We are real animal lover’s here at R. A. Brooks & Son. Our pets offer us emotional support and company. They help us though the tough times and gives us comfort in the worst times. We know how important our pets our to us, but how pets can help us grieve?
Pets provide us with company - Grieving can be a lonely and isolating time. Having a pet by your side during the sad times that come with a loss can be extremely therapeutic.
Pets make us happier- Research shows that pets can decrease our Cortisol levels, the chemical in the brain that leads to stress. This is higher in those who are grieving. Being around our pets reduces our Cortisol which in turn makes us happier, which in turn keeps our mind off the loss we may be experiencing.
Pets love us unconditionally – Whatever pet you may have, they are always there for you. They are there when you get home, go to sleep and awake up. Let’s face it their whole life if centred around you and your life. Our pets love us unconditionally, especially when we need it the most.
Pets force us to be active- Most pets need exercise; therefore, this encourages us to be active too. Being active produces Serotonin in the brain which affects our mood, sleep, behaviour amongst other things. Levels of Serotonin often decrease when people are grieving. Try taking your pet for a walk or playing with them to relieve some stress and improve your mood.
Pets help to comfort us- Grief can leave people feeling lost and empty inside. All our pets offer us comfort and reassurance. But in particular, dogs are known to be extremely intuitive and are able to sense when their owners are feeling down. Dogs' ability to communicate with humans is unlike any other species in the animal kingdom. They can sense our emotions, read our facial expressions, and even follow our pointing gestures.