Losing a pet is a difficult event to live through, I mean our pets are family members and this creates a big loss for all concerned. I might have read about the topic of grief prior to having my own experience of a substantial loss but it was not until I experienced firsthand that I got how important this information is.

I am sure you must of read at some point the five stages of grief, well get yourself accustom with them as it is the difference between remaining in the hurt over the loss and a powerful emotional growth that will lead to joyful memories of your loved one.

So what is denial? As per the Wikipedia: "Denial is a defense mechanism postulated by Sigmund Freud, in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence."

I specifically picked this definition because I think it really captures what denial is about a "defense mechanism" a "coping mechanism" it bring temporary relief, it makes a lot of sense when something is just too painful our instinct will kick in and do its thing.

What is the role of denial?

Denial has its purpose, to protect you from a traumatic event. Traumatic events are more difficult to heal from then gently and patiently overcoming denial. This stage of denial is usually short-lived. Soon after entering it, many begin to accept the diagnosis as reality. Just know that this too shall pass and that is a good thing, because remaining in denial will only stop you from connecting in your heart with the joy this pet has provided for you.

What are some signs of denial?

- I cannot believe this is happening?
- Hanging on to any positive news like this will not happen.
- Feeling like you are caught in a dream
- Being forgetful, your mind is pre-occupied but not showing any signs of "upset"
- Wanting to keep busy all the time
- Feeling irritated with everyone
- Telling everyone you are okay... no worries!
- Those who successfully move through denial will usually enter a new stage of coping -- Anger.
- Awareness of which stage you are experiencing, will help you move through them quicker.

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If you are dealing with pet grief and feeling sad or upset over the loss of your pet. Their are ways coping with this through the use of alternative healing, this can be through guided meditations and the power of the mind. http://www.pet-loss-grief.info