​​​​

​​

The end is heavy - all-encompassing - as it evokes big emotions that span the spectrum of sadness, regret, anger, heartbreak, and a million other feelings in between. But there were so many moments before the painful ending. Remember those, too. The end is only part of your story.

​

Stop auditing every decision. There is absolutely nothing you can do to rewrite the story, so just stop. 

​

Know that you did what you thought was best at the time with the information you had and the resources available to you.

​

You made those decisions from the place you were in at the time. Retrospect is not meant to be used as a punishment.

​

Although you may have concocted a fairy tale alternative ending, you have no evidence that an alternative treatment path would have resulted in a better outcome.

​

Give yourself the compassion you would give something else. Forgive yourself for any perceived misgivings or mistakes  and know that you never set out to harm your pet.

 

You don’t have to like what happened, but at some point, you have to come to terms with it. No matter how awful the ending, it doesn't define you or reflect the love you feel for your pet.

​

​​​blog.

 

Guilt & Regret In Pet Loss - Reconciling With Yourself​​

​

Coping With Traumatic Endings​​

​

​

​​​articles.

A Dangerous Villian: GUILT

​

​Blame, Shame and Guilt: Making Decisions for Our Pets

​​​​

Dealing With Guilt After Pet Loss

 

audio.​​

I Think We're All Blaming Ourselves

The Pet Loss Companion

​

​

​​

​

​