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Human Grief Resulting from the Death of a Pet
Anthrozoös
Abstract
This study investigated antecedents of the human grief response which was associated with the death of a pet cat or dog. The sample included 207 voluntary subjects who experienced this type of loss within a one-year time period prior to participating in the study. Data for the predictor variables were obtained from two validated instruments and a questionnaire developed by the author. Data for grief outcome were obtained from another validated instrument on three clinical and three validity scales. The results indicated that level of attachment to the deceased pet, perceived understanding from others and other stressful events combined to have significant predictive ability in grief outcome. Other analyses indicated qualitative differences in grief outcome according to gender of owner and the presence of children and/or more than one other adult in the household. No significant difference was found between single and multiple pet ownership in grief outcome.
... There is a significant body of work describing the impacts of the loss of traditional companion animals (i.e., cats and dogs) on their caregivers. It shows that owners experience greater grief both in terms of severity and length of bereavement when they are more attached to their pets (e.g., Adams et al., 2000;Barnard-Nguyen et al., 2016;Field et al., 2009;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Wrobel & Dye, 2003), and some research shows that owners are more attached to dogs than to cats or other types of pets (e.g., le Roux & Wright, 2020;Smolkovic et al., 2012;Winefield et al., 2008). However, little research has examined attachment to or grief over the loss of less-traditional pets. ...
... Many other studies have reported on the impact of pet loss and the role of attachment in pet bereavement (e.g., Brown et al., 1996;Cowles, 1985;Field et al., 2009;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Schmidt et al., 2018). Although O'Connor et al. (2022) included both traditional and nontraditional pet owners in their study, our study is the first to report differences in how owners report the loss of nontraditional and traditional pets and whether they perceive differences in support from other people when sharing such losses. ...
... As in previous research (e.g., Brown et al., 1996;Cowles, 1985;Field et al., 2009;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;O'Connor et al., 2022;Schmidt et al., 2018), attachment to the pet was a significant predictor of grief. The attachment also predicted how widely the loss was shared and how supported participants felt by those they shared the loss with. ...
... The pet loss grief response can be exacerbated and intensified by a multitude of factors (Gosse and Barnes, 1994), especially as many pet owners ascribe human characteristics to their pets (Field et al., 2009). The attachment bond and meanings of the human-animal relationship create complexities in the loss of the companion animal, and the grieving that follows this loss, as it can be as traumatic as the grief one experiences from the loss of a family member (Brown et al., 1996;Field et al., 2009) or even more in some cases than a human (Eckerd et al., 2016;Sife, 2014). ...
... Given this bond, pets can provide emotional attachment bonds that help promote security and well-being (Sharkin and Knox, 2003;Sife, 2014). As with many other relationships, it is believed that one's level of attachment can impact the grief that one experiences following the loss of an important figure (Brown et al., 1996;Field et al., 2009;Gosse and Barnes, 1994;Margolies, 1999;Podrazik et al., 2000;Sife, 2014). Pets may also serve a function to individuals whose interpersonal relationships are lower in quality and therefore, the bond formed between the individual and the pet can be a strong one, where the pets occupy traditional human roles because they evoke similar patterns of emotions for the human (Field et al., 2009;Sife, 2014). ...
... The literature points to varying levels of grief experienced by individuals. Researchers have attempted to answer the question as to why this phenomenon occurs in relation to the strength of attachment of pet owners (Brown et al., 1996;Field et al., 2009;Gosse and Barnes, 1994;Margolies, 1999;Podrazik et al., 2000). ...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals found themselves spending more time with their pets and relied on them to maintain normalcy and provide security during isolation. Pets play a significant role in the lives of their caregivers, taking on different attachment roles depending on the needs of the individual. Grieving the death of a pet continues to be disenfranchised in society. Perceptions of judgment can lead individuals to grieve the loss without social support. The present review builds on research in the field of pet loss and human bereavement and factors in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human-animal attachment A goal of the present review is to provide counselors with perspectives to consider in their practice when working with clients who have attachments to their companion animals and to acknowledge the therapeutic benefits of working through the grief process to resolution as a way to continue the bond with a deceased pet.
