Veterinary Expert's Compassionate Guidance for Pet Owners Facing Loss
A mobile hospice veterinarian has offered heartfelt advice to pet owners navigating the difficult journey of saying goodbye to their beloved companions. Faith Banks, who specialises in end-of-life care for animals, has shared her professional perspective on the emotional final moments between owners and their pets.
The Power of Final Words
Faith emphasises that the words spoken during a pet's final moments carry significant meaning and can profoundly impact both the animal's peaceful passing and the owner's grieving process. "The last words you say to your pet are very special and very meaningful," she explains, highlighting the importance of being present during this challenging time despite the emotional difficulty.
Through her TikTok platform, Faith has observed common phrases owners use when bidding farewell to their pets. "I hear the final words many people say to their pets and they do stick with me," she notes. "Many of the phrases are what you'd typically expect - 'I love you, thank you, I'll miss you, see you again, wait for me'."
The Problematic Phrase That Prolongs Grief
However, Faith identifies one particular expression that concerns her professionally. "'I'm sorry' is one I don't love to hear," she reveals, "because I feel that those people have done so much for their pet."
The veterinary expert explains that while she understands owners might be expressing sorrow about their impending separation, this phrase can inadvertently lead to unnecessary self-blame and extended grieving periods. "I understand you're sorry you can no longer be together," Faith acknowledges, "but I hope they're not apologising for anything they have done wrong."
Heartfelt Responses from Pet Owners
Faith's guidance has resonated deeply within the pet-owning community, prompting many to share their personal experiences with pet loss. One user confessed: "I said 'It's okay, you can go now. Mama will be fine.' I lied, I wasn't fine then, I am still not fine now. but he closed his eyes and took his final breath after my lie. I guess it was okay then."
Another shared a touching moment: "I believe the last words I said were 'you better come back and see me so I know you're OK'." Meanwhile, a third recounted: "My 22 year old cat passed away this past Friday, in my arms. While I was holding him I spoke to him, that I loved him so much and that I was going to miss him and thanked him for his unconditional love."
Navigating the Grieving Process
Losing a cherished pet represents an incredibly painful experience for many owners. It's completely normal to experience a range of emotions including:
- Profound sadness and sorrow
- Anger about the loss
- Guilt regarding decisions made
- Relief if the animal was suffering
Grief remains a deeply personal process that varies significantly between individuals. Rather than suppressing emotions, experts recommend:
- Giving yourself permission to fully experience and express your feelings
- Sharing memories with understanding friends, family, or support groups
- Creating memorials such as scrapbooks, planted trees, or small ceremonies
- Prioritising self-care and attending to any remaining pets
- Seeking professional support if needed
- Allowing yourself adequate time without external pressure
Faith Banks' compassionate advice serves as a valuable resource for pet owners facing one of life's most difficult moments, offering practical guidance alongside emotional support during the challenging journey of pet loss.
