‘I’d give anything just to see her again’: owners’ grief for their beloved pets
As a study says a pet death can hurt as much as that of a relative, three people describe their emotions
TL;DR
- Research suggests grief over pet death can be as chronic as human loss, potentially qualifying for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).
- PGD is a mental health condition marked by intense longing, despair, and difficulties in daily functioning.
- Currently, PGD is only diagnosed for individuals grieving the loss of a human.
- Three pet owners recount their deeply felt and enduring grief after the deaths of their pets: Julot (a cat), Walter (a French bulldog), and Womble (a cat).
- The owners describe the unique bonds they shared with their pets, the profound sadness of their deaths, and how their memories continue to impact their lives years later.