Acknowledge how you’re feeling. The reason for your loved one’s passing could release powerful emotions that can have an impact on how you deal with your feelings about losing your dog, cat, or horse. From guilt and anger to sadness and confusion, the flurry of feelings you might experience following a sudden or unexpected loss can replicate the ups and downs of a rollercoaster. Before allowing strong emotions to control your life in the wake of losing your much-loved pet, you need to acknowledge how you feel. By acknowledging how you feel, you’re taking an important step towards processing what’s happened, and you’ll be better able to keep all-consuming emotions under control. Communication is key when you’re overwhelmed by emotion, even though it may be extremely difficult to put into words the ways your pet’s sudden or unexpected loss impacts you. Speaking to a trusted friend or family member about what you’re going through might help to release some of the pressure of managing your emotional wellbeing alone. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Although it can feel impossible to care about much at all in the aftermath of losing a loved one, basic self-care routines should still be followed every day. Even when your mind is consumed by grief, your body doesn’t stop needing vital care to stay alive, including getting enough nourishment, water, and sleep. It’s also important to be kind to yourself, in the same way you’d treat a friend if they were going through something as awful as bereavement. If your mental health is suffering due to the sudden or unexpected loss of your dog, cat, or horse, please reach out to a reputable organisation for support, such as Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Service and Samaritans.