Pet loss is often misunderstood by those who have never experienced it before, and can even be ignored and scorned by those who have never experienced the close bond we animal lovers share with our pets.
But for those of us who have experienced the loss of a beloved pet, we know that it is a pain unlike any other. And it can even be more painful than losing a person in our life because the relationship we have with our pets is so intimate and the love is so unconditional. When they leave us, there is a huge hole in our hearts and our daily lives.
So, based on your experiences, what are some things about pet loss that you wish you could share with others who don't understand what it's like, or things that you wish you had known in advance?
I wish that they could understand that just because it is the loss of an animal... it is still a loss that must be grieved. I have lost many pets over the years and I still miss each and every one of them. My pets are my children(since I have no human children) and to lose one of them is somthing that I can barely stand to think about. They are what I come home to every day and for one of them to no longer be at that door when I get home... well, it's almost unimaginable... just like loosing any other family member.
Empathy, not just sympathy, we have all felt loss at some point in our lives and the loss of a pet is no less real that that of a loved one. I'm sure when my Hershey girls' time comes, (she's fine and healthy now, but I know most large breed dogs life expectancy is only 8-10 yrs, maybe 12 for some) I will be lost for quite some time. I'm know I will mourn her loss deeply and there may be those who won't understand, perhaps they've never lost a pet or at least not one that they had a true bond with, (unfortunately too many people treat their pets as accessories and not living,loving beings fully capable and prepared to add deep value to our lives) and they can't seem to understand that sense of loss. I know what loss is, and when someone else loses a pet, I know that hurt. That's what I wish more people knew about pet loss.