How to get over the death of a pet: understand the stages of grief, think before you get another pet right away – expert tips on managing bereavement

A pet dying can be as traumatic as losing a family member, especially when not everyone understands your pain. But it’s important to not suffer in silence

Mental health and animal experts give tips on how to navigate mourning a furry friend in a healthy way – both for your benefit and that of other pets at home

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Pets bring many of us a great deal of joy and love, so losing them can be akin to losing a human family member. Mental health and animal experts explain how to manage grief and not suffer in silence. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:15pm, 17 Mar 2024Updated: 3:33am, 18 Mar 2024

In July 2023, Candice Powell, the chief executive of Hong Kong mental health charity Mind HK, received devastating news: her beloved dog Guinness had cancer.

“The anxiety and all the feelings were similar to when a loved family member is diagnosed with a terminal illness,” Powell says.

An ultrasound followed by a CAT scan revealed that the tumour was nestled dangerously close to a vital blood vessel, making surgery risky. After one round of chemotherapy, Powell and her husband, supported by their compassionate vet, decided to focus on Guinness’ quality of life.

As the days turned to weeks, Guinness grew weaker, his appetite waning. Yet just before Chinese New Year, a glimmer of hope emerged: he regained his appetite and energy. Powell dared to believe that he was on the path to recovery. But soon afterwards, Guinness’ condition took a sharp turn for the worse.

Candice Powell, chief executive officer of Hong Kong mental health charity Mind HK, with her dogs Hugo (left) and Guinness, who recently died. Photo: Candice Powell

“I went to my mum’s place on Chinese New Year’s Eve for dinner. Ten minutes after we came back, he passed. He was waiting for us. I was with him when he had his last breath. Although we knew it was coming, it was still a shock,” Powell says.

The loss of a cherished pet can unleash powerful emotions. These feelings, akin to the grief we experience when a human loved one dies, require time to process.