Why Does The Death Of A Pet Hurt The Same As That Of A Family Member?
When our dog or cat dies we feel as empty as if we had lost a child, a brother or our parents. We experience immense pain that cannot be compared to anything and is difficult to explain. In this article we will tell you why the death of a pet hurts the same as that of a family member.
Grief over the death of our pet
Those of us who love animals know that there is no greater pain than losing them. Dogs and cats spend many years by our side so that their death is indifferent to us. Just thinking that one day they will die puts a lump in our throats. However, it must be borne in mind that sooner or later this will happen and it is necessary to be prepared.
The great connection we experience with pets is such that we cannot imagine life without them. Nothing will be like before since his departure because his love and loyalty were perhaps like a balm among so many problems.
Unfortunately, the life cycle of these pets is much shorter than ours. Therefore, it is natural that we are the ones who suffer the death of a pet. According to psychologists, this generates a great emotional impact on people, just as it happens when a member of our family dies. Why? Well, because the dog or the cat are also part of that close nucleus.
In addition, as indicated in an investigation by the University of Hawaii, the pain caused by the death of the pet is not only intense and deep, but also lasts for a long time. One in three people consulted indicates that they have suffered for at least six months after the loss.
Death of a pet, the end of a more than special relationship
Companion animals offer us their love, support and loyalty (in many cases more than what we receive from other people). Because of this, when they die, are lost or stolen, we experience what scientists call “the end of a special relationship.”
The grief over the loss of a pet is often not understood by those who do not have a dog or a cat, and it is frowned upon when someone mourns uncontrollably for an animal. Unlike the compassion they feel when a human relative dies, if the one who dies is a dog or a feline, the feelings are dismissed.
As more and more couples and families adopt a pet and make it one of the household, it is common for funerals and burials to be organized as if it were a person. There are even special cemeteries for pets.
How to get over the death of a pet
It doesn’t matter if your friends or family don’t understand you or say you are exaggerating for feeling sad. If your dog or cat passed away, you must express your sadness and face the loss. Take the time you need to get through this horrible time.
Even if you must shed thousands of tears, do not hold them back. Take out all your pain through crying.
You should not blame yourself for what happened, as it is not the best way to find relief. Your pet simply passed away and it is not your responsibility. You better be calm with yourself and forgive yourself.
Be patient as for the first few weeks you will feel really sad. If you don’t feel like talking about it, don’t do it, if you prefer to stay home for the weekend, do it. But keep in mind that at some point you will have to return to your usual life.
Lastly, remember your dog or cat doing mischief and being happy by your side. Try not to save any item that you used because it will cause you more pain. There are surely many homeless animals that need food, beds, or toys. And wait a reasonable time to bring another pet home. Once you know that it will not be a replacement, you are ready to give that new life a chance.
