Dear Jack,
Do my other pets understand? I lost my girl almost a month ago. I just feel so lost. She was my shadow, always with me. I have two others; they have such different personalities. I think one of them is suffering from the loss. She just hides, comes out only to eat. I hope she comes out of this soon.
Your pets understand. One of the hardest things is helping your other pets through the loss too. Everyone gets through it eventually and they will too. It can be a rough road but keep your best friends close, tell them what’s on your heart and it will all work out in the end.
Your four-leggeds heal much faster than you do. The important thing is to keep loving them, talking with them -- they will help you process and help you heal if you keep your heart open. As they help you, they help themselves. As you help them, you help yourself. The heart is where you must speak to each other. The heart transcends miles and manmade rules and worlds and it is where miracles of communication take place.
Love, Jack
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About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader who lost their girl almost a month ago asks whether their other pets understand, and says one of them hides and only comes out to eat. Jack's reply speaks to how pets grieve and how to help them through it.
What Jack says about pets and grief
Jack says pets do understand, and that helping your other pets through the loss is one of the hardest parts. He encourages keeping your pets close, talking with them and telling them what is on your heart, and notes that four-leggeds heal much faster than people. The heart, he says, is where you speak to each other.
Helping your other pets after a loss
Pets can show changes after losing a companion, such as hiding or a change in appetite. Keep routines steady, offer extra attention and comfort, and talk to your veterinarian if a change lasts or if your pet stops eating.
