Death of a pet can be devastating

One of the hardest things in life to deal with can be the loss of a pet.People of all ages develop strong emotional attachments to their pets.

After Hurricane Katrina, it was widely reported that many hurricane victims refused to be evacuated because they simply did not want to leave their pets behind.It's clear that pets are valued as beloved companions and family members, and their loss can cut every bit as deep.

"When a beloved animal companion dies, we are faced with a profound sense of loss, and our faith and belief in God and our religion may even be tested," said Diane Pomerance, PhD, grief counselor and author of a new book, "Finding Peace: After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion."

"For many of us, the loss of our one true and constant friend- one who is pure of heart, faithful and full of love-can somehow be the most devastating and disturbing loss of all," Pomerance said.

As a certified grief recovery specialist and the owner of 15 dogs herself, Pomerance understands what animal-lovers go through after losing a pet.

"The pain can be numbing and immobilizing," she said, stressing that a pet owner's grief is not trivial and shouldn't be treated as such.

The loss of a pet can be especially difficult because there are so many people who don't understand how significant the bonds between pet and owner can be.

People often struggle with the grieving process because there are no public comforting rituals such as funerals, memorial services and wakes held on behalf of animals. People may wonder how to express their grief in an acceptable manner.

"It's absolutely healthy for us to acknowledge our feelings openly and honestly and to recognize that we are missing and grieving the loss of one we dearly and truly loved," said Pomerance.“We should never be embarrassed to express our true feelings to friends and family members who are sympathetic and empathetic."