or having a special memento of your pet, you can check here the types of special memorabilia that can help connect and honour your beloved pet.

 

At Paw Prints we understand how hard the time of passing of a pet is a difficult time and deserves attention and if you have any questions on how to organise cremation and where to begin, you can always give us a call here for helpful advice.

Pet Grief

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Understanding and dealing with pet Grief

There comes a time in every owner’s life where a hard decision will need to be made. Pets, unfortunately, aren’t built to last as long as us and, towards the end of their lives, they’ll depend on us to make that hard choice. However, if you have another pet how are they going to react? Will they miss their bigger, perhaps older sibling?

Pets, as we’re sure you’re aware, can become very attached to one another and having a pet survive the loss of their best friend (when you’re not there) can be difficult for them to do. As a pet parent, it’s important to understand and know the signs of grief in pets, understand where it comes from and understand that these losses take time to heal. As such, there are signs to look for:

  • Withdrawal from people and other pets
  • A lack of appetite
  • Lethargic behaviour and sleeping more than usual
  • Unusually aggressive or destructive behaviours
  • Inappropriate urinating within the home
  • Calling out or vocalizing in an unusual way for the pet who has passed
  • Searching the home and other places frequented by the other pet
  • Becoming very clingy and following you around

 

 

For any pet parent who has a pet dealing with the loss of a friend, it is vital that they are given time to process the ordeal. It is completely normal and healthy for them to express grief in a variety of ways and it is up to you, as a pet parent, to know your pet, reassure them and comfort them. Helping your pet to properly grieve is, unfortunately, a necessary evil.

Euthanising a pet is hard. It takes courage but also a lot of love for your pet, to be able to put them before yourself and your other pets and how much you want them to still be a part of their lives. However, a symbolic gesture such as burial or cremation can help all involved put a full-stop under this period of grief and give closure to the whole affair. This symbolic gesture can be anything that you want it to be; perhaps you’d like them to be cremated and for their ashes to be scattered, or maybe for them to be buried with their favourite toy. The time you and your pets have spent together will always stay with you.

Getting through the loss of a pet is a herculean task, but friends and family are always there for us; as crutches to help us walk, as casts to help us heal. If you’re going through the loss of a beloved pet, it’s vital that you speak to your friends and family – having a favourite Aunt, Uncle or Cousin on standby can make the world of difference on lonely nights and an even bigger difference to your grieving pet. Afterall, in times of hardship, company is a good thing to be in.

If you require any advice on the services we offer or how to deal with grief and loss for all ages, click here.

Questions about pet cremations

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As a provider for end-of-life services for pets, we’ve received a thousand questions over the years. Some have been out of curiosity, others out of grief and some have been humorous indeed, but today we’d like to have a look at some of the most frequent ones we’ve been asked.

 

5. “Do you do coffins for pets?”

No, we do not offer coffins or burial services. We do, however, offer a wide range of options for you to honour and store the remains of your beloved pet, from ceremonial urns to jewellery infused with their ashes. We can also provide memorial plaques and signs in the event that you would like to bury your pet as opposed to having them cremated. We recommend calling or emailing to discuss your own personal needs and we’ll do our very best to accommodate them.

 

4. “Are all pets for the day burned together?”

Absolutely not. Each cremation is carried out individually and great care is taken by our undertakers to ensure that your pet’s remains are honoured and respected from the moment you arrive with them. We also carry a 100% guarantee that the ashes you receive are that of your pet’s and nothing more. In short, there is absolutely no way we would ever betray your trust and that of your pet’s. We take our work very seriously and that is why we have our guarantee mentioned above.

 

 

3. “How will my pet be stored until they are cremated?”

Once you arrive with your pet’s remains, we’ll take them to our specially prepared waiting room where they will be placed in a bespoke receptacle. When the time comes for their remains to be cremated, we’ll take the receptacle and place it in our crematorium for you to have your final goodbye. There will be plenty of time for you to say whatever you’d like and we’ll be there to advise and help you through the whole process. As an aside, we always recommend that bereaved owners seek grief therapy when they are ready and we can certainly point you in the right direction.

 

2. “How big does the fire need to be to make ashes?”

We seem to get questions like this one from young boys – naturally, they gravitate to the spectacle of the process as opposed to the ceremonial aspect of it. Cremation chambers are required to reach temperatures of 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius in order to perform their task and can take anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes. Your pet’s ashes must then be left to cool for a time before we can move them to your chosen urn. The short answer, of course, is very hot.

 

1. “What will I do without them?”

