SOCIETY AND PET LOSS

Grief is one of the most difficult, sad and confusing emotional experiences that humans suffer. Losing a human family member is tragic and devastating, but the support networks that are usually around us ease some of the pain. When a human dies society recognises our loss by acknowledging our grieving process …. commonly known as mourning. Society supports the survivors of human loss by giving us structures and societally sanctioned rites and rituals, such as funerals and wakes to acknowledge the passing of an important (to us) human being. That is; we are encouraged to feel ‘bad’ so that we might eventually feel ‘better’. However society does not in general give pet owners ‘permission’ to grieve openly. Bereaved pet owners lack a sanctioned support network, and consequently often feel isolated and alone. Luckily, more and more resources are becoming available to help the mourning pet owner realize that they are NOT alone and that what they are feeling is entirely normal. By carrying out your own rituals such as burials, or by having private cremation performed, it encourages the process of mourning,  the feeling that it is OK to feel the way that you do, there is nothing wrong with you, and that your pets death has occurred with some dignity, respect and caring. This can be a critical part of grief resolution for some owners, as many people cannot accept the reality of pet loss without a suitable period of mourning.