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Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
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Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
<div>Pets come in all shapes and colors, from dogs, cats, turtles to birds. Share your pet photos, silly videos and more in this pet-friendly message board.</div>
In a post from late March, AARP health blogger Candy Sagon discusses the levels of grief one can feel over losing a pet compared to losing a relative or friend. She was inspired to write about the sub
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Forums » Relationships » Pets » Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
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Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 9, 2012 7:51 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: April 9, 2012 Last: April 9, 2012 |
Yes, and even more. Pets are so very much better than relative's or friend's. Pets show and give more love than any human ever could. My pets will receive my fortune when I pass on. My friends or relative's......not a cent. God put pets here for a reason......he knew how bad humans are......so he gave all good people pets. |
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 9, 2012 9:50 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: April 9, 2012 Last: April 9, 2012 |
 Yes, most definately! We lost our Siamese cat, Pyewacket (named after the Siamese cat in the movie Bell Book and Candle) at the age of 7, a little over a year ago. It was totally unexpected, even though he had some medical issues. He was the cutest, brightest, & most intelligent pet! He would give me kisses all the time, & was very voiceciferous! Talked to us all the time. He is missed very, very much. Our other black cat, Cubby Bear, age 22 years, cried for the longest time until we acquired our latest addition. Maxx our 1 year old is a treasure! He plays with us on his terms, gives me kisses at times, and talks a little. He has some Siamese in him also. He is Grey & White. His paws are white on the tips & he has white on his underside; looks like he's wearing white spats & a tuxedo. He has a favorite toy (Chewy), & likes to toss him up in the air & catch him. He'll put him with his nose on the rim of his dry food bowl as if he wants Chewy to eat! Adorable! We will always miss Pyewacket, but are more than blessed with our 2 remaining family members. 
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 9, 2012 8:43 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: April 9, 2012 Last: April 9, 2012 |
Yes, you can. I lost my beloved Sheeba 4 years ago. Sheeba was adopted from the SPCA and I had her for 12 wonderful years. She was my protector, my pet, my friend, a family member. I walked Sheeba every day, and she loved to ride in the back seat of my car. She was a beautiful, jet Black, Belgium Shepard. When I had Sheeba put to sleep, she was falling down, due to hip joint problems. It was the hardest decision I have had to make in all my life. I cried for weeks and could only tell just a few close friends. I finally took the time to create a powerpoint presentation "The Celebration of Life" of Sheeba". It took me three weeks to complete, because the process was just so painful. I cried while I created and edited the presentation. When it was completed I emailed it to all my friends who knew and loved Sheeba (and there were lots of them). The email responses I received helped heal my broken heart. After a few months the tears dried up, and I was able to get back to living life again. I still miss my baby, but I have a lot of "Great" memories and pictures. I vowed never to get another dog. Last year a co-worker said she was selling her pet Cocker Spaniel on Craigs List. I told her that I did not believe in buying a dog, since I could adopt a dog from the SPCA/Animal Shelter, etc. Well, she did not get any offers to buy the dog. I had recently purchased a new home and she asked me to take him. I told her I was not interested. She kept asking me to just meet him. I finally agreed to meet the dog one Sunday. She arrived with the dog and all his belongings. The dog came up the driveway growling and did not want me to touch him. I sat down in the back yard with my co-worker and the dog finally came close. His name is Jude, a beautiful golden blonde, Cocker Spaniel. I agreed to try him out for 2 weeks. He has now been with me for over a year. He lights up my life, and I start every day with an early morning (between 4:30 am -5:00am) walk and run. I did not think that I could love another dog again. This dog is so different then Sheeba, but I love him as much as I loved her. Jude brings me great joy, love, and happiness. I could not imagine life without Jude. In the beginning I thought I was doing Jude a big favor by adopting him, but I now know that he has been my blessing by ensuring that I get my walk/run in each and every day, which helps keep my blood pressure in check. I give Thanks everyday for my Jude. LOL XOXO
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 10, 2012 12:58 PM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: April 10, 2012 Last: November 24, 2012 |
yes, i understand grief you are right. grief is good,time will help.i have something to add. easter sunday i sat down and whiched a movie star fo bethlehem all of you need to which it. go to the web type in the star of bethlehem you will enjoy it |
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 10, 2012 4:01 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: April 10, 2012 Last: April 10, 2012 |
YES, DEFINITELY!! In my opinion, anyone who does not understand that also does not understand the word EMPATHY. SMALL LESSON IN Psychology: Feelings are neither RIGHT nor WRONG. THEY JUST ARE (period).