... Current research suggests that many individuals experience grief after the loss of a pet that is similar to the grief experienced after the loss of a person (Archer & Winchester, 1994;Cowles, 1985;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Stewart, 1983;Wrobel & Dye, 2003). In his 1983 study, Stewart examined bereavement following the loss of a pet as compared to bereavement following the loss of a human in 135 children and 52 adults. ...
... Understanding the different factors that mediate grief after pet loss provides important information when working with these individuals. Over the past 30 years, several studies have identified variables which may mediate the grief process after the loss of a pet, with both consistent and inconsistent findings (Archer & Winchester, 1994;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Field, Orsini, Gavish, & Packman, 2009;Jarolmen, 1998;Planchon, Templer, Stokes, & Keller, 2002;Wrobel & Dye, 2003). Previous studies have identified influential factors such as high emotional attachment to the pet, suddenness of loss, and living alone (Archer & Winchester, 1994). ...
... Previous studies have identified influential factors such as high emotional attachment to the pet, suddenness of loss, and living alone (Archer & Winchester, 1994). Gosse and Barnes (1994) attempted to further break down antecedents of pet loss which intensified or altered the grieving process after pet loss. Two hundred and seven adults filled out several measures to identify which of eight variables significantly altered this process. ...
Grief after the death of a pet has been demonstrated to parallel grief after the death of a person, yet many people report feeling a lack of support from family, friends, and even therapy providers when experiencing pet bereavement ( Archer & Winchester, 1994 ; Chur-Hansen, 2010 ; Gosse & Barnes, 1994 ; Sharkin & Knox, 2003 ; Stewart, 1983 ; Wrobel & Dye, 2003 ). This lack of perceived social support is characteristic of “disenfranchised grief,” which can result in situations where survivors do not believe they have a right to grieve ( Doka, 2002 ). Furthermore, there is a scarcity of literature offering therapy providers information on how to best work with this subset of grievers. The findings of recent research regarding pet bereavement, grief patterns, and grief therapy were used to design a three-tier pet-bereavement program for therapists to use with individuals after the loss of a pet. The selected intervention offered in Tier Two presents Therapy After the Loss of a Pet (TALP), a six-session intervention which integrates cognitive behavioral therapy with psychoeducation, resilience work, and coping skills in order to support an adaptive grief experience for the specific nature of grief after the loss of a pet.
... Interestingly, in focus groups with dairy caretakers discussing perspectives of euthanasia, the participants likened caring for cattle to humans caring for pets in the way they are taken care of when sick and euthanized if that was the best way to alleviate animal suffering [4]. There is limited to no research explaining the nature of the attachment between caretakers and dairy cattle but research in companion animals has demonstrated that there is positive relationship between attachment and/or closeness with the deceased and subsequent grief [19,22,[43][44][45][46]. This would be an interesting area to explore further as understanding the nature of the human-animal bond in the context of production animal caretakers could help in the development and refinement of supportive strategies. ...
... There are many factors in addition to attachment that are predictive of the emotional distress experienced during bereavement including demographic factors such as gender [35,[47][48][49], age [35,43], ethnicity [44,50], and social network [23,43,46]. As discussed previously, the population of dairy caretakers in the United States is predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino men. ...
... There are many factors in addition to attachment that are predictive of the emotional distress experienced during bereavement including demographic factors such as gender [35,[47][48][49], age [35,43], ethnicity [44,50], and social network [23,43,46]. As discussed previously, the population of dairy caretakers in the United States is predominantly Spanish-speaking Latino men. ...
