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When others are grieving

When someone you love is experiencing grief

If a friend or family member is hurting, it can be difficult to find the "right" things to say or do. Washington State University has a great resource on supporting others who are grieving.

Download our FREE Grief Support Guide to share

Things to do:

  • Actively listen to them in a nonjudgmental way. They may need a shoulder to cry on, or to talk about what they're going through. Maybe they're not ready to talk and just need a friend to sit in silence with them.
  • Ask how they're doing, let them know you're there if they need anything.
  • Be a quiet presence; a shoulder to cry on.
  • Show gentle concern for their wellbeing.
  • Share some happy memories you may have of their pet, but avoid talking about your own pets or experience with loss (unless they ask).
  • Help them celebrate the pet's life by reminiscing with photographs.

Things NOT to do:

  • Don't minimize their experience by comparing it to others.
  • Don't try to give advice (unless they ask for it) or tell them it will get better soon - they don't need you to "fix" it, they just need you to be there.
  • Don't judge their feelings or how they're processing the loss. There's no wrong way to grieve.
  • Never say things like "it's just a pet" or "you can just get another one."

*If they express anything potentially dangerous, like self-harm, definitely say something to them, or to their other friends or family.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
24/7 FREE and confidential support

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  • Pet Memorial Products
  • Quality of Life
    • Emergency Care
    • Quality of Life Trackers
    • Signs of pain or ailments
    • When to see your vet
  • Pet Hospice Care
    • Your pet’s need for care
  • Pet Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Toxins to Avoid
    • If your pet has been poisoned
  • Holistic Pet Care
    • Acupuncture
    • Animal Communication
    • Energy Medicine
    • Essential Oils
    • Laser Therapy
    • Massage Therapy
    • Chinese Medicine
  • Saying Goodbye to Your Pet
    • Celebration of Life
    • Gentle Pet Euthanasia
    • If your pet passes unexpectedly
    • What happens next?
    • Cremation
    • Pet Burial
  • Grief
    • Understanding Grief
    • Stages of Grief
    • Types of Grief
    • Dual Process Model
    • Managing Grief
    • Professional Grief Support
    • When others are grieving
  • Books to Read
  • The Rainbow Bridge Poem
  • FREE Grief Support Guide

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