Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Hounded by grief
SEEING the Queen and Paul O’Grady struggling with the deaths of their dogs this month highlights the price we pay for that bond with our pets.
Often owners feel silly for being inconsolable over losing an animal but for many people, particularly those living alone, a pet is their only companion.
Shona McLean, a psychotherapist and pet bereavement counsellor says seeing famous people sharing their sorrow helps us realise it’s OK to grieve.
She said: “When the Queen lost her last Corgi Willow, it would have brought up so many emotions as the dog descended from her very first Corgi that she was given by her father when she was only 18.
“Anyone who has lost a pet would have empathised with her. Often, it’s not just the pet you grieve, but the people, pets and memories they link to.”
Following Willow’s death in April at the age of 14 from cancer, palace sources said the Queen, 92, had mourned all her Corgis over the years but was more upset by losing Willow than any one of them. Days later, For The Love Of Dogs star Paul O’Grady, 62, told of his heartache at putting down his pet Olga, 14, after the Cairn terrior developed kidney failure.
He said: “It’s the hardest thing to do but it’s the only thing to do. It’s heartbreaking but she had a great life.”
COMFORT
Shona, who runs All Ears Pet Bereavement Counselling, advises anyone grieving for a pet: “Talking about your loss is key, show your emotion and have a cry.
“Writing a letter to your animal can be therapeutic and looking at photographs and sharing memories when you’re ready.
“Self care is important too, so ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, get out in the fresh air as you did with your dog. “Finally, take one day at a time. It does get easier. Try to take comfort from the happy memories.”
The Blue Cross has a 24 hour bereavement helpline on 0800 096 6606. See