Dairy caretakers experience a variety of occupational risks including stress related to performing euthanasia and making euthanasia-related decisions for cattle in their care. Few supportive interventions exist to help caretakers cope with euthanasia-related stress. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of weekly peer discussion sessions as an intervention to reduce euthanasia-related stress and grief in dairy caretakers. This study utilized scores from a modified pet-based bereavement questionnaire to assess the change in bereavement of caretakers in response to euthanasia-related stress in a non-treatment group (who did not attend peer discussion sessions, n = 7) and a treatment group (who attended peer discussion sessions, n = 15). Key findings of this study were that discussion sessions did not have a direct impact on the study outcomes as measured using a pet bereavement scale, as there was no difference in the change in bereavement scores during the 8 week study period between the treatment and non-treatment groups. Thematic analysis of peer discussions revealed that compassion towards dairy cattle is a prominent factor in areas of decision making, protocols, and training. Further studies should continue to explore how performing euthanasia and making euthanasia-related decisions impacts caretakers and what supportive interventions can reduce stress and grief.
... Despite the relatively high frequency and intensity of grief over the death of a pet among owners, this process is largely unrecognised socially and underexplored in research [8]. To date, only a few studies have focused specifically on grief-related loss of pet dogs, and they are limited either by the modest samples [5], the conceptualisation of an individual's grief solely within an attachment framework [12,15], or the lack of a standardised, well-validated measure designed specifically to assess pet loss-related bereavement [16][17][18][19]. ...
... Briefly, the PBQ is a 16-item 4-point Likert-type scale which assesses pet bereavement distress. The PBQ is composed of three distinct factors: Grief (items: 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15), Anger (items: 1,4,11,13,14), and Guilt (items 6,8,9,16). The LAPS is a 23-item scale measuring pet attachment. ...
... Respondents answer questions on a 0-3 Likert-type scale for each of the following factors: General Attachment (items: 10,11,12,13,15,17,18,19,21,22,23), Animals Substituting People (items: 1,2,4,5,6,7,9), and Animal Rights/Animal Welfare. The last factor assesses a pet's perceived status within the household (items: 8,14,16,20). The AHCS is a 12-item 7-point Likert-type animal attitude scale related to philosophical/religious/world view about whether there is a qualitative difference between humans and other animals. ...
Simple Summary
The aim of this study was the scientific validation of a novel instrument (the Mourning Dog Questionnaire) designed to allow a comprehensive quantitative analysis of grief responses in dog owners after the death of a pet dog, which is a still underestimated issue. This instrument was based on a grid of quantitative measurable outcomes that combines five different questionnaires concerning levels of attachment to pets, responses to the loss of a pet, outlook on life events and grief, perceptions of animals in terms of emotions, needs and legal right. We found that pet owners have the tendency to humanise their pet and perceive animals no differently from humans in terms of emotions, needs and legal rights. In addition, after the death of the pet, a negative view of life was described according to the findings. The Mourning Dog Questionnaire could be a useful tool considering the high numbers of people who are at risk of experiencing the loss of a companion dog, which makes this type of grief as potential major concern for public health and human welfare.
Abstract
People often develop strong emotional connections with their dogs and consider them to be members of the family. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel validated tool, the Mourning Dog Questionnaire, to recognise and evaluate the mourning process in people who have lost a dog. The research model was based on a grid of five different questionnaires: the Pet Bereavement Questionnaire, the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, the Animal-Human Continuity Scale, the Positivity Scale, and the Testoni Death Representation Scale. The Italian version of the survey was posted on social networks. A sample of 369 Italian dog owners filled in the questionnaire (mean age ± SD 42.00 ± 10.70 years). Reliability indices were good for all instruments. The total scores of the five questionnaires correlated with each other. The results from the Mourning Dog Questionnaire support the negative view of life after the death of a pet and people’s tendency to humanise their pet, since dog owners perceived animals no differently from humans in terms of emotions, needs and legal rights. Findings arising from the use of the Mourning Dog Questionnaire will help the implementation of rationality-based strategies to improve the wellbeing, resilience and quality of life of people in the world experiencing the loss of a pet.
... The strength of pet attachment can be predictive of the level of owner's grief (e.g., Field et al., 2009) and can determine the psychological impact on the owner (Cowles, 1985). Higher levels of attachment are associated with greater grief at the loss of a pet in both children (Schmidt et al., 2020) and adults (Gosse and Barnes, 1994), complicated by feelings associated with grief, depression, and trauma (Archer and Winchester, 1994). ...
