Keeping your Hands in Fur: Part 1

I believe people who deeply mourn the loss of their animal companions were lucky and blessed to have experienced a deep, amazing bond. That strong bond provided a myriad of gifts and benefits, emotional, social and physical.

There has been a lot of research and numerous scientific studies performed over the past 25 years to support this belief. Among other benefits, animals have been demonstrated to improve human cardiovascular health, reduce stress, decrease loneliness and depression, and facilitate social interactions. Click here to read a study by the organization Pets Are Wonderful Support.

I believe these “benefits” are needed more than ever after the death of a beloved companion animal. Having contact with other animals can help to facilitate a healthy grieving process. This subject often comes up in the pet loss support group, as many bereaved people know this to be true. It is also true that many folks need time and healing before they are ready to invest in a new relationship and adopt again. For those folks, I recommend they find ways to “get their hands in fur” whenever and however they can.

Some ideas that are shared at group include dog walking, dog or cat sitting for family, friends and neighbors, visiting a dog park and petting the happy dogs, or volunteering for a rescue or shelter. Any of these activities may be just the thing to bridge that gap after the death of a beloved companion animal.

The benefits of volunteering are vast, and it’s a win-win situation—it can benefit you as much as the cause you choose to help. This article sums it up nicely.

In Part 2 of this entry, you will meet a Pet Loss Support group member named Steve who will share his story and his experience as a volunteer who socializes and walks dogs at a daycare and rescue in NW Portland. Click here to read Steve’s story.