Archive for December, 2009
The 5 Steps of Grieving
Grief is a complicated and a misunderstood emotion, but one we all will experience one time or another. Whether it is a loss of a loved one or some other loss, the stages of grieving are very real and must be completed in order for healing to occur. Not every person goes through each stage at the same time, it is different for each individual. You have to go through each one at your own pace and you may take two steps forward then one backwards, but you must complete the grieving process.
The 5 Stages of Grief are:
1. Denial. You can’t believe this is happening to you. You don’t accept or acknowledge your loss. No crying. You do not acknowledge the loss has occurred.
2. Anger. Why me? You feel like you want to fight back, get even, blame the deceased for leaving you.
3. Bargaining. Sometimes this take place before the loss. Attempting to make deals with God, begging, praying, wishing to stop or change the loss.
4. Depression. Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, frustration, bitterness, and self pity. Mourning the loss of hopes, dreams and plans for the future. Feeling numb and a lack of control.
5. Acceptance. You accept your loss, not just bear it quietly. You realize your beloved is gone, that it is not their fault, and they did not leave you on purpose.
If you are having trouble getting through each of these stages and cannot heal, please seek help. You will survive, you will heal – even if you can’t believe it right now. Feeling pain is normal, it proves we are human. You can experience happiness again, but you must heal first. You must find a way to bring something good out of this tragedy. Create a Personal tribute or Personalized Pet Memorial in honor of your lost loved one and put it where you can see it often, where it will be close to you, and will bring back fond memories of the wonderful times you spent together. This can help bring peace to your heart and complete the steps of grieving.
Is Cremation Right for My Pet?
Many people wonder if they should cremate their beloved pet when they pass away. For some who live in a big city and do not have a yard, burial may not be an option. They want to have a personal tribute made and do what is best for their pet, but are not sure if cremation is the proper thing to do.
I would suggest talking to your favorite Veterinarian and ask him/her about cremation, and what steps and processes they take during cremation. Find out how your loved one will be handled, before and after to put your mind at peace. Becoming informed is usually the best way to make the right decisions. Especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as this one.
Also, plan and prepare before your loved one passes to have a Pet Cremation Urn ready for when you need it. Usually your Vet will carefully place your pet’s ashes in a sealed bag and then in a velvet sack or even a temporary wooden Urn until you can get them home. Then you can put the ashes in the Personalized Pet Urn you have chosen to place on your mantle or bedside table. If you prefer, you can even have your Vet put your pet’s ashes in your Urn.
There are many ways to personally memorialize your pet, and many ways to pay tribute to him/her. You can have wooden Urns made with a portrait of your loved one on it, or can have your favorite Memorial Poem inscribe on it. Some Urns have a place where you can insert a photograph of your lost pet. Or, you can have a name plate inscribed with the name and dates to place on Onyx or other type of pet urn.