Tag Archives: Dr. Wendy Khentigan

No One Understands My Grief

My Pet Has Died and No One Understands My Grief. What Should I Do?

Photo credit: Prailine (Flickr)

Losing a pet can be a very difficult situation for several reasons. People work through sadness and grief in many different ways. It is important to understand that your experience of grief related to pet loss is unique to you and no one has the right to judge your feelings or to tell you, “to just get over it.”

It is important to be patient with yourself and understand that you will heal at a pace that is right for you. You may experience doubt about whether your feelings are normal.

Finding support and validation is important. Often friends or family are at a loss as to what to say or are not sure how to support someone experiencing pet loss. There are resources one can utilize such as: a pet loss support group in your local community, books on pet loss, as well as individual therapy.

Be gentle and caring with yourself. It is important to attend to self-care such as: adequate rest, nutrition and exercise. With time your heart can heal, be patient and compassionate with yourself.

Wendy A. Khentigan, M.D. graduated from New York Medical College. She completed her residency in psychiatry at the University of California San Diego where she served as a chief resident during her final year. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She has completed her certification in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, a technique particularly effective in addressing grief as well as trauma. She has been in private practice in Encinitas since 1994. A lifelong animal lover, she has a special interest in animal welfare and the people who care for animals.

Pet Loss Books for Adults by Dr. Wendy Khentigan

Pet Loss Books for Adults

When a family pet dies, your feelings of grief surrounding that loss are real and deserve the same respect as if it where any other family member. Wendy Khentigan, M.D. is a psychiatrist who addresses grief and trauma in her every day practice in Encinitas, California. Wendy provides a list of her favorite pet loss books for adults that assist in coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions one faces upon the loss of a pet.

Pet Loss Books

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost A Pet, by Gary Kowalski (2012)

Although this is a brief book, it provides warmth and comfort incorporating spiritual aspects to coping with grief. Get the book.

Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die, by Jon Katz (2012)

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz, a natural storyteller, provides an intimate look at saying goodbye to the pet you love. A heartrending book that all animal lovers will find refreshing and honest in its depiction of grief over pet loss. Get the book.

The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice From Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups, by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton Lopez (2013)

Good advice on taking care of yourself and loved ones in times of grief. A concise guide with lots of information based on years of experience. Get the book.

How To Roar: Pet Loss Grief Recovery ,by Robin Jean Brown (2005)

This is a how to guide on working through grief with exercises to journal. This may be of particular benefit to anyone going through loss of their first pet. Get the book.

You Can Heal Your Heart: Finding Peace After A Breakup, Divorce or Death, by Louise Hay and David Kessler (2014)

This is a wonderful book that addresses grief and provides support, comfort, and practical advice about how to minimize suffering. There is a chapter dedicated to honoring pet loss, however, entire book contains information that may be of benefit to anyone experiencing loss. Get the book.

Wendy A. Khentigan, M.D. graduated from New York Medical College. She completed her residency in psychiatry at the University of California San Diego where she served as a chief resident during her final year. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She has completed her certification in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, a technique particularly effective in addressing grief as well as trauma. She has been in private practice in Encinitas since 1994. A lifelong animal lover, she has a special interest in animal welfare and the people who care for animals.

Pet Loss Experts

Meet I Remember You’s Pet Loss Experts

Credit Flickr User: Wyatt

I Remember You is dedicated to providing comfort and resources to families and individuals experiencing grief related to the loss of a pet. We believe there is no connection on earth like the relationship between humans and pets. Pets give love unconditionally and without expectations. Processing grief related to a pet’s deaths is vital and important to our health and the health of our families.

Passionate About Shepherding Others Through Pet Loss

Credit Flickr: LAGtheNoggin

We invite you to meet our two guest doctors who will be writing articles and advice on the process of losing a pet and grief related to the loss of a pet. These two women bring expert and compassionate ideas on how best to move through the end-of-life process with your pet, from both a mental health and veterinary perspective.

Meet Dr. Wendy Khentigan, MD

You can follow Dr. Khentigan on Twitter for more resources on grief and mental health.

Meet Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM is an author, veterinarian, and owner of the award winning pet-centric website pawcurious.com. Dr. Vogelsang is a regular contributor to multiple online publications on topics related to pet health and the human-animal bond. Dr. Vogelsang is currently practicing as a hospice care specialist with Paws into Grace in San Diego, and has a special interest in helping loving pet owners through the difficult end of life stage. When she’s not with clients or working on her latest article, Dr. Vogelsang volunteers internationally with World Vets providing veterinary care to underserved countries.

You can follow Dr. Vogelsang on Twitter for more articles on pets, pet lifestyle and veterinary insights.