Attachment

Owners can become quite attached to their pets, especially if their pet is loving and responsive, therefore, the loss of such a pet can cause grief and distress. Indeed, some pets are often such affectionate and responsive animals that people other than the owner can mourn them. It is possible to care for your pet very much, even if you may not seem 'aware' of it at the time. That is not to say that you might be an uncaring person, merely that animals often are undemanding by nature and it is possible to take their presence in our lives for granted.

Quite often it is not until a pet dies, that we truly become aware of what we had.

Pets can become great companions, especially to children and to those of advanced years. In the latter case, especially when all the children have left home, pets can be seen as new 'children' and a similar attachment may develop. Unless the relationship interferes with your quality of life it is perfectly healthy. If the pet takes precedence over many aspects of your life, it may be important to reassess your relationship with it, perhaps with the help of a qualified therapist.

Adapted from: Herbert A. Nieburg PhD & Arlene Fischer "Pet Loss" Harper Perennial, New York, 1996