ABSTRACT
Grief for a pet is not only felt after death; it can occur at the onset or diagnosis of a terminal illness – in anticipation of the approaching loss. Acknowledging the loss of a pet prior to its occurrence can impact an owner’s grief process. Suffering is more than physical attributes, and it involves assessing a pet’s quality of life. These are the “qualities” that make the pet who he or she is and are often part of the daily routine. Sometimes people wish to have keepsakes as additional reminders of their beloved pets. These can include ink or clay prints of the pet’s paws, hair clippings, collars and leashes, toys, and more. When working with pet owners, at some point, they will face the impending loss or actively process the death of their pet.
