Understanding the role of pet doulas in grieving families.
Image: Ron AI
Losing an animal companion can be deeply heartbreaking and many people struggle to grieve. The bond between humans and their pets is profound, often equating to that of a family member.
When a beloved animal approaches the end of its life, the emotional toll can be overwhelming.
Recognising the need for compassionate support during these challenging times, the role of the pet doula has emerged, offering guidance and comfort to both pets and their owners.
A pet doula provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support to pets and their families before, during, and after the animal's passing.
Their goal is to ensure a peaceful transition, honouring the pet's life and easing the grief of those left behind. Services can include creating a plan for comfort, assisting during the transition, and offering grief support after the pet's passing
Dion Chang, a pet death doula, accompanies people to the vet when they need to put their pets down and creates rituals to help them through that.
Chang said in an interview on Cape Talk “If you are putting down a pet it is important to say a proper goodbye, and let your children say goodbye to prepare for the loss.”
Pet doulas tailor their services to the unique needs of each family and their animal companions. This may involve collaborating with vets to manage pain and maintain the pet's quality of life during their final days or weeks
Chang also helps with the admin side of a pet death such as whether you receive the ashes and sorting out the payments.
The loss of a pet can be as devastating as losing a human loved one. Pet doulas acknowledge this profound grief and offer a compassionate presence to help families navigate their emotions.
They provide resources such as grief workbooks and ideas to memorialise and honour the pet, aiding in the healing process.
Specialised training programs equip pet doulas with the skills needed to deliver practical, compassionate, and informed support to pets and their families as they approach the end of life.
Chang feels the death of a pet is often misunderstood in society and people are told to "get over it" and get a new pet. Chang says; “You cannot just replace it. There is a very deep grief.”
As more people recognise the significance of their relationships with pets, the demand for pet doulas continues to grow.
By providing compassionate care and guidance, they help ensure that the end-of-life experience is as peaceful and meaningful as the life that was lived.
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IOL Lifestyle
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