T6: Grief Management

Question 1

Name the 5 stages of grief

Answer 1

1. Shock and denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Question 2

Describe stage 1: shock and denial

Answer 2

reality of death has not yet been accepted by the bereaved. He or she feels stunned and bewildered-as if everything is “unreal.”

Question 3

Describe stage 2: anger

Answer 3

grief stricken person often lashes out at family, friends, themselves, God, the Veterinarian or the world in general.

Bereaved people will also experience feelings of guilt or fear during this stage.

Question 4

Describe stage 3: bargaining

Answer 4

the bereaved asks for a deal or reward from either God, the Veterinarian or the Clergy.

Comments like “I’ll go to Church every day, if only my pet will come back to me” are common.

Question 5

Describe stage 4: depression

Answer 5

occurs as a reaction to the changed way of life created by the loss.

The bereaved person feels intensely sad, hopeless, drained and helpless.

The pet is missed and thought about constantly.

Question 6

Describe stage 5: acceptance

Answer 6

comes when the changes brought upon the person by the loss are stabilized into a new lifestyle.

The depth and intensity of the mourning process depends on many factors. The age of the owner, circumstances surrounding the death, relationship of the animal to the owner and to other family members, are all significant.

Question 7

What is euthanasia?

What must the owner do in order for euthanasia to occur?

Answer 7

• deliberate ending of life in order to relieve pain and suffering
• Overall the decision MUST be made by the owner.
• Owner MUST sign a consent form for euthanasia, explaining the cost of such procedure & how payment will be made, what is to be done with the body and that they understand that life will be extinguished.
• It must also be witnessed by a member of staff.

Question 8

How should you schedule a euthanasia appointment?

What are some other considerations?

Answer 8

• during quiet times, and to move the client out of the main public area and into a private grieving room
• fill out paperwork in private room
• make it a quiet, peaceful experience
• Have tissues handy
• Treat the body with love, care and respect
• NEVER PUT THE ANIMAL IN A BODY BAG IN FRONT OF THE OWNERS

Question 9

What should you include in a sympathy card?

other symbols or considerations to accompany card?

Answer 9

• Use the pets name
• share a memory of the pet, or mention a special quality of the pet
• DO NOT MENTION GETTING A NEW PET
• Clay paw prints
• forget me not seeds
• flowers
• DEACTIVATE THE PET FROM THE REMINDERS AND ACTIVE PETS LIST!!!