What are the typical stages of grieving?
There are five stages of grief that most people typically go through, whether they are mourning the loss of a pet or a human family member. You may experience each one in sequence, or you may find yourself only in a few of the stages. Recognizing the stages of grieving does not make them easier to go through, but does provide some comfort that others have shared similar experiences. • Denial is a natural response to the shock of death. The more your pet has been a part of your life, the harder it can be to imagine life without him or her. Dealing with the realities of death can be much more difficult if you suppress your feelings of grief and loss. • Anger includes all of your expressions of unhappiness about the situation. When anger is accepted and expressed safely, it can motivate action. If you get stuck in blame, guilt or bitterness, your anger can be destructive. • Bargaining includes your attempts to remain in control. Sometimes bargaining can be unrealistic—for example, you may