... Pets act as substitutes for human-human interactions (Veevers, 1985), which might facilitate greater attachment to pets when human interactions are lacking. Although we have noted several positive impacts of attachment to pets, a strong attachment is also predictive of intense grief when pets pass away (Brown et al., 1996;Cowles, 1985;Field et al., 2009;Gosse and Barnes, 1994;Schmidt et al., 2020). Additionally, those pet owners that feel strongly attached to their pets may feel "responsibility grief," or feelings of profound guilt (Dawson, 2010). ...
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced and exacerbated innumerable stressors for Americans. Pet ownership has been shown to help individuals cope with stress and loneliness. However, given the shorter life spans of most pets compared to humans, many pet owners inevitably dealt with pet loss and its associated grief during the pandemic. We surveyed 284 community and college participants that had suffered the loss of a pet during the pandemic. We asked these pet owners about their pandemic-related experiences over the preceding year with regard to the types of losses they experienced, whether they experienced isolation through quarantine and their perception of social support. We also measured their general attachment to pets along with the grief they felt as a result of pet loss. We hypothesized that greater loss, increased isolation, and reduced social support would lead to increased attachment to pets, which would intensify the experience of grief. Mediated regression analyses revealed a direct effect of loss on grief that was not mediated through attachment. Unexpectedly, greater perceived social support showed an indirect effect on grief through stronger attachment to pets. Results confirm prior findings that greater pet attachment leads to more intense pet grief, but the attachment was not intensified through loss of support social or increased isolation as predicted. It is important to recognize the substantial impact of pet loss, especially during stressful times, and this topic deserves further investigation, perhaps with a greater focus on the type of pet and pet-specific measures of attachment.
... Some of these outcomes were beneficial to the dogs' welfare, such as veterinarian visits and vaccinations, but some were detrimental, such as the frequency of obesity (Kim et al., 2020). Stronger attachments to pets have been associated with more intense grief (e.g., Brown et al., 1996;Field et al., 2009;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Park & Jeong, 2022;Schmidt et al., 2018), which led us to predict that attachment could lead to later EoL decisions to stave off anticipatory grief (Brockman et al., 2008;Fernandez-Mehler et al., 2013;Hewson, 2014;Shaw & Lagoni, 2007). We predicted that more positive attitudes towards animals in general might mitigate against the inclination to euthanize earlier in the stage of illness because these traits would be linked to placing a higher value on the pet's life and a greater desire to extend that life. ...
... There is an absence of research explicitly examining cultural differences in attitudes toward pet euthanasia, although societal attitudes toward pet death are known to influence duration and intensity of grief (Adams et al., 1999;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Planchon & Templer, 1996). We thought that American and European (primarily Dutch and Flemish) respondents might differ in their decision making because of differing attitudes regarding euthanasia with Dutch and Flemish citizens tending to be stronger proponents of euthanasia, even for humans, compared to American citizens (Deak & Saroglou, 2017;van Tol et al., 2012). ...
Little is known about how pet owners make end-of-life (EoL) decisions regarding their pets. We analyzed data from 1542 pet owners from North America and Europe that had made EoL decisions involving their dogs (n = 546) or cats (n=996). We measured participants’ empathy towards animals, emotion regulation, and attitudes toward pets, and asked for demographic information about themselves and the most recent pet that they had euthanized. We asked them to indicate a preference for making a decision too early versus too late, the stage of an illness or injury at which they had made their decision to euthanize, and the amount of guilt they felt for making a decision too early and too late. We hypothesized that individuals with high levels of empathy would prioritize the reduction of their pet’s suffering and would therefore make earlier decisions and feel greater guilt for having made decisions too late. This might be especially true for those with low emotion regulation as they might have more difficulty managing their own distress related to the pet’s condition. In addition, we recognized that pet owners would also consider their desire to extend the pet’s life - particularly when they had strong positive attitudes toward pets. Contrary to our predictions, those with higher reported empathy for animals were more likely to make decisions to euthanize at later stages compared to earlier stages. Cat owners made decisions later compared to dog owners. Higher levels of empathy and lower levels of emotion regulation predicted guilt for both early and late decisions. Further work is needed to explore how various owner characteristics impact EoL decisions. Our study makes a first attempt to understand this complex issue.
