Losing a pet can be a difficult transition in life. Many times, individuals dismiss it since it does not involve the loss of a family member. The reality is pets are family to millions of individuals. The loss can be as painful as losing anyone. Due to this dismissal, pet loss in many circles is disenfranchised an ignored. Pet Loss Grief Counseling or support groups can aid many who do not receive the proper support they need in this type of grief.
The article, “Losing a Pet Can Be Just as Hard as Losing a Loved One” by John Grohol looks at the deep seated pain that can result from the loss of a pet. He points out the numerous ways pet loss can affect someone as much as losing a friend or family member. He also lists how one can find ways to cope better in the aftermath of pet loss itself. He states in regards to the lack of understand of pet loss in the following:
“Sadly, many people don’t understand pet loss and the value that pets hold in a person’s life. This can greatly add to a pet owner’s grief. Instead of being comforted and heard by friends or family (what psychologists refer to as validation), the person is told, “It was just a dog (or cat), get over it” or “I’m not sure why you miss that cat (or dog) so much.” These kinds of unintentionally hurtful comments can add to a person’s burden of grief (Messam & Hart, 2019)”
Losing a Pet Can Be Just as Hard as Losing a Loved One. John Grohol, Psy.D. PsychCentral. Feb 27th, 2022.
Access article here
Commentary
The loss of a pet can be a difficult and emotionally charged experience. Pets provide us with companionship, love, and support, so when they pass away it can leave us feeling isolated and alone. The grieving process is often complicated by the fact that we may not have had the opportunity to say goodbye or to properly mourn our pet. This can lead to feelings of guilt or regret. It is important to allow yourself time to grieve and to reach out for support if you are struggling.
When a pet dies, it is not uncommon for people to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. The grieving process is often described in stages, with the first stage being denial and isolation. This is followed by bargaining, in which the individual tries to make deals with God or other powers in order to bring their pet back. The third stage is depression, characterized by feelings of sadness and despair. It is important to allow yourself to grieve. It is okay to feel sad and to cry. You should also try to talk about your feelings with friends or family members who will understand what you are going through.
Pet Loss and Disenfranchisement
Individuals who have experienced the loss of a pet may feel disenfrachised, or isolated from others who have not gone through a similar experience. This is because the loss of a pet can be a very significant and personal event, which can be difficult to communicate to others who have not experienced it. Additionally, the grief associated with pet loss can be complicated by the fact that it is often not recognized or validated by society at large.
When a person experiences the loss of a pet, it is important to respect their grief and not try to downplay their feelings. The loss of a pet can be just as devastating as the loss of a human family member, and so it is important to be understanding and supportive. Try to avoid saying things like “it’s just a animal” or “you can always get another one.” This can be very hurtful and dismissive of the person’s feelings. In many families, pets are considered members of the family. They are given the same love and care as any other member of the family, and are often thought of as part of the family unit. Pets provide companionship and unconditional love, which can be beneficial to both children and adults. In some cases, pets may even help to teach responsibility and empathy.
When an individual experiences the loss of a pet, they may feel a deep sense of grief and sorrow. This grief can be difficult to cope with and may impact different areas of an individual’s life. To help address this grief, there are pet grief support services available. These services can provide individuals with support and resources to help them through their grieving process. By offering pet grief support, individuals can begin to heal from their loss and move forward in their lives. Sometimes this support can come in the form of individual grief counseling or grief support groups who share similar losses. This type of counseling is especially important due to the nature of pet loss being dismissed by many as not important or equal to the loss of a family member. Since support is not given, many have to find support in counseling or within groups with like minded losses.
Conclusion
In conclusion it is important to remember that pet loss is real to many individuals. Pets are just not mere trinkets or cute furry objects, but play pivotal roles in people’s lives. They are not merely animals to be disregarded but true family. Due to this, the loss is real and painful. It is important not to sweep this type of loss under the rug but to respect it and help others through this painful process of losing a pet.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. After completing the six core courses of the program, professionals may then apply for the certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pet Loss Grief Support Counseling.
Additional Resources
Pet Loss: A Disenfranchised Grief. Marty Tousley. Grief Healing. February 6th, 2017. Access article here
Why We Need to Take Pet Loss Seriously. Guy Winch. Scientific American. May 22nd, 2018. Access article here
Pet Loss: Understanding Disenfranchised Grief, Memorial Use, and Posttraumatic Growth. Breeeanna Spain, et.al. A multidisciplinary journal of the interactions between people and other animals.Volume 32, 2019 – Issue 4. Access article here
Grieving the Loss of a Pet: Why It’s So Hard and Tips for Coping. Villy Valez. Veterinarians.org. March 4th, 2022. Access article here