Animal loss

The loss of a pet or an animal to which one has become emotionally bonded oftentimes results in grief[1] which can be comparable with the death of a human loved one, or even greater, depending on the individual.

The death can be felt more intensely when the owner has decided to end the pet's life through euthanasia.

Results indicate that 85.7% of owners initially experienced at least one symptom of grief, but the occurrence decreased to 35.1% at six months and 22.4% at one year.

[10] Other traditions include erecting stone memorials or other commemorative plaques for deceased pets, or by nicknaming objects like stars after them.

[11][12] Additionally, a 2020 report found that 19% of Americans wanted to be buried with their pet's remains after passing.

Egyptians believed that mummification was imperative in order to gain admittance to the afterlife, ensuring the animals' immortality.

The idea, the origin of which is not clearly known, speaks of a metaphorical or mythical place of reunion where deceased pets die live in a paradisical version of limbo, rejuvenated and free of pain and suffering until their companion humans arrive upon their own deaths.

A number of deathbed visions and dreams involve sightings of deceased pets; hence, some link these reports with the existence of animal souls.

[34] Animal chaplains are becoming increasingly popular for helping bereaved family members deal with the loss of their pet by providing memorial services, spiritual reassurance, and grief counseling.