The loss of a pet can be the cause of tremendous grief for an individual and family.  I have spoken with people who have tears in their eyes several years after a pet has died.  What causes a grief reaction and why?

For some, you may wonder or say to yourself, “What the heck, it is just a pet”.  For you this may be true but for numerous individuals this is not the case.  The relationship created between an individual and their pet(s) in some cases has a closer bonding than with certain family members.

“Just a pet”!  Not really.  The love connection, companionship and true acceptance from a pet in some cases is the only connection where a person feels loved.  In all reality this may not be the case, but the individual may perceive it to be so.

Imagine a child who feels they do not belong and are struggling with life for whatever reason; the love of a pet helps them get through the struggles.  The individual who has experienced a death of a family member knows the pet will be there for them no matter what.  Does this resonate with you?

I know many people will think this is ridiculous and say pets are good for nothing; they have a right to their opinion.  The flip side is where I hear many people say they will never get another pet because it hurts too much when they die.

I agree it does hurt when our pet dies and we experience grief, but I will not stop myself from experiencing the love of a pet for fear they will die.  Remember the quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson,

“Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all”.