Hilda
I knew Hilda before she was born. I worked at an animal shelter where her mom was surrendered, almost ready to give birth. My husband stayed late to help Hilda out of the birth canal when she was stuck behind a stillborn pup.
My Perfect Pet
Hilda grew into my “perfect” dog. She accepted and loved any person or animal who walked, flew, or crawled into our home. If you were extra special, she would greet you with a toy to play with. In her prime, Hilda thrived living in her family pack of multiple dogs. She loved to adapt her play style to get even the laziest of dogs up and moving, and she looked to her older “siblings” for direction when things were new to her.
Pets Grieve, Too
When Hilda’s companions fell ill and she was the last remaining member of the pack, we saw visible changes in her behavior. She paced more, had difficulty settling down, and her appetite decreased. Yes, animals experience grief that manifests similarly to human grief. Our pets can also mourn the absence of a companion—whether that companion is another pet, a human family member, or even a familiar routine.
Pets that are grieving may:
- stop eating
- become withdrawn
- show increased anxiety
- exhibit repetitive behaviors (like pacing or excessive grooming)
- vocalize more frequently or differently (such as howling or crying)
- sleep more than usual
- avoid interaction with other members of the family
- have difficulty settling down
- display a lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Help for Hilda
To help your pet cope with a loss, ensure that they have a comfortable space and access to food and water. Try to maintain a consistent and familiar schedule. These things can offer a sense of stability to your remaining pet.
We made sure Hilda went for her daily walks no matter the weather. We also knew we needed to add a furry member to the family to give her security and support, but not too soon, as we didn’t want to overwhelm her. When Hilda was ready a few months later, Wren joined our family. This new addition brought Hilda back to her joyful self!
If your pet’s grief seems severe or prolonged, consult your veterinarian to determine the best plan for support.
Saying Goodbye
Fifteen and a half years after we brought Hilda home, my husband called me at work to say Hilda hadn’t been feeling herself all day. She was very weak and pale. I met him at the emergency vet clinic with the devastating feeling that this may be the end of Hilda’s journey with us.
Hilda was diagnosed with a splenic tumor and was bleeding internally. We made the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye that day.
Heartache associated with pet loss is a valid and often profound experience. It can mirror the grief associated with losing a human family member. The depth of this grief can be surprising, as the human-animal bond is often incredibly strong. It is filled with unconditional love and companionship. You may have experienced this bond, and it can make the loss of that pet particularly painful.
Feel All the Feelings
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and the intensity and duration of grief over a pet can vary greatly from person to person. Be sure to acknowledge the validity of your emotions and allow yourself time to process the loss. It’s been a year since we lost Hilda, and I still get emotional thinking about our time together.
Talk about your feelings and share memories of your beloved pet with trusted friends or family members. If you are struggling to cope with the loss, consider seeking support from a therapist or grief counselor. Grief can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms, so be patient with yourself and prioritize self-care. There is no set timeline for grieving. it’s important to allow yourself the time and space you need.
Find ways to memorialize your pet.
- Create a scrapbook
- Plant a tree
- Donate to a pet-related cause
These activities can help ease the pain you may be feeling. I will be forever grateful that we had portraits done with Hilda just two weeks before that painful day. These pictures remind me of all the love and joy that she brought to our family.
Grief is a testament to the bond between you, your pet(s), and their companions—it’s an expression of love and loyalty. At Countrycare Animal Complex, we believe supporting pets through grief is just as important as caring for their physical health.
*Professional photos taken by Harmann Studios
