There has been much written on loss and grief work for people. However, pet loss has not been accorded the same attention. O ur pets don't live as long as we do. It is inevitable that we will lose a pet at some point in our lives. Reactions to such loss differ depending on one's stage of live.
Children attach to their pet for support, affection, and security.
The loss of their pet may create intense anxiety and anger. In fact, not being allowed to mourn the loss of a family pet early in live may predispose a child to difficulty coping with future losses in adult life. In fact, they may not have completed the mourning process. R eactions to loss can be varied depending on the quality of the relationship one has had with their pet. There is usually support from family and friends for the loss of a person, but little for the loss of a beloved pet.