Grieving in silence: The loss of companion animals in modern society

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the mourning of deceased pets in our society by adults. This behavior is generally unrecognized and, when it is recognized, considered an undesirable phenomenon. Individuals who grieve for their pets are either forced to conform to societal expectations or experience isolation as a result of their attachment to their nonhuman companions. There are an estimated 52.36 million dogs and 54.83 million cats are kept as pets in the United States (American Veterinarian Medical Association, 1988). Their owners experience both joys and sorrows from living with and loving their pets. The death of a pet is often devoid of rituals, with no accepted practices to facilitate the working through of grief. The bereaved owner receives little sympathy and support from others. This lack of support often impairs the resolution of grief and isolates the grieving owner.