VIP Advice
VIP Advice
How to Cope With Anticipatory Grief
2 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
How to Cope With Anticipatory Grief
2 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Jan 2019
GRIEF BEFORE THEY ARE GONE
Anticipatory grief occurs when we grieve our pet before their death. We are anticipating their death and the grief we will face when that occurs. You may feel guilty, angry or have anxiety about losing your pet. You may also feel frustration or a lack of understanding on the current situation.
If you have noticed any of these emotional changes, talk to your veterinarian and discuss your pet’s illnesses or disease processes. Let them know how you feel so they can help you grasp what is going on with your pet. This may include asking your veterinarian for signs to look for regarding progression of your pet’s disease process.
IS ANTICIPATORY GRIEF NORMAL?
Yes, anticipatory grief is very normal. If you have some anxiety about your pet’s death, that is okay. However worrying too much about them or having intense anxiety can damage your relationship with them when it is most significant. We want you to be present with your pet and enjoy every minute you have left with them during their final days.
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
What do I want my pet’s last days with me to look like?
What do I want my pet’s last moments with me to look like?
How can I try not to have any regrets about the time I spent with my pet?
What does my perfect goodbye look like with my pet and how can I best achieve that?
LIFE WITHOUT THEM
Right now you are coming to terms with life without your pet. It is hard and it is emotional. Try to focus on the present. They are still here with you! Spend each day with them, love them and focus on your relationship with them. You want to make sure your pet is getting the best of your love right now. Surround them with complete unwavering love and happiness as they transition out of this life. When you look back at their life after they have passed, you want to remember these final moments and memories with joy and happiness.
If you are looking for additional support or book recommendations for Anticipatory Grief, you can go through my article on Pet Loss Resources.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
GRIEF BEFORE THEY ARE GONE
Anticipatory grief occurs when we grieve our pet before their death. We are anticipating their death and the grief we will face when that occurs. You may feel guilty, angry or have anxiety about losing your pet. You may also feel frustration or a lack of understanding on the current situation.
If you have noticed any of these emotional changes, talk to your veterinarian and discuss your pet’s illnesses or disease processes. Let them know how you feel so they can help you grasp what is going on with your pet. This may include asking your veterinarian for signs to look for regarding progression of your pet’s disease process.
IS ANTICIPATORY GRIEF NORMAL?
Yes, anticipatory grief is very normal. If you have some anxiety about your pet’s death, that is okay. However worrying too much about them or having intense anxiety can damage your relationship with them when it is most significant. We want you to be present with your pet and enjoy every minute you have left with them during their final days.
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
What do I want my pet’s last days with me to look like?
What do I want my pet’s last moments with me to look like?
How can I try not to have any regrets about the time I spent with my pet?
What does my perfect goodbye look like with my pet and how can I best achieve that?
LIFE WITHOUT THEM
Right now you are coming to terms with life without your pet. It is hard and it is emotional. Try to focus on the present. They are still here with you! Spend each day with them, love them and focus on your relationship with them. You want to make sure your pet is getting the best of your love right now. Surround them with complete unwavering love and happiness as they transition out of this life. When you look back at their life after they have passed, you want to remember these final moments and memories with joy and happiness.
If you are looking for additional support or book recommendations for Anticipatory Grief, you can go through my article on Pet Loss Resources.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
