How Well Are You Coping with the Death of your Pet?

How well are you handling the death of your pet? This questionnaire can help you determine if you need assistance in working through the grief process. Answer each question by with yes or no.

1. Do you wish that your emotional and mental reactions to the death of  the pet were different?
2. Are you bothered by other people's reactions?
3. Do you feel the loss of meaning in your life but don't know what to do to help fill the void?
4. Do you feel you should have taken better care of your pet?
5. Are you feeling apathetic and unable to face your pet's death?
6. Are you crying and upset much of the time, and do you think you are emotionally overreacting?
7. Do you avoid your feelings because you are afraid that they will be just too overwhelming?
8. Are you reluctant to get another pet because you fear that one day it will be gone too?
9. Are you depressed?
10. Do you have difficulty finding good, empathetic support systems?
11. Are you uncertain about what the loss of your pet actually means to you?
12. Are you having trouble knowing what to say to your children about the death of the family pet?
13. Are you in conflict about a decision to euthanize your pet?
14. Are you undecided whether to be present during the euthanasia ?
15. Are you uncertain about the right time to get another pet?
16. Do you wish your family were more supportive and understanding about your loss?

Add up the number of times you responded yes:
If you scored 9-16  your loss has greatly affected you .  You need to develop more knowledge and understanding of the grieving process and techniques that can help you cope.  A support group, pet bereavement seminar or session with a counselor would be helpful.

If you scored 6-9 you fluctuate between handling your in an appropriate and effective manner, and not handling the loss well at all.  You are on the right path but need guidance to avoid a possible hazard.

If you scored 4-5 you are working through your loss.  Hang in there and accept your feelings.

If you scored 1-3, you are handling the bereavement process well.  You will be experiencing signs of recovery shortly.

Created by Diane Kelley, Ph.D; appeared in Cat Fancy, February 1989

You can find a pet loss group or support by contacting you local Beacon Hospice bereavement coordinator.  You can find a list of offices and coordinators in the tabs at the top of the blog.