Losing a pet is so much more painful than most people realize. It can even end in “broken heart syndrome.” Here’s how.
The Agony of Losing a Pet
When a pet dies, the family who loved that fur baby is grief-stricken. Pets are family members. They are there when we wake up, and beside us when we go to sleep. They see us sick, happy, angry, sad, and they never pass judgment. Our pets see the truth of who we are and they love us in spite of ourselves.
Isn’t that what family is supposed to do? Be there in good and bad times, offering support and unconditional love? Some may say they don’t even get that kind of care from their human families.
That’s why Scientific American says we should take pet loss seriously.
The aching hearts of those who lose a pet are often lonely hearts. After her dog died, a woman suffered from a terrible condition called “broken heart syndrome.” SA explains, “It can happen when the response to grief is so severe the person exhibits symptoms that mimic a heart attack, including elevated hormone levels that can be 30 times greater than normal.”
Essentially, the author says when you’re in anguish after this kind of loss, you need to reach out and let people know how badly you’re hurting.
“We need to seek social support from people we know will understand and sympathize with our emotions and not judge us for them.”
I think as a society we can always do a better job of supporting each other.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge
You were used to morning purring to wake you up and now it’s quiet. You and your good boy always went for a walk before heading to bed. Now the leash hangs still.
When you open the front door, no one runs to you. At night all you can think about is how long it been since you slept in a bed without a four-legged friend taking up all the space.
That’s why the rest of us should show up, be loving, supportive and continue to be so for as long as it takes. There is no timeline on grief.
“It is time we gave grieving pet owners the recognition, support and consideration they need. Yes, it is up to us to identify and address our emotional wounds when our pet dies, but the more validation we receive from those around us, the quicker and the more complete our psychological recovery will be.” – Scientific American
If you’ve lost a pet, I want you to know how sorry I am you’re in pain. Tell us about them in the comments. What made you love them so? Did they have a favorite toy or a sweet way of showing you their love?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist to help you get through.
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249 comments on “The Agony of Losing a Pet Is Worse Than People Know”
I just lost my 14 year old mini doxie Boone. After a rapid health decline, letting him go was so very hard. For the first time in my 58 years I wake up we ithout a loyal dog looking at me. So very
My beautiful beagle knew when my mental health was bad. He was my significant support. He used to back up and sit on my right foot all the time so I knew he was there. My heart is broken. The grief is debilitating I don’t know how to breath without him. I’m waiting impatiently to see him again…. No one understands
I lost my pug of 17 years ,Muggzzy he was with me when my partner of 12 years passed and slept with me every night all thru the years and traveled with me .we had a moment of homeless ness and he got me thru the fear of not getting thru that when Ihe died. I felt as if a part of me died with him the struggle has been difficult something always feels missing , but I’m getting thru it it helps to think of him as my spirit guide now .
Our 15year old Britney Spaniel (Oliver) died last Thrusday. I’m am still broken hearted. He was a pound rescue and our sweet kind funny loving boy. He would go Huckleberry picking and would pick and eat more than I could pick off a bush!!
I lost my black lab, Barney, recently. We don’t know if he had a heart attack or if he got into something toxic. His death was unexpected. I miss him so much. It has helped that I already had a new puppy.
Just lost 2 dogs in 2 mos at a transitional point in my life. It has been devastating. Thank you for the article.
We had our dog Mallorie for 11 beautiful years. When she was 8 years old her vet suggested we consider getting a companion dog for her. So we adopted our American coonhound Copper. When we lost our Mallorie, we were so sad. And Copper was even sadder. She took to sleeping on Mallorie’s bed until it was so worn through we had to throw it out. Copper was with us 4 years after that when she started having no bowel or kidney control. Her vet examined her and told us that Copper had the doggie version of Lou Gehrig’s disease, and she would eventually lose all control of her body. One of the saddest days of my life was when we brought her to have the vet put her to sleep. She passed away in my lap, and I cannot get that vision out of my head. Even now many years later, I expect her to come running to the door when I get home. I have had a lot of pets through the years, so I know the joy of having them, and the complete devastation and sorrow of no longer having them with us. I know they are in pet heaven, and I am looking forward to the day when I can see all my horses, cats, and dogs again.
Lost our little 13 year old Yorkshire Terrier, lastnight. We live on a farm, and he disappeared. He either went somewhere to go to doggy heaven or a predator got him. It’s been a hard night and day. I’m praying the Lord will show us where he’s at so we can give a nice burial.
I lost my 23 year old cat, Theo when I had to have him put to sleep on Christmas Day 2019. My life has not been the same since and the grief I feel now is just as bad. I can’t say his name without crying.
Sorry for your loss. I put my calico girl down yesterday and the pain is unbearable. She just turned 18 in June, my heart is broken.
I lost my beautiful Pom Lily unexpectedly 2/14. She was the light of my life. She had just turned 10. I’m so so sad . My heart looks for her everywhere…. I miss that sweet smiling face and tail wags!!! My world has stopped turning the joy she brought to every moment was immeasurable. I hurt down to my soul