... One study found that 86% of pet owners experienced at least one symptom of grief following the death of their dog or cat [43]. The degree of attachment between an owner and their pet is significantly correlated to the severity of the owner's grief [43]; when there is high attachment but low levels of support, an individual is prone to more intense grief [23]. ...
... Most pet owners report a significant emotional attachment to their pet [10,12,40,43]. When pet owners feel a lack of support and understanding from their network, they may experience more intense and prolonged grief [23]. ...
As social media becomes more deeply embedded into our daily lives, researchers are examining how previously private disclosures and interactions are manifesting in semi-public spaces. This study evaluates how sites like Facebook may help users grieve following the loss of a family pet. Through an empirical study of Facebook users, we evaluate survey responses (N=396) and users' actual Facebook posts related to pet loss (N=190) to better understand how individuals use (or do not use) social media as part of the grieving process. We find that users weigh several benefits and drawbacks before making these sensitive disclosures on Facebook, including whether they think posting will mitigate or perpetuate their emotional pain, the privacy of the experience vs. the public nature of sharing, and whether their disclosures will be met with support or dismissal (i.e., disenfranchised grief). We conclude by discussing implications for theory around grief and social support, as well as the design of social media interfaces that support grieving processes for the loss of a loved one.
... Therefore, the number of studies investigating the relationship between attachment and pet grief has increased significantly. Studies show that the strength of the attachment bond to a pet is a significant predictor of the severity of grief (Field, Orsini, Gavish, & Packman, 2009;Gerwolls & Labott, 1994;Gosse & Barnes, 1994). Furthermore, this experience of death is a risk factor for depression (Stallones, 1994;Planchon et al., 2002), particularly for women and people living alone, regardless of whether the loss occurs suddenly or as a result of euthanasia (Davis, 2011). ...
... Similar to the phenomenon of grief caused by the death of a beloved person, this factor may help to promote resilience in coping with loss. It is also confirmed that women are more predisposed to suffering from extreme grief and depression than men are (Gosse & Barnes, 1994;McCutcheon & Fleming, 2001;Planchon & Templer, 1996;Wrobel & Dye, 2003). In contrast to the literature, however, we found a direct rather than inverse correlation with age. ...
Studies that have examined pet loss hypothesize that attachment, representations of death, and the belief in an afterlife for animals may influence owners’ bereavement and depressive outcomes. The following instruments were administered to 159 Italian participants recruited through snowball sampling: the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS), the Pet Bereavement Questionnaire (PBQ), the Testoni Death Representation Scale (TDRS), and Beck’s Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Questions concerning pet euthanasia-related issues and the relationship between owners and veterinarians were also submitted to the participants. A path model was conducted, showing that the representation of death and the attachment to a pet had a direct effect on pet grief, which in turn had a direct effect on depression. The results show a positive correlation between the LAPS and PBQ factors, particularly with the PBQ factor Grief. The LAPS factors positively correlated with the TDRS representation of Death as a Passage and negatively correlated with the TDRS representation of Death as Annihilation. The LAPS People Substituting factor positively correlated with the total score and the Cognitive-Affective factor of the BDI-II. The PBQ factors positively correlated with the BDI-II, whereas only the TDRS Death as Annihilation factor positively correlated with the BDI-II. Belief in a transcendent dimension was associated with higher scores on the PBQ Guilt factor and the TDRS factors of Death as a Passage and Death as Change, whereas these beliefs were associated with lower scores on the TDRS factor Death as Annihilation.
The results indicated that the sensitivity of the veterinarian and a veterinarian who helps owners make conscious and informed decisions for their pet and choose the right time to perform euthanasia are important variables in the management of pet loss. However, these factors are not sufficient and psychological support should be improved to help owners better cope with grief.
