03/26/2023
Losing a pet can be one of the most difficult things a pet owner faces throughout life. Studies show the grief of losing a pet is no less painful than losing a human family member for many pet owners. Professional groomers not only empathize and understand, but share in your grief as well. Here are a few things your professional groomer wants you to know:
1. It's not uncommon for a professional groomer to provide services for a pet for their entire life. We watch them grow from wiggly pups into mature adults followed by becoming a geriatric. We grow attached. We love them for who they are with any silly quirks.
2. Because we do see them on such a regular basis, they become part of our family. We grow to know them as an individual. If we see you in public, we may not remember your name, but rest assured we know your dog's name. We have a connection with them. Forgive us if we only know you as Fluffy's mom or dad.
3. We completely understand your grief. Grieving a pet is not silly or wrong. It is painful and can sometimes be traumatizing. We understand because we hurt with you. We will miss your pet being a part of our lives. We cry on the phone with you or sometimes alone out of sight so as not to upset the other clients.
4. If you need someone during this difficult time, reach out to us. We can talk about them with you or simply listen. It's also perfectly okay to reach out to a counselor or therapist who specializes in pet grief. Remember that grief has no time limit and we all grieve in our own ways. Be kind to yourself ❤
