Pet Bereavement

PET BEREAVEMENT

Sarah Newcomer

More then half of the homes in the United States have at least one companion

animal and more than 85% of pet owners regard them as family members…

…and when their beloved pet passes, many view it as though they have lost a member of their family…

“The trauma with the loss of a pet has been shown to be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life, and can create a grief reaction that is many ways comparable to that of the loss of a family member…” (Clements, P., Benasutti K., & Carmone, A., 2003)

…and owners can experience pet loss in ways other then a pet’s

passing…

Losing the pet

Sudden Evacuation

Unable to keep

Bereaving Owners/Families may experience:Profound Sadness

Emptiness & LongingBitterness

Intrusive thoughts/memories of petDenial

These feelings of grief can be

felt for up to and longer then 6 months at a time. and are sometimes displayed through disruption in routine, diet changes, sleeping changes, social isolation, and missing work.

But, in society, the loss of a pet is often considered an “undervalued grief”.

The grief is seen as unacceptable and needs to be quickly overcome, because pet-human

relationships are not human-human relationships.

But We can help Support Owners…

•Acknowledge to bereaving owners that it is ok for them to grieve.

•Listen and learn the role a pet plays in the owner’s/family life.

•Understand the owner/family may have lost a crucial support system.

•Validating, acceptance, and support prevents internalizing and disenfranchisement of grief.

Encourage Finding Support

Support groups provide social support and helps create relationships with individuals who are

experiencing the same emotions.

Pet Loss Support Groups & Organizations can be found online and in cities across Canada/US

Facilitate coping methods that honor the loss of their beloved companion…

Host a funeral for the petShare stories

Donate to an Animal Shelter to help others in their memoryMake a scrapbook

Plant a tree in their honorAfter some time of mourning

has passed owners may wish to get another pet…

References• Adrian, J., Deliramich, A., & Frueh B. (2009) Complicated grief and posttraumatic

stress disorder in human’s response to the death of pets/animals. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 73(3), 176-187.

• American Humane Association (2012). Pet Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.petfinder.com/for-shelters/facts-pet-ownership.html

• American Veterinary Medical Association (2012). U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-Research

• Clements, P., Benasutti K., & Carmone, A. (2003). Support for bereaved owners of pets. Perspectives in psychiatric care, 39(2), 49-54.

• Coradro, M (2012). Pet loss and disenfranchised grief: implications for mental health counseling practice. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34(4), 283-294.

• Haug, S., Sedway J., & Kordy H. (2008) Group processes and process evaluations in a new treatment setting: inpatient group psychotherapy followed by

internet- chat aftercare groups. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 58(1), 35- 53.

• Scheidlinger, S. (2004) Group psychotherapy and related helping groups today: an overview. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 58(3), 265-280.

• Watt-Aldredge, L (2005). Pet loss and the role of the psychologist: needs assessment and implications for interventions. (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Psychology Journals. (UMI Number: 3170148)

• Walsh, F. (2009) Human-animal bonds II: the role of pets in family systems and family therapy. Family Process, 48(4), 481-499.

In 2010 I decided to hospice a boney 8-10 year old pitbull from a HSUS fighting ring raid…rescues did not want him due to his

age and health making him harder to adopt.

If I did not take him he would be euthanized.

This is him now…

REMEMBER ADOPTION SAVES LIVES