Companion, family member, or best friend; pets create valuable bonds and make cherishable memories with their owners. Upon all the happiness and time spent to nurture and care for them, owners must also carry the weight of burdens that come with grieving a pet loss.
“They’re not humans but they have personalities and when they’re gone you miss them and you feel like they’re still there, there’s like a phantom presence almost for a while,” said teacher Bill Kaiser.
It’s common for a pet to be given euthanasia to have a peaceful passing. Pets are usually laid down due to frequent discomfort caused by serious illness, making it difficult for them to continue their regular activities. Depending on the extent of the pet’s illness, the procedure is flexible and can be done at a vet or a household to accommodate for their current circumstances. It is comforting that the procedure is gentle and the pet no longer has to be in pain, but it is nonetheless painful to witness. For owners, realizing the reality of the situation and seeing their pet for the last time can also be difficult to process.
Kaiser had two rescued Labradors, Romo who was 8-years-old, and Katie who was 14 years old, along with one cat, Pepper who lived 20 years before she passed. These pets suffered from health conditions impairing their quality of life and they had to consider their circumstances and what to do next.
“She went for a stretch in time where she was seizure-free for a while but also on medication and then when her streak ended she had some really bad seizures and we had to make the decision to put her down,” said Kaiser.
Sometimes the intense feelings are not completely understood by non-pet owners. These grievances are sometimes concealed or downplayed but in reality, it is very similar to losing a close friend or family member. It is normal to go through the regular cycle of grief; denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Along with this, since owners are the primary caretakers of their pets, it is common to feel a sense of guilt or resentment, since pets become companions and are much more than “just a pet.”
Student Samantha Swaim was 13 years old when her 8-year-old Golden Retriever, Snow had to be laid down.
“The connection you feel with them is hard to explain but it’s not like a love you can share with a friend, it’s specific to your pet. You know that you love them unconditionally and your dog loves you unconditionally, there’s just a bond,” said Swaim.
Student Audrey Tillotson had a Labrador named Gracie who was 14 years old and a fish named Fuego who she had for 5 months before he passed.
“I just remember feeling pretty sad, and like I could’ve stopped it from happening,” said Tillotson.
Both physical and mental wellness can be improved by owning a pet. It motivates their owners to maintain a consistent and healthy lifestyle by just performing their day-to-day tasks. Simply taking their pet on a walk, feeding them, or showing them affection are all ways to maintain structure and routine in one’s daily life. Along with this, it eases loneliness and fulfills a purpose in one’s life. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Poll, 62% of pet owners said their pets calm them and relieve stress and anxiety. In essence, they are there for their owners just like their owners are there for them.
“You have a reason to get out of the house, you have a reason to get up, walk, and come home. I just can’t even imagine coming home and not having him there,” said Swaim.
Their unconditional love for each other cannot simply be replaced, and when they’re gone there’s a sort of absence or emptiness. An important part of the healing process is grieving and accepting any emotions as they come even though it may even feel confusing or constantly shifting. Through the sadness, remembering the good times and special memories help owners accept these emotions and continue moving forward with a loving remembrance of their pet.
Audrey Tillotson • Oct 9, 2024 at 9:48 AM
Nice job, Rowan! Thanks for including me!