My elderly loved one, 94 years old with some dementia and early sundowners, has just lost his beloved companion. Kitty he called her. He was heartbroken when a relative broke the news to him that his kitty had been killed by a coyote or some other animal. Out of everyone, I am his main caregiver and I'm with him most of the time. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can help him get through this tough time? I'm already planning on keeping him busy with lots of light-hearted things, as much as he can easily tolerate. I know from some of my previous questions asked here, what an awesome forum this is and I thank you all in advance for your help :-)
Working at an animal shelter could go either way - satisfy the need to be near an animal, but also make him sadder about loss of Kitty.
The downside thought could be that he'll become attached to a cat that eventually is fostered out.
I also think he shouldn't have been told of any specific methods of death; thinking of a beloved pet being mauled by a wild animal is perhaps going to be more haunting than accepting that she died of a natural death. Ash makes a good observation with her insight on that issue.