How Do You Express Sympathy For Pet Loss?
Expressing sympathy for a pet’s loss may be confusing if you have never experienced a pet’s loss. “Society as a whole generally does not acknowledge the significance of pet loss, nor understand the profound grief a pet owner might feel,” states Recover-from-grief.com (see Reference 1). Pet owners undergo the same grieving process as with any family member’s loss because they view their pets as a family member or even as a child. When a pet passes, it can be just as devastating as a person’s passing. It’s very important to validate the person’s loss. Express sympathy in the same manner as you would with any type of loss. Be thoughtful in your word choice when talking on the phone, in an email, or in person. Sometimes the most comforting sentence to say is: “I have no idea what to say, but I am so sorry for your loss.” Another consoling sentiment could be: “I don’t know how you feel. I know you are devastated, and I’m so sorry.” Send a sympathy gift: a card, flowers, gift basket, or choc
