What is Grief Overload

COPING WITH THE LOSS OF MULTIPLE PETS 💔

Losing more than one beloved pet in a short space of time can feel truly overwhelming.

It’s more common than many realise — especially when our pets are siblings or of a similar age. They share so much of life together, and sadly, they often reach old age around the same time too.

When losses come close together, it can be hard to untangle your grief — to know which feelings belong to which pet — or to feel like you’re honouring each one as they deserve.

This experience even has a name: “cumulative grief”, or grief overload. It’s a very real, and very human, response to deep love and repeated loss. 🕊️

💞 Coping with Grief Overload

There’s no single “right” way to grieve, but here are some gentle ways to support yourself through it:

🐾 Take your time. Each pet deserves their own space in your heart. Allow yourself to grieve them individually when you’re ready.

🌿 Create small rituals. Light a candle, frame a favourite photo, or plant something in their memory — simple gestures can help bring comfort and connection.

💬 Talk it through. Whether it’s with loved ones, a counsellor, or a pet loss support group, sharing your feelings can ease the weight of grief.

🤍 Be kind to yourself. Grief can come in waves. Rest when you need to, and don’t rush the healing process.

You loved deeply — and that love doesn’t disappear. It simply changes.