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Veterinarians and mental health professionals recognize and agree that there
is a legitimate grief response to animal loss, which is very similar in nature
and sometimes as significant as the grief response to human death. Children who
are grieving a pet’s death may be unable or unwilling to verbalize their
feelings. Bereaved adults may have lost a companion more constant and
significant than any human in their daily lives. Families have lost an important
family member, and family life is often disrupted and changed. Too often,
however, grief resulting from animal death is unrecognized or unsanctioned by
society, and sometimes even by those closest to us. Sympathy and support are
very often unavailable or not offered to bereaved pet owners, yet understanding
is helpful in making a healthy recovery.
With the loss of an animal, grief may last from a few days to a few years.
Still, one may encounter people who innocently hurt with their remarks (“Just
get another...” or “It was just a dog/cat/horse.”). Sometimes owners are
ridiculed about the amount of time or money spent on treatment or
memorialization.
Even when death is anticipated, the intensity of emotion during the grief
process can seem overwhelming. It is common for pet owners to feel:
numb
guilty
angry
lonely
helpless
unable to stop crying
anxious
withdrawn
fatigued
Many times sleep or appetite disturbances accompany grief. Imagining the
animal’s presence or dreaming of them is experienced by many.
Recovery from grief can be made easier through knowledge of the process and
sharing feelings with others who understand.
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has recognized this
need and is offering help. The Best Friend Gone Project offers assistance when a
pet has died or when death is anticipated.
The Best Friend Gone Project offers:
- Telephone counseling
- Private counseling
- Support group meetings
- Referral
- Reading lists
- Information on animal loss
Counselors are social workers trained to deal with issues of grief and loss.
You may reach the Best Friend Gone counselors by calling Stephanie Johnson at (225) 578-9547,
sending an email,
or by having your veterinarian request a call from them.
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