McNerney grieved so deeply that she turned to a psychologist specializing in pet loss therapy. Friends and relatives really want you to get over it quickly. I realized right away that I needed to talk to somebody who understood. For humans, their grief about a death doesn't necessarily distinguish between species. For some people, in a week, they're pretty much over it.
Families can also mourn pets that disappear without explanation.
Greene first became aware of the depth of people's grief two decades ago when she sold pet pharmaceuticals, spending a lot of time in waiting rooms hearing stories from profoundly sad pet owners. They were either laughed at or people told them they should get over it in a day or so. Today, mental health professionals can find training to help clients more effectively deal with pet loss. Among the most ambitious developments, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital is building The Argus Institute that will focus exclusively on pet owners' emotional needs during loss. There is starting to be a movement, but I think we have a long way to go.