Pet Loss and the Elderly: How to Help Seniors Overcome the Death of a Pet

Elderly people tend to become very attached to their pets. In some cases, this has to do with the fact that they have had the pet for a number of years; in others, it is about the fact that the pet has become a companion in their life. Therefore, when the death of a pet occurs, it can be as devastating to anyone --- but particularly an elderly person --- as a human loss. After all, the pet served as a friend, protector and sometimes, a guide.

Helping seniors overcome such a loss usually starts with the proper method of pet memorial. Once someone has gotten so attached to their pet, they cannot just bury their friend and move on. Older people usually want to mark the occasion with a pet memorial of some sort.

Since most pets are buried, usually in the yard of the home in which they live or in a cemetery set up exclusively for pets, a pet grave marker is a good place to start. A pet grave marker not only gives you a place to come visit your pet, but it also announces to the world that your cat, dog, bird or another animal made someone’s time on this Earth a more pleasant place to live.

There are many other ways, including pet urns and online pet memorials, to remember a pet. Since seniors are not usually well-versed in online products and services, it is important to have a family member or friend assist with finding a pet memorial website.

In this time of grief, it is also important to offer as much support as possible to an elderly person who has just lost a pet. After all, many years with a pet breeds a certain type of deep attachment making the loss just that much more profound. Don’t attempt to replace the animal right away and offer to accompany your loved one to a pet support group. You might also take them to visit the pet grave marker in the place where their beloved pet is buried and encourage them to take as long as they need to in order to properly heal.

A relationship with a pet is a lifelong one, full of ups and downs. You can’t rush the grieving process after the loss of a pet any more than you can when the deceased is a human being. Offering support and proposing ways to memorialize your pet is a great start to remembering the life you shared.