When the four-legged member of a family dies, it can be a confusing time for the human members left to grieve. CareNotes author, Victoria Ryan, explains, “Your family’s sorrow is real because your love for your pet was real. Your heart doesn’t know if you are mourning man or beast; it only knows you are suffering. Grief is a normal response and no one should be ashamed to feel it.” She goes on to offer helpful guidance in sections titled: “Dare to grieve,” “Communicate,” “Comfort every family member — including surviving pets,” “Know that adult grief is good for the adult and the family,” and “Believe in the afterlife of your pet.”

By Victoria Ryan