Last week, we looked at the question of whether pets feel grief when another pet dies, and what we can do about it. There are no answers that fit all pets — like humans, they’re all different, and some show grief while others don’t. If they do, the best thing an owner can do for them is provide a very stable and loving environment.

Let’s ask a more specific question: Is it necessary, or even good, for a surviving pet to see the remains of a companion? Some humans find this a necessary step in coping with grief, but does it help animals, or traumatize them?

Terri Jay, a pet psychic, says the answer, as usual, varies:

“If the pet dies of natural causes at home, then yes, the other pets should be allowed to sniff the remains, lay near the remains or whatever they feel comfortable doing. The same would be true of an at-home euthanasia. If an animal dies of being attacked by a stray dog or other predator and is a bloody mess, the smell of blood is very disturbing to the household pets and they should be kept away. If a pet is taken to the vet to be euthanized, it is too traumatic for the other pets to go . . .”

It’s not necessary to bring home the body or ashes for them to see, either, Terri says. (Though you may want to do this anyway.)

“The most important thing for all family members is for all of them to be allowed to grieve,” she says.

So the best thing for your pet is to be free to do whatever he wants to cope with the situation. A little attention to his behavior should tell you what that is.Then both of you can begin to work through the grief.