Understanding and Managing Grief & Pet Loss, December 4 - December 10, 2022

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

"I brought my mom home to help her die. I had no idea what I was in for —or what I'd gain. All I knew was that she wasn’t going to take her final breath in a hospital." Home Hospice Care At The End of My Mom's Life: Lessons Learned « HUFFPOST

Most people consider grieving to be their emotional reaction to a death, but there are several instances when you may grieve someone who is still alive. Chronic illness, acute medical crises, and even broken relationships can all create a cycle of grief that can be markedly different than the grief associated with death, while still similar in many ways. 3 Things to Expect When Grieving Someone Who's Still Alive « Psychology Today

The death of a pet can be a deeply painful experience. But some aspects of pet grief are unique, and acknowledging how loss of a pet is different can help people find consolation. Why Mouring for A Pet Can Be Harder Than Grieving for A Person « The Conversation

When pets pass, some owners find healing in historically human mourning rituals. Numerous studies show those who experience pet death may feel grief synonymous with the death of a human, with study authors concluding that health professionals should provide similar bereavement support for both. Grieving The Loss of A Companion Animal « The Humane Society

A grief counselor in Arizona who has a heart for abused animals started a sanctuary for grieving people, helping them cope by helping them care for rescued animals. How a Farm in Arizona Is Helping People Overcome Grief « NPR

Have you ever heard of a pet going away from home if they know they are going to die? A good friend of mine told me this just a few days before my 15-year-old cat disappeared from his usual favorite place to be, the front porch! Pet Loss: Has My Cat Gone Off to Die? « Grief Healing

Cumulative grief calls you to face each death individually, even when you don't think you can. How To Function When You Lose More Than One Person In A Short Period Of Time « Your Tango

We’re led to believe that grief can be quantified and divvied up into distinct stages. We also tend to associate it with specific events, typically the death of a loved one. But grief is more nuanced and pervasive than popular perceptions would have us believe. Disenfranchised Grief—Grief That Doesn’t Fit Society’s Standards and Is Not Often Acknowledged—Is Complex But Common « Well + Good

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