Dr Sabrina Brennan offers advice on coping with grief after the loss of a dog.
There can be a lack of validation and support around pet grief and a genuine lack of understanding around the intensity of the loss. Pet grief is very real, your heart is breaking, but there are often no mourning rituals where you can share your pain with others to help you through those first few days. Research suggests that people move through the same stages of grief for their pets as they do for human loss and it’s very important to recognise this.
They’re not just a dog, they are a beloved member of your family. Our research revealed that over half of dog owners felt the grief they experienced after losing their dog was similar or worse to the loss of a family member, with a further 38% stating they were surprised by how deeply they were affected.
were surprised by how deeply grief affected them.
Pets are like children that never grow up, they always require your support for their basic needs such as food, water, shelter, attention, and affection. Pets, like best friends, are wonderful at listening without judgement and, like the best partners in the world, they are always happy to see you. Their love is unconditional, they only have eyes for you, and they always want to be with you. That is a hell of a lot of love to lose in one moment.
For some people, remembering those cherished moments shared with a loved one can be beneficial and provide closure in the grieving process. Visit our memory wall to share your story and a photo of your loved one.
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