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Articles > Senior Dog CareDealing With Your Dogs Serious Illness When your dog is battling a serious illness, it’s normal to feel sad, depressed, frustrated or even angry. During this difficult time seek outlets for your emotions in order to stay mentally strong and be the best caregiver possible for your canine companion. Peggy Haymes, an ordained minister, recommends talking to supportive friends, family members –- even strangers on internet chat boards. Journaling is another outlet for emotions. “Even 15 minutes of writing in a journal can do a lot to help you process and release those feelings,” she says. Sharing stories about your pet with other people can help you get through difficult periods, says Haymes who is also a counselor specializing in grief, loss, and depression issues at Grace Court Counseling in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She even recommends owners talk to their ill pets about happy moments they’ve shared together or the things they appreciate about them. “You may have tears dripping down on the dog’s fur,” she says of these talks, “but it’s very healing.” Haymes cautions, though, that your dog’s illness may trigger emotions from a past event, whether with another pet or family member. “If it really just feels overwhelming to you,” she says, “that’s the time to get some help and seek out a (professional) counselor.” ~ Staff, SeniorDogs.com If you would like to include this article on your site please include the following information with the article:
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