Part 4- Honor your grief, when you lose a pet (Therapy Thursdays)

I hadn’t planned on doing a part 4 but as I wrote, I was reminded when our pets die we need to honor the grief.

So often we say, it’s just a cat, it’s just a dog. I shouldn’t feel so sad, so upset, so depressed, on and on. No, it was a dog, a cat, a horse, a hamster. It was your pet. It loved you unconditionally. It supported you. It was there for you, always. Most likely, so many of our pets, are our containers. They hold our emotions, they hold us safe. They are always there. We rely on them. Honor your grief. It’s okay. Be with your grief. It’s okay. It’s okay to feel sad. And if someone says it’s was just a cat, dog, horse, mouse, ect. You can say, “No it was a___________ and I loved it deeply.” Honor your grief. Honor your pet. Gives thanks for everything your pet did for you, provided for you. Remember the memories. Be gentle with yourself. Let the tears flow. Let the emotions out. It’s okay. You just lost a family member. It’s okay. Sit with your emotions.  Allow yourself to feel. It will pass.  Brighter days will come.  It is part of the ebb and flow of life.  It’s okay, to just be.

When I am upset, sad, grieving. This poem has brought me enormous comfort. I hope it might help you too, when you need it.

The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Jelaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks