If an owner blames themselves for the death of a pet, which stage of grief are they in?

When an owner blames themselves for the death of a pet, they are experiencing the stage of grief characterized by feelings of guilt. This stage often involves the individual reflecting on their actions or inactions and believing that they could have done something differently to prevent the loss. This self-blame can lead to persistent thoughts about what they could have changed, illustrating a deep-seated emotional struggle with their perceived responsibility for the pet’s passing.

In contrast, depression typically involves profound sadness and despair that might stem from the loss but does not specifically focus on self-blame. Denial is the initial response to loss where the individual might struggle to accept the reality of the situation, while acceptance represents a stage where the person acknowledges the loss and starts to find a way to move forward. Guilt is a specific emotional response that is central to this situation and encapsulates the owner's internal conflict and remorse regarding their pet's death.