Grief is such a uniquely human thing, but honouring it, marking it, acknowledging it is the most human thing of all. Life will go on without your beloved pet, but your memory of them will never age, never change, never fade away. To honour a pet in death is one of the first steps an owner can take in overcoming their grief. Otherwise, there are many counselling options available in Ireland and, if nothing else, you can surround yourself with friends and family who will be more than happy to offer their help to you in this difficult time. Always remember; this, too, shall pass.

We hope we’ve answered your questions thoroughly today. If something comes to mind or if you have any questions about the services we offer, you can always contact us here.

The Energy of Grief

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All human emotions carry with them a colour, a vibration or an energy. In grief’s case, it tends to manifest itself as a buzz or a hum; one that tugs at the corner of your lip or twitches the crest of your cheek. It resonates deep in your chest, close to where your heart resides, resonating with the anger, pain and remorse you feel when you suffer a loss. That loss doesn’t need to be a person, however, it can be a breakup, a job redundancy or the passing of a friend with paws. But as an energy, no matter how primal, how deeply rooted in our psyche, it can neither be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another. As such, when you suffer the loss of a beloved pet, there are ways you can manifest that process of change:

Get Creative: As an energy, grief can be used to write, paint and concoct ideas from a certain perspective. Some of culture’s finest works have come out of places of grief such as the Black Paintings of Francisco Goya and the Poetry of Sylvia Plath. Putting pain on a page carries a certain catharsis to it; to shift the weight onto someone or something fictional. It doesn’t even have to be an undertaking such as those listed above, it can be as simple as starting a daily journal or blog to document your feelings. Trust me, it works.

Embrace Grief Through Music: I think we’ve all been there; that song comes on, but there’s not a thing you can do to change it. Then, as its last notes ring out, you press replay. Maybe it didn’t hit hard enough the first time, or maybe your body’s trying to tell you something? Maybe it needed the release that song brought on? Whatever way you look at it, grief often finds an outlet through music. Embracing that fact can help towards venting and changing your mood. Honestly, there’s nothing like a good cry!

 

 

Return to Your Roots: Close friends are invaluable in times of crisis and pain but being near family provides a different sort of comfort. Surrounding yourself with your Mother and Father, Brothers and Sisters, Aunties and Uncles and Grandparents can near-instantly make us feel better. If you’ve experienced the loss of a family member or pet, being close to family can help our hearts mend together. Besides, a load shared is a load halved!

Peace Through Nature: In times of suffering, getting out of the bed and planting your feet firmly on the ground can be one of the hardest tasks you can do, worse again that you’ve got to do it daily. Periods of grief are often the best times to take a break and reconnect with nature. Maybe there’s a local heritage site you’ve always had an eye on, or maybe a forest park you’ve always wanted to visit? Not only are you out and dressed, you’re exercising in fresh air and allowing your mind time to clear. As a primal energy, grief resonates softly when exposed to nature as it is in the life-death balance of nature where it feels most at home. When you come back you may find that your mind is calm and your heart is at rest; a sure sign that it worked!

Remembering the Loss: As grief wanes and gives more and more room to other emotions and energies, it may be time to consider remembering your loss. Like a virus, grief will go dormant after a time, waiting in the shadow of your heart to spring back up when we’re at our lowest. Having a memorial or casual service for your lost loved one can help reduce the severity of grief’s re-emergence; enabling you to continue to function, to acknowledge its presence and carry on. It is never something that goes away, but it is something we can all learn to live with.

The loss of a pet is something that you do not have to go through on your own. Family and friends will always be there for you, to support and help you process it. The loss of a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult times in our lives. If someone you know has suffered or is currently suffering the loss of a pet; be there for them, offer them your support or time to talk and make sure they have no regrets with their pet. It can be just as devastating as losing a family member and there is a grieving process just like any other loss.

Assessing a cat’s quality of life

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As much as we might not want them to, fluffy kittens will eventually become grouchy cats. But at what point of their twilight years should you be thinking about letting them be free of their age? We certainly can’t tell you, but a pet that is suffering from a myriad of illnesses is most certainly not having a good time. With extreme age comes kidney problems, joint problems, organ problems and a range of other maladies that will make your pet’s existence torturous. As an owner, you’ll need to be prepared to say enough is enough on their behalf. But how do you rate an elderly cat’s quality of life? Can it be indicative of when to say goodbye? You’ll find all the answers you need below.

