Pet Loss: Helping A Friend With Unresolved Grief

[Reviewed and updated June 5, 2021]

It comes with experience as we go along with our life. The more we realize on who to give our love, care and time, the more we understand ourselves for the better.  ~ Alcuizar Barredo

A reader writes: I was just surfing the net looking for info regarding pet loss in trying to help a friend of mine. I noticed your article about unhealthy bonding, and it so happens my friend is in just that situation. She called her pet her "child" and was overly attached to it during its life, excluding relationships at the expense of the pet and turning down invitations that did not include the pet as you said in the article. The pet died two years ago and she is still grieving heavily and is unwilling to move from a home that she is unhappy with due to not wanting to move away from the grave. Basically, your article describes her to a tee. I am at a loss as to how to help my friend. Can you give my any suggestions?

Grief Healing: On Becoming A Grief Counselor

[Reviewed and updated June 1, 2025]

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.  ~ Author Unknown

A reader writes: I came across your website, but I believe I have heard your name before. I'm writing for two reasons; first, out of admiration for your work in pet loss and grief, and secondly, to see if you could possibly help me. Historically, I've had an interest in depression and anxiety, but my recent experiences with the elderly have guided me towards grief and loss. Pet grief and loss has always been important to me. As I approach graduate school and the chance to do a thesis and numerous other projects/papers, this topic seems to be dominating my preferences. With all of this in mind, I was wondering if you have any advice for this stage of my career--both academically and professionally.

Coping with Pet Loss, January 11 - January 17, 2015

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Enid Traisman, Pet Loss Counselor, http://j.mp/1yw7aOZ « About Face Magazine

What is Hospice Care for Pets? http://j.mp/1C6jrdN « The Grey Muzzle Organization

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below.
If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here.