Grief is a process composed of denial, anger, depression and acceptance, but there is more to it when a pet's loss is involved. Grieving for a pet is a very personal process. What can we do to help friends who are going through this process? Tell them you understand how much the pet meant, how special it was and who the pet was in your friend's life. Help the grieving person get through the pain by talking about the pet and the good times. Suggest writing a letter to the pet. Making a scrapbook of pictures and sayings to define who the pet was in the life of the pet owner. What about well-wishing friends who say, ""It's only a dog or it's only a cat! You can get another one!" Forgive these well-wishers! They do not understand your grief. Your boss may not either. Often the emotional drain a person feels while losing a pet places them in a personal crisis and the person cannot work or even function for days. A sympathy card to a friend who is experiencing pet loss says, "I understand and care for you while you are stricken with feelings of grief."