BEAM

BEAM is an acronym for Behaviour, Energy, Appetite and Mood and is a good indication of how your cat is feeling overall – seeing as cats love to hide how they’re truly feeling. If your cat is snarky, sleepy, unconcerned by food and is overall a pain to be around, that can be an excellent indication of how their wellbeing; it can also be an indication that there’s some underlying pain or issue causing them grief. On the contrary, a cat that is aloof, energetic, hungry and playful is probably in high spirits and shouldn’t have their life cut short.

The HHHHHMM Scale

Five H’s, 2 M’s – HHHHHMM is another acronym for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More Good Days Than Bad. This scale can give you a better idea of how good your cat’s quality of life really is and, in truth, is very easy to follow. Is your cat in pain? Are they consistently hungry? Are they able to eat and drink properly? Can they clean themselves? Are they generally happy and happily vocal when petted? Can they run, walk, leap and jump? Do the good days you have with them outweigh the bad?

 

 

Rating an elderly cat using the above scale can give you an idea of their quality of life, more-so than using BEAM. For instance, if your cat appears to be in pain, is suffering from a loss of appetite, is refusing clean drinking water from a clean bowl, is unable to clean themselves, is generally grouchy or sulky, is limping or unable to climb as they once did and is experiencing these maladies more often than not, then it’s time to consider letting them be free.

When choosing the long sleep for any pet it’s important to put them first and foremost. It’s their life and the quality of their life that should be your main concern, and that’s hard for a loving owner to do!

Good Advice

Any decision to put a pet under should always be done under the consultation of a Vet. What could be a simple illness may be construed as a sign of your cat’s life winding down, but your trusted Vet will be able to discern one from the other. Regardless, there’s no hiding from the fact that it will be traumatic, but you can take solace in the notion that you’ve done the right thing. To let a pet suffer would hurt more than letting them go; trust us.

Signing off:

Saying goodbye is hard, but we always recommend two things; 1, that you have no regrets with them, and 2, that you give them the send-off that you want. When life returns to normal and all is said and done, having a bespoke token of their memory can make all the difference on days when clouds blot out the Sun.

For more information on our services or to book a viewing of our premises, please click here.

Myths

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Whether by the cruel hand of fate or by the universe’s grand design, pets never usually outlive their owners. This leaves many pet-lovers with the weight of knowing that, sooner or later, they must say goodbye for the final time. It doesn’t help that there’s still so much unknown about death, and equally life, but as sure as the Sun comes up each day, grief will affect all of us, but so too will that grief pass — no feeling is forever.

Because so much is left unknown, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions surrounding the departure of a loved pet and how that trauma affects us; even in this day and age. Today, we’ll be dispelling some of them!

There is nothing special about the relationship between animals and humans.

This is simply and unequivocally not true. Your relationship with a pet can be just as special and loving as those you have with any other family member or friend. Loving an animal is different to loving a human, of course, but the bond between pet and owner goes as far back as the discovery of fire.

Losing an animal is less painful and less important than losing a human loved one.

Again, not true. Pain over the loss of a beloved animal is as natural as the pain you would feel over the loss of any person in your life. Pets find their way into every aspect of our daily routine, so it can be even more difficult to cope after losing them.

Having close relationships with animals (and grieving at their loss) is abnormal and unnatural.

No, it really isn’t. Never let anyone influence you to believe that your relationships with animals are wrong or less important than those you have with humans. Sharing your love with an animal teaches us to better love all living things, including humans. Grief is a normal response to losing someone and grief is indifferent to species. Love is love, loss is loss, and pain is, unfortunately, pain. But, as my Grandmother used to say, “time is the healer of all wounds”.

 

 

The death of a pet can be a useful “dress rehearsal” for the real thing, especially for children.

While it’s true that the death of a pet can be a child’s first encounter with loss, it is by no means a ‘dress rehearsal’. Quite suddenly, friendship, companionship, loyalty, support and unconditional love are replaced with overwhelming feelings of loss, confusion, emptiness, fear and grief. For most children, the loss of a family pet is a profoundly painful experience.

Euthanasia is a quick and easy way to get rid of sick, dying, old or unwanted animals.

Deciding when and whether to euthanize a beloved pet is one of the most difficult choices an animal lover will ever have to make. On one hand, you know that choosing to end your animal’s life will intensify your own suffering, yet postponing the decision may prolong your animal’s pain needlessly. At such times it is important to explore all aspects of the decision with your veterinarian and with others you trust, to listen to what your animal may be trying to tell you, and to trust your own intuition.

Conducting rituals, funerals or memorial services for dead animals is a waste of time.

The last one on our list and arguably the biggest myth of all. Whether for animals or for humans, death ceremonies and rituals help us to support one another in grief, acknowledge the important role our loved ones played in our lives, honor the memory of our departed companions and bring meaning to our loss. In short, a memorial or service is a great way of telling your body when to begin healing.