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 11, 2012 10:32 AM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: April 11, 2012 Last: April 11, 2012 |
Of course you can. Humans can become very emotionally invested in their companion animals. When you adopt a baby companion animal, raise it, train it and take total responsibility for its care...it is like raising a child. You learn to communicate with it and it learns to communicate with you. You comfort each other you are walking companions, breakkfast and dinner companions, trip companions, watching tv together, companions, gardening companions, do anything that no-one else wants to do companions and you build stong emotional bonds. Have you never had your little friend come up an put her/his head on you and look into your eyes, or give you a gentle lick on the hand when she/he knew you were blue? Or you took her or him outside to perk her/him up. Friends at the minimum, more like close family. I would think that you are stone hearted if you have no feeling for the loss of someone so dear. I recently lost my 171/2 year old Westie girl. I miss her terribly and am still grieving. I totally cherish the wonderful years we had together. When her time came, I let her go gently. I kept her ashes and placed her beautiful brass urn on my mantle until one day we will be together again, in heaven. |
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 11, 2012 10:34 AM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: April 11, 2012 Last: April 11, 2012 |
In Response to Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?: Yes, and even more. Pets are so very much better than relative's or friend's. Pets show and give more love than any human ever could. My pets will receive my fortune when I pass on. My friends or relative's......not a cent. God put pets here for a reason......he knew how bad humans are......so he gave all good people pets. Posted by michaelmcbroom You are so right. Our companion animals give us unconditional love........name a human that does the same... impossible. |
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 16, 2012 10:04 PM EDT
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Posts: 144
First: March 7, 2008 Last: May 3, 2012 |
My old Rottie was more loving and faithful than any human has been in my life. When he passed at 13 I lost my friend, my companion and the only one who showed me unconditional love. I have his box of ashes and tears still come to my eyes when I remember that loyal old head on my shoulder as he leaned against me. What a blessing he was. My Little Pete rode shotgun as I drove all over North Texas delivering to hospitals. He looked like a little white lamb. He broke my heart when he joyfully ran out the door upon seeing another dog across the street. He ran right into the path of an uncaring driver. He died in my arms on the way to the animal hospital. I have his ashes beside my Rottie's. All just memories now. I miss them still. |
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at April 16, 2012 10:06 PM EDT
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Posts: 144
First: March 7, 2008 Last: May 3, 2012 |
In Response to Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?: Yes, and even more. Pets are so very much better than relative's or friend's. Pets show and give more love than any human ever could. My pets will receive my fortune when I pass on. My friends or relative's......not a cent. God put pets here for a reason......he knew how bad humans are......so he gave all good people pets. Posted by michaelmcbroom I agree with you. I just wished they lived longer. |
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Re: Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
posted at May 7, 2012 6:18 PM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: May 7, 2012 Last: May 9, 2012 |
Yes, you can. I had a very special kitty who was born without her left foreleg, so I named her Tripod. I got her at about 6 weeks from my uncle. I had 19 interesting years with her until I became temporarily homeless, and a friend took care of her. Her kidneys went out on her on top of the hyperthyroidism she had, and when I had my friend take her, I gave her written permission for any and all veterinary care, including euthanasia if and when needed. It was not easy to write it, but I knew it was the right thing. My friend was working in cat rescue, and had recently lost two cats of her own. Now Tripod's cremains are on my nightstand in the white plastic box they were put in by the crematory, with her pink collar around it. I hope someday to own more cats, as my roommates and I live in a no-pets house. You can read Tripod's story on my blog, at www.myspace.com/cataholic1 ; look for either the article R.I.P. Tripod and/or Tripod's Story. The photo on my page is of her. Since I don't see how you start a new topic around here, I want those of you who are concerned about animal welfare to visit www.alleycat.org, and read how Loews hotel chain is using inhumane methods to trap vaccinated, neutered cats on their properties. http://www.alleycat.org/Page.aspx?pid=1169 . Thank you. Oops, okay, now I see how to create a new discussion. Need to get the ol' peepers checked out. |
Forums » Relationships » Pets » Can You Grieve the Death of a Pet as Much as the Death of a Relative or Friend?