... Financial costs can be unexpectedly high, particularly if animals develop serious medical issues or require boarding while an owner travels or is unwell [6]. Owners may also forgo experiences that they would ordinarily enjoy due to the need to care for their pet, and loss of a pet can take an emotional toll [7,8]. Animals, particularly dogs, that behave in ways that are undesirable can result in many adverse effects for owners, including poor mental health outcomes, impaired social relationships with other people, and an increased burden of responsibility [9]. ...
Numerous scales have been developed to assess pet–owner relationship quality. One commonly used measure is the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) and its various derivatives. Since this scale was published in 2006, many social changes have occurred, necessitating a review and, if necessary, refinement of this measure. We sought to investigate the internal consistency and structure of the existing instrument, as well as an expanded and modified version of the scale, in a contemporary adult sample of over 350 adults, recruited to be potentially less dog-centric than previous samples. The existing three-factor structure of the MDORS appeared reasonably sound, but a Principal Components Analysis with modified items resulted in identification of a four-component structure. Two of the components approximated existing MDORS measures: the Perceived Costs of Dog Ownership and the owner’s Emotional Reliance on their pet. Rather than replicating the existing Pet Owner Interaction subscale, however, we identified two different types of engagement: Affectionate Engagement and Active Engagement. The subscale scores and the total score were, as expected, intercorrelated with each other and with the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. Perhaps surprisingly, however, they were statistically associated with very few demographic variables, such as owner gender, age, education, or residence location, and they were rarely associated with dog variables such as age, sex, or source. This may speak to the current near-universality of strong human–dog relationships, which we propose can now be assessed using two new measures: the Dog Owner Relationship Scale 28 (DORS28) and a shortened version, the Dog Owner Relationship Scale 12 (DORS12).
... The ethical dimensions surrounding euthanasia are multifaceted and often revolve around assessing the quality of life for the individual patient. The loss of a companion animal can profoundly impact their owners, leading to profound emotional distress [50][51][52][53] . Navigating the decision-making process related to end-of-life discussions requires a delicate balance between owners and clinicians [54][55][56] . ...
Accurate tracking and monitoring of companion animal mortality rates are essential for promoting animal welfare and safeguarding public health. However, current methods suffer incompleteness and unreliability, with no frequent monitoring of companion animal mortality in the UK. Here we introduce PetBERT-mortality, a novel forecasting tool that comprises two key components. The first component demonstrates precision and recall rates of over 98\% and 97\%, respectively, in accurately identifying animals declared dead during consultations. Leveraging a dataset of over 8 million electronic health records (EHRs) from first-opinion veterinary practices, we identify 92,548 deceased cats and dogs. We present breed-specific life expectancies allowing us to identify 4,146 premature deaths and uncover their causes using the high-level syndromic ICD-11 disease coding framework and novel insight into risk factors associated with premature mortality. The second component focuses on characterising past consultation events and associated factors, such as age, sex, and geographical circumstances, to forecast expected mortality with up to 73\% predictive accuracy over 12 months. We investigate that end-of-life discussions during penultimate consultations occur in fewer than 24\% of cases. Overall, this study underscores the potential of PetBERT-mortality to enhance the health and well-being of companion animals while supporting veterinary clinicians in delivering optimal care.
... Ever since, these animals have been living around our households, providing the vital protein source and economic prosperity for our civilizations, and having multi-purpose interactions with us (Siddiq, 2019). However, despite the growing interest on our relations and interactions with pets, mainly of dogs and cats (e.g., Alba & Haslam, 2015;Anderson & Olson, 2006;Connell et al., 2019;Evans-Wilday et al., 2018;Gosling et al., 2010;Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Kobayashi et al., 2017;Liu et al., 2019;Mertens, 1991;Minke, 2017;Mitchell & Sinkhorn, 2014;Perrine & Osbourne, 1998;Stammbach & Turner, 1999;Taylor et al., 2004), our complex relations and interactions with food animals -in particular, sheep, goat, cow and pig -is still a neglected field in the anthrozoological projects. This study aims to explore human-food animal relationships in traditional pastoral societies. ...
