The heart reality of the loss of a pet is often underestimated by those who have never experienced it.
While friends and family may sympathize, they may not fully understand the deep emptiness that remained when the died dog dies. For many, this grief is a hidden burden that can persist long after the initial shock has disappeared.
Anyone who has ever left his beloved pet knows that the loss of a dog is one of the most difficult things you can go through. Research shows that farewell to your favorite Furbball is just as difficult – unless it is sometimes more difficult – than the death of a person.
People who have never had a pet would seem not to understand how important the pet is in your home. They are not just a pet; They are part of the family. This binding can be strong between people and dogs. Therefore, the loss of the dog is unbearable.
The foine process is different
One of the most difficult parts about the loss of a dog and why it can often be more difficult than the death of a person is that it is not about it in the same way. You may be given in the afternoon, you have to postpone your dog, but then you will be expected to go back to work as if nothing happened. There is no funeral, no mourning period, no obituary in the newspaper. Even your friends and family expect you to tear with regular routines and meetings as if nothing happened.
The problem is that although they haven’t changed much in their lives, you had a huge change. Your daily routine, which included feeding, walking and playing with your dog, has changed. You are no longer welcomed by a happy, wagging tail every morning when you wake up and every afternoon when you are at home. The warm and calming presence of your dog is just gone.
Research confirms the binding of a person
Although some people are discussing whether dogs really love their owners, one thing is sure: the owners love their dogs. Research confirmed that there is a strong bond between people and dogs. The love we have for our family members of the dog’s family actually releases the same hormones in our brains as they are relaxed when we connect with people.
What’s more, our relationship with our dog brings us love and satisfaction that we simply cannot get with people. Dogs give us unconditional love. All their lives revolves around us and they are always glad to see us. People, even the closest to us, sometimes disappoint us. They can do or say things that hurt us emotionally. Our dogs don’t – love us no matter.
Dogs do not care about what we do for work, how many followers we have on Instagram or what we look like. All they know is that you are their person and love to be with you.
How to mourn the losing dog
An important thing to mourn the loss of your beloved pet is to have time and mercy. If you feel guilty (maybe because you had to euthanize your pet, or you feel that their death was a mistake), remind yourself that you did what you could for your pet. Whether their life has long been, you filled it with love.
As already mentioned, one of the most difficult parts of the pet’s loss is the lack of rituals (funerals, etc.) surrounding their death. This is where you can take some steps. You can magazine and write down all the memories you have from your pet’s life. Create a post on social media. Let your pet’s photos printed and hang them in your house. It doesn’t matter how you decide to acknowledge their life only if it suits you best – you can even organize a ceremony in a favorite park or in your house if you want.
Finally, find someone to share your grief with. It can be another family member who also mourns or a friend who knew well and loved your pet. No matter who you choose if the person supports you and you never feel stupid for mourning the loss of your dog. Our pets can only be part of our lives for a short time, but when they are here, they bring a lot of joy. It is normal and absolutely fine to mourn and it is absolutely acceptable to take the time and care you need.
Anyone who has experienced a loss of a beloved pet understands that farewell to a dog can be one of the most demanding moments of life. Research shows that the loss of a careful dog companion can be equally painful – if not more – than the loss of a person.
Understanding the depth of the binding
For those who have never owned a pet, it is difficult to understand the meaning of the furry friend in your life. Pets are not just animals; They are family members. This deep connection is what makes the dog’s loss deeply painful.
A unique process of mourning
One of the most demanding aspects of the loss of the dog and why it can often feel more difficult than the sadness of man is the social perception that surrounds it. You may be awarded a day off for a farewell, but then you are expected to go back to work as if nothing has happened. Usually there are no funerals, no determined period of sadness and no obituent notifications. Friends and family could expect to restore normal routines and social orders without recognizing your loss.
The truth is that while others may not notice significant changes in their lives, your world has been turned upside down. Your daily routine, once full of feeding, walking and playing with your dog, has shifted dramatically. The joyful greeting of the wagging tail is now missing and leaves emptiness in your home.
Research confirms the connection of a person
While some may argue about the nature of the love of the dog for their owner, the research confirms that the owners of domestic animals have a strong emotional bond with their dogs. Studies show that the love we share with our dog companions triggers the same hormones in our brains that are activated during human binding.
In addition, our relationships with dogs provide a unique kind of love and fulfillment that we could not always find with people. Dogs offer us unconditional affection and are always excited to see us. Unlike people who may sometimes disappoint us, dogs love us without conditions or reservations.
Navigation in the sorrow of the loss of the dog
When mourning the loss of your beloved pet, it is essential to allow time and grace. If you experience blame – perhaps because you have to decide to euthag your pet or feel responsible for their death – you will stand up for yourself that you have done the most for them. No matter how long they have been with you, your dog has experienced a life full of love.
As already mentioned, one of the most difficult challenges of losing a pet is the absence of traditional sad rituals. You can create your own meaningful way to honor your pet’s life. Consider the diaries of your favorite memories, publishing about them on social media or displaying their photos in your home. You may even decide to organize a small ceremony in their favorite park or at home – what they feel right for you.
Finally, look for support from someone who understands your grief. It can be a member of a family who also a sadness or a friend who loved your pet. It depends on the fact that this person is empathetic and supportive and verifies your feelings at this difficult time. Our pets can only share part of our lives for a moment, but they bring immense joy when they are here. It is quite normal to mourn, so insist all the time you have to recover.
Resources
“Why the loss of the dog can be heavier than the loss of a relative or friend.” Conversation. Frank T. Mcandrew. March 10, 2017.
“Why do people love their pets?” Direct science. John Archer. July 1997.
“Powder the loss of a pet.” Psych Central. Julie Axelrod. May 17, 2016.
In conclusion, the loss of a beloved dog can be an incredibly deep experience that often causes grief that competes with the loss of a person. The deep bond between people and their dog companions shape our lives in a innocent way, and when this bond is interrupted, emotional emptiness can feel stunning. Understanding that this grief is valid and deserves time and attention is essential. By allowing ourselves to mourn and seek support from others who understand our pain, we can start to navigate this demanding process. Finally, while our pets can only be with us for a short time, the joy and unconditional love they bring to our lives leave an indelible brand. The recognition of their impact and honors their memory can help us heal and care for the beautiful moments we shared with them.