Unequivocally, yes!
Animals form attachments to other animals, and people, so naturally they grieve when that friend is no longer in their life. You don’t need to be able to communicate to recognize the signs. How many stories have you heard about horses who stood over the grave of an equine friend who died? How many stories have you heard about dogs who grieved themselves to death over the loss of their guardian?
Recently I communicated with a goat who was listless and had little appetite after losing his goat buddy. He understood that his friend had moved on to a better place but he still missed him. After our communication he still grieved, but felt less burdened through sharing his feelings. He was open to having a new goat friend and is on the road to recovery.
What about animals who lose their offspring? Don’t you imagine they feel the loss as keenly as we humans? I witnessed a mare undergo a personality change after losing her foal. She took the loss very hard and it was more than a year before she reverted (almost) to her previous self.
Animals grieve when they are taken from their home to live with new guardians. Often they do not understand why and they certainly miss the friends left behind. No one asks them if they want to go or explains why. Any time you bring a new pet into your home understand that there will be a transition and be supportive. They will adore you for making the effort.
So what specifically can you do to help a four-legged friend who’s grieving? Spend quiet time with them. Talk with them. Empathize over their loss. Reminisce over happy memories. Pretty much what you’d do with a human friend who’s grieving. They may not understand every word you say, but they will understand the intent and they will appreciate your compassion.
If you don’t feel confident about your abillity to communicate with your friend, or your efforts are not effective, consider consulting an animal communicator. They will bridge the gap between you, answering your questions and communicating what’s on your four-legged friend’s mind.
Please visit petchatter.com for more information. It would be my privilege and pleasure to facilitate a communication between you and your animal friend.
