When a friend loses a pet, you might be unsure of what to do or worried about saying the wrong words. The most meaningful thing you can do is listen and make sure they’re doing okay.
Here are some ways you can support them and help ease their feelings of loneliness during this difficult time of losing a pet.
Validate Their Feelings
Losing a pet can be extremely tough for the owner. Let them know that whatever they’re feeling is normal. Describing their emotions as normal will help them healthily cope with grief.
Listen to Them
It’s important to listen and ask what they need in this challenging situation. Make sure they know they were caring and responsible pet owners who provided the best for their beloved pets.
Give Them Time
We often may be inclined to encourage someone who is grieving to quickly bounce back. It’s important to be cautious and avoid rushing to provide positive perspectives to ease negative emotions when expressing condolences, as it might belittle and worsen their feelings. Let them have time to grieve and allow them to recover in their way.
Healing from grief takes time and can have ups and downs. Check-in on your friend’s well-being a few days after your first conversation. Taking these simple steps can make them feel more comfortable and make the grieving process a bit lighter.