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”
Little Miss Misty was her name. She was a Snowshoe Siamese. I do not what she die from. Three vets said she was ok. She sleep beside me, she was there when I need comfort. She kept me going though unemployment. She was my girl.
We just lost our pup, Dexter, two weeks ago this Saturday. He was a rescue and showed his appreciation for the great life we gave him every day. He slept with our son, was my shadow when home, and just loved snuggling with us. He was our chihuahua’s best friend. Nacho is also depressed. He won’t eat and sleeps a lot. We’ve poured all our love and attention to Nacho now. He’s helping us get through this by helping him. We love our furbabies like our real babies. The sadness is real.Â
My cat was 10 years old. Her name was Girlfriend. She was the best cat I’ve ever had. I really miss her. This is how I got her – I saw her picture on line at an animal hospital. I called and inquired if I could adopt her. They told me she had just been adopted. I was disappointed. For some reason I checked that website again in a couple weeks or so and her picture was still on there. I called their office and told them they had forgotten to take her picture down. The lady said to hold on – she came back on and told me the family had returned her as they felt they couldn’t bond with her. Needless to say I drove right over there and adopted her. She died of kidney disease. I worked with the vet but after two years (in that time she was not in pain or suffering) she stopped eating and had lost weight. Thanks for letting us share about our furry loved ones. I’m a widow and am alone so she was perfect for me!
We lost our dalmatian mix after 12 1/2 years. She got sick and passed before we knew what hit us. We still miss her so much after a year later. She was our best friend. We both still grieve over her. We will never have such a close pet and beloved companion and wish I could have done something to make her live longer. She will always be e in our hearts.
So, today at 5:10 our hearts broke and an era ended. Today we lost our best friend and companion Lambeau. I will miss the walks, the talks, his snuggling my face as I lie in bed, sharing my meals, even picking up his poo. He was the fifth dog we owned and among the best. We always say he was the best and indeed he was, but he also shares that title with the others. He was my friend and shadow at times, running down the stairs if I so much as played a chord on a guitar in the basement. Getting the way and enjoying all the treats given to him during the Holidays and our Pool party. My heart is broken and is left with a huge empty hole….I love and miss you Lambeau, find Kodi, Ivan, Nikki, Primo and Louie and run with them until I get there and we can once again be together. I will always love and remember you, my buds…….As I held him in my arms until the very end, I kept telling him I was sorry and that I loved him.
I ended up in the ER twice since her passing, having major anxiety attacks. I didnt want to be here without her, that simple. I’ve cried almost every day, this month Mark’s a year. My Doctor was like, “well you have other dogs don’t you”? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! I slept with a blanket rolled up next to me for months. I take her urn with e everywhere. At night I place it next to my bed on the night stand. She was my soulmate dog. I will be broken & grieving the rest of my life. All I know is when I pass, she will be waiting for me.
I lost my dog yesterday at 4:15 pm. Diesel had GI cancer he lived 2 months longer than expected. But his health went downhill fast. I had to make the hardest decision ever. I couldn’t have him suffer any longer so he had him humanely euthanized . My vet is wonderful. She came to my house and with me laying beside him he peacefully went to sleep on his favorite blanket and with his favorite ball. I am a mess. Didn’t sleep last night, have cried off and on all day. Haven’t ate. Feel so empty inside. And even though we have another dog the house seems empty. Diesel was my baby . He slept with me, followed me around. My family doesn’t understand how bad I am upset. They seem to be over it. But my heart is so broken. Love you so much Diesel. Run free
I had to put my Soccer if 22 years to sleep at the end of February, he was my baby. He was always there for me, went thru a lot together, and then just last week mama kitty died in my arms at home, She was 11 yrs old. Got her ashes back today. They are right beside my soccer’s ashes. It’s just hard.. Thank you for the article.
4 weeks yesterday when l had to lay my wonderful faithful friend to rest. 14 years spent together will never be erased from my heart. So hard to explain the raw hole in my heart his passing has brought to my life. Now is time to accept we will never make anymore memories together so l have to cherish the special ones l have. He went to sleep looking into my eyes knowing that he was loved, cared for and always held a special place in my life, the same as l did in his. I miss him so much . Rest in peace Ralph, and thank you . Never just a dog, a true companion.
It was 4 weeks ago today I said goodbye to the feline love of my life. My sweet girl was 19 years old and had been my best friend since she was 12 weeks old. I cannot explain how broken hearted I am and how time hasn’t helped. I understood her time was coming due to her age but the suddenness of it I was not prepared for. I only pray the pain will lessen someday. I’m grieving this kitty more than I have human family members. In a way that makes me feel guilty as she was a cat but she was in my life longer than most people and her love was unconditional.Â