Putting myths and falsehoods to one side… the loss of a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult times in our lives. If someone you know has suffered or is currently suffering the loss of a pet; be there for them, offer them your support or time to talk and make sure they have no regrets with their pet. It can be just as devastating as losing a family member. For more information on the services we provide, click here.

Grief and grieving having lost a pet

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There are two sides to owning and caring for a pet. One of them is loss, and loss can take a serious toll on us, especially on the members of our circles that were close to those pets or animal lovers in general. Whether it is a dog or cat, rabbit or hamster, parrot or horse or even a fish; suffering the loss of a pet is a process of grief and hardship, just like any other death.

Healing from a loss is a long road; some days will be harder than others, other days will be total write-offs, and that’s ok. Grief, sadness and pain all take time for the brain to process and for the body to react to and this is no different in the case of a pet’s passing. In the early stages of loss, it is important to take stock, take time and take a break in order for the healing process to truly begin. This is especially pertinent for young adults and animal lovers as choosing to go on without acknowledging a death can have detrimental effects later on in life.

 

 

The course that grief will take is unpredictable and varies from person to person. It could be months of sleepless nights, it could be a loss of appetite, it could be wanting to be alone; it could be a range of different feelings, emotions and reactions, but that’s ok too. To grieve is to be human, and no one can help that. Yet, unlike humans, having a formal ceremony for a pet is seen as outlandish, but any ceremony to remember a pet is a worthwhile one; to remember them for the love they brought into your life, the joy they made you feel and the time you spent together. A ceremony can help you adjust and is the first step towards accepting their death and learning to live without them; to allow grief to run its course is the bravest thing any pet owner can do — after all, what is grief if not love persevering.

At Pawprints, we offer a bespoke, individual service for each owner to grieve, honour and say their last goodbyes to their pets; ending with a range of memorial options that includes headstones, jewellery and plaques. By offering a complete end-of-life service for your pet, you can focus on the emotions of the moment and allow the healing process to begin.

The loss of a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult times in our lives. If someone you know has suffered or is currently suffering the loss of a pet; be there for them, offer them your support or time to talk and make sure they have no regrets with their pet. It can be just as devastating as losing a family member. For more information on the services we provide, click here.

The right time to say goodbye?

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It’s sort of an oxymoron, isn’t it? I know from my own experiences that there is no right time to say goodbye, because letting go of those we love is one of the hardest things we’ll ever do. However, there will come a time in every Pet Parent’s life where they’ll need to be cruel in order to be kind; to release a suffering pet to be free from pain and hurt.

Elderly Pets:

As much as we might not want them to, little pups and fluffy kittens will eventually become lazy dogs and grouchy cats. But at what point of their twilight years should you be thinking about letting them be free of their age? We certainly can’t tell you, but a pet that is suffering from a myriad of illnesses is most certainly not having a good time. With extreme age comes kidney problems, joint problems, organ problems and a range of other maladies that will make your pet’s existence torturous. As an owner, you’ll need to be prepared to say enough is enough on their behalf.

Accidents:

Animal attacks, road accidents, human accidents and natural disasters can all affect our pets. If they’re young and healthy enough to recover, they’ll often do so fully with little-to-no side effects. However, a pet that suffers catastrophic injuries might not recover at all. This will be one of these times where, as an owner, you’ll need to decide if your pet’s suffering is something they can bear for your sake. If it’s not, you’ll need to consider letting them be at peace.

 

Lost, Stolen or Missing:

Having a pet taken from you before you’re ready can be an awful experience for any pet owner and can be devastating for children. However, you can still say goodbye for a pet that’s not present — holding a vigil or small memorial ceremony in their stead. Again, no one can say when is the right time to move on, but you yourself will know when that time comes.

How Best To Say Goodbye:

There’s no right or wrong way to say goodbye to your pet. It can be as simple as a small service in memory of them, a garden party celebrating the happy moments from their life or even erecting a plaque or stone in their favourite place.

At Pawprints, we offer a bespoke, individual service for each owner to grieve, honour and say their last goodbyes to their pets; ending with a range of memorial options that includes headstones, jewellery and plaques. By offering a complete end-of-life service for your pet, you can focus on the emotions of the moment and allow the healing process to begin.

Our service is available to all pets and only one pet is ever present when a cremation is taking place; a guarantee and assurance from us that the ashes you receive are your pet’s and your pet’s alone.

To find out more about our services, please contact us directly.