Why We Grieve Pets

Some pets are very aloof and uncaring of human attention, unless its when they want it. Others are extremely affectionate and masters at showing physical affection to its master.  A common show of affection from a cat is to rub against your leg with the side of his head or along his side.  When a cat performs this ritual, consider yourself very lucky, as it is proclaiming to all  that this is mine.  Purring, tail flicking/waging, and meowing are all ways cats converse with us.  Dogs will wag their tails, bark, and follow you around, wherever you go.

Sometimes we, as pet owners, are faced with making the decision of asking a veterinarian for euthanasia assistance. Rather than allowing suffering of a pet, euthanasia is a common choice.  Many of todays vets will come to your home to perform this service  and, if you desire, will take care of the disposal. Otherwise, the decisions are up to you. There are many cities that have grave yards for pets.  Even some have drive throughs and actual funeral services.

Is it any wonder then that when our pets die, be in from an illness or just normal life span, we will grieve for them much the same way we grieve the loss of a any other family member.  We will go through the same steps of grief, denial, guilt, anger and depression.  At any stage of this process the human tends to try to console themselves by replacing the lost pet. Only you can decide this one.