Animals experiencing grief
Be gentle with your animals as they experience grief.
Give them time to process, to grieve, and to adjust to this change. Their experience may differ from yours; and your time and love can mean everything to them.
Just as we need to be kind to ourselves when we experience a loss, we must also be gentle with our animals. They are feeling the absence of a close friend, a guide, a companion, a sibling, and a comforting presence to cuddle with. While we understand that animals experience emotions differently than humans, they are aware that their lives have changed, and they need to time to let this be as well.
In my work with animal communication, I often receive inquiries from owners about whether their animal is ready to leave this earth and cross over. Typically, the animal conveys a sense of acceptance and, most profoundly, gratitude. They express thankfulness for the life they shared with you and the wonderful opportunities you provided by being together in this journey. Their experience of grief may differ from yours.
When an owner or another family pet passes away, the animals left behind can feel the same sense of loss you may experience. They might feel less secure and more anxious, and their routine may be disrupted, leaving them feeling lost. Additionally, they may experience sadness over the departure of their companion. They will take their own time to process these feelings, a duration that cannot be easily predicted. It will not be measured in hours, days, weeks, or months, but rather in the time it takes for them to heal at their own pace.
What can you do? You can find more quiet moments to be with them, allowing for physical closeness. Let them choose what and when to eat (within reason), recognising that these times are not 'normal' and that it's okay to embrace differences during this period.
If you’d like to book a reading with me, I can help you understand what they might need and how they are feeling. In the meantime, observe their behaviour to see what they prefer, and try to indulge them a little during this time.
Just as you care for them, remember to take care of yourself. Set aside time to simply be, enjoy short walks, savor meals, listen to music together, or read a book in the sun. Communicate as much as you need.
