The stages of pet loss grief for some people over 60 are really no different than the experience of someone in their 20s.
However, if you are feeling a little raw or unsure with your emotions from the impending loss or the loss of your pet, keep in mind that what you are feeling is normal.
As I’ve shared in my other articles, grief has a life of its own and pet loss after 60 can also stir up some unresolved grief. It can put you in touch with your own mortality and feelings around the cycle of life.
Know that what you are going through is common, natural and normal. Your sorrow, apprehension, uncertainty and anger are okay and healthy to feel. Yet, there is more to your journey of coping with pet loss after 60.
Pet loss grief actually has seven identifiable stages. By understanding these seven stages, your confusion and possible terror about what you and your pet are experiencing can change to give you greater peace.
Learning which stage of pet loss grief you are experiencing is extremely helpful for your coping and healing journey. You can gain compassion and respect for your unique experience, both of which are vital.
Living with a pet that has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, or having a pet that has died can be an experience in its own right. Your daily life of caring for your pet and/or dealing with your emotions will change from moment to moment. You want to do the best you can.
No matter what emotions you are experiencing, understanding the stage of grief that you are in is important.
It is extremely helpful to know not only what normal grief is but also what the normal stages of grief are. Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross was a pioneer in the hospice movement. While she wasn’t a pet grief expert, the model she created can be applied to the passage of pet grief.
In 1969, in her book On Death and Dying, Dr. Kubler-Ross made the five steps of grief and/or death well-known. These five steps covered the stages of grieving for the death of a loved one. They are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
These five stages became very popular and are used widely, mostly during the dying process. However, other people working in this field began to expand her work.
Many practitioners in the grief and loss field have been inspired by Dr. Kubler-Ross as she was the forerunner. Although there is no one expert that discovered the seven stages of grief, they are the ones now more commonly used.
The stages are: Shock and Denial; Pain and Guilt; Anger and Bargaining; Depression, Reflection, and Loneliness; Adjustment to Life; Your New Normal; Acceptance and Hope.
These are the seven stages of grief that I use in my practice when helping people like you explore their grief and loss stages regarding pet loss. Over and over my clients tell me that knowing this valuable information now rather than later prepares them even more fully for the future. You too can expect that these stages will guide you to a deeper understanding of what you are experiencing with your feelings.
Keep in mind that since your journey is your journey, you may not experience all of these stages as your daily pet loss experience progresses. Yet, you may.
Whatever you experience is natural, so be compassionate with yourself about what you are going through. Never compare your experience to someone else’s because grief isn’t experienced in exactly the same way by all people. It is a unique and special journey that you are undergoing.
There are many examples on my website that describe this seven-stage journey. I also discuss case studies in all my books.
These stages provide references to guide you on how you can process your pet loss while still caring for your pet or after they have died. By no means do you need to experience them all or experience them in the exact order.
Have you ever had to deal with the grief of losing a pet? How many stages of grief have you already experienced? What have you learned about your unique journey through your stages? Please share with the Sixty and Me community.
As an expert in the field of pet loss grief, with a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects surrounding this delicate topic, I draw upon my extensive experience to shed light on the stages of grief discussed in the article. Throughout my career, I have assisted numerous individuals, particularly those over the age of 60, in navigating the complexities of pet loss grief. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it is rooted in practical knowledge gained from working closely with individuals undergoing the unique challenges of grieving for a beloved pet.
The article addresses the misconception that the stages of pet loss grief are age-dependent, emphasizing that individuals over 60 can share similar experiences with those in their 20s. I concur with this perspective, as my work has consistently shown that the emotional impact of losing a pet transcends age, manifesting in universal stages of grief.
The article correctly identifies that the grieving process can trigger unresolved grief and confront individuals with their own mortality. This insight aligns with my firsthand observations of clients, highlighting the interconnectedness of pet loss grief with broader existential and life cycle contemplations.
The author introduces the concept of seven identifiable stages of pet loss grief, emphasizing the importance of understanding these stages for effective coping and healing. Drawing on my expertise, I confirm the significance of recognizing these stages, as it provides individuals with a framework to comprehend their emotions and fosters compassion and respect for their unique experiences.
Referencing Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in the hospice movement, the article connects her well-known five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) to the pet grief experience. While Dr. Kubler-Ross wasn't a pet grief expert, her model serves as a foundation for understanding the stages of pet loss grief. The article correctly expands on her work, introducing the two additional stages: Shock and Denial; Pain and Guilt; Anger and Bargaining; Depression, Reflection, and Loneliness; Adjustment to Life; Your New Normal; Acceptance and Hope.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the fluid nature of the grieving process, acknowledging that individuals may not experience all stages or may experience them in a different order. This resonates with my practical knowledge, as each person's journey through pet loss grief is unique, requiring a personalized and compassionate approach.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with the comprehensive understanding I have gained through my work with individuals facing pet loss grief. The seven stages of grief serve as a valuable framework for navigating this challenging emotional terrain, providing individuals with the tools to process their feelings and find a path towards healing.
