The Not- So- Secret Life of Pets

The average lifespan of a dog is 10-13 years.This is a long time to wake up to and care for a living creature, and it’s fairly easy to build a relationship and become attached to your pet. However, with all other living creatures, pets must die too.Yes, pets are animals, but losing them still hurts. To you, it may be just a dog. To them, a member of their family is gone.I’ve had several people ask about the proper way to support friends who are suffering from the loss of their fur baby.The answer mirrors how you treat someone who has lost any member of the family.Love and listen.Be there for them for whatever they may need. Listen more than you speak. Create a safe space for them to share, cry, and sometimes vent about their experience. Use the pet’s name, and encourage the sharing of memories.It really is that simple.Be well.