Humans and food animals have been in a mutual relationship for over 10 millennia. For a variety of purposes (e.g., livelihood, food, labor) humans are more dependent on food animals than on pets. Today, there is also empirical evidence for complex emotional, social and cognitive functioning among common food animals such as sheep, pigs, goats, cows and chicken. Yet, most of the anthrozoological projects have been focused on pets so far. Here, we present individual case studies on emotional bonds and the complex relationship between humans and food animals (mainly sheep, goats and cows). Through ethnographic fieldwork in pastoral villages of southeastern Turkey, we demonstrate human–food animal emotional bonds, which are similar to pet–human bonds in urban societies. Shepherds sometimes name certain sheep and goats after their own children. Some shepherds feel considerably depressed and suffer from prolonged–grief after the loss, death or selling of their animals. Many shepherds often dream about their favorite animals, and many become emotional remembering the memories of certain animals with which they had close bonds. Some never slaughter any animals from their own herds, as they cannot endure seeing the pain, suffering, and the blood of the animals they raised with love and care. Some frame and keep the photographs of particular sheep, goats and cows, as if they were photographs of people. Certain sheep, goats or cattle also show deep affections towards their shepherds. Due to their bond with shepherds, they also achieve higher rank, often act as leaders in their herds, share food, and listen to the lullaby, flute or songs of their shepherds. As shepherds raise their herds knowing that these animals will eventually be sold and slaughtered, they often form friendship and bond with some of their animals seeking for true companionship in their hard-working life. This way, the human–food animal relationships in rural southeastern Turkey become complex, conflicting, and dualistic.
... Unwanted dog behaviours are not only detrimental to owner well-being but also to the dog-owner relationship 107 , being one of the leading causes of relinquishment 110,111 . Finally, dog's poor health (e.g., death, sickness, injury) and a sense of obligation to the dog (e.g., failing to/having to care for it) were also reported to negatively impact participant well-being; an effect which has been described in other investigations 42,[112][113][114][115][116] . Thus, caregiving burden and a potential grief should be carefully considered before the acquisition of a dog by vulnerable individuals. ...
Mental health problems and suicide are more frequent in autistic adults than general population. Dog ownership can improve human well-being. This study aimed to generate a framework of well-being outcomes for dog-related activities in autistic adults and compare it to the framework generated for a general adult population. Thirty-six autistic dog owners (18–74 years old, 18 males) from diverse UK regions were interviewed and transcripts thematically analysed. 16.7% reported that their dogs prevented them from taking their own lives, mainly due to the dog's affection and the need to care for the animal. Close dog-owner interactions (e.g., cuddling, walking, dog's presence) were the most frequent activities improving emotions/moods and life functioning, whereas routine-like activities (e.g., feeding the animal) particularly enhanced life functioning. Well-being worsening was mainly linked to dog behaviour problems, dog poor health/death and obligations to the dog. Despite some negatives associated with ownership, having a dog could improve the well-being of many autistic adults and assist suicide prevention strategies in this high-risk group. The framework was consistent with that generated previously, indicating its robustness and the potential opportunity to focus on dog-related activities rather than the vague concept of “ownership” when considering the impact of ownership on well-being.
... Certain life stages are considered at-risk for complicated grief response, particularly adolescents with limited death-related experience or elderly who have suffered subsequent losses (Adams et al., 2000;Chur-Hansen, 2010). However, the literature remains unclear on the effect of age on grief response with conflicting findings across studies (Gosse & Barnes, 1994;McCutcheon & Fleming, 2002;Quackenbush & Glickman, 1983). Grief may be further complicated for individuals who view their pets as a "linking object", connecting the pet owner to a now deceased family member or significant relationship in their life (Williams & Mills, 2000). ...
The loss of a companion animal results in millions of pet owners grieving annually. To date, little information has been synthesized on the grief response and coping mechanisms of bereaved pet owners. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between pet loss and owner grief response. Major themes included: factors that influence the grief response, the disenfranchised nature surrounding pet loss, ambiguous pet loss and coping mechanisms used. Across the 48 studies included in this review, bereaved pet owners frequently reported feelings of embarrassment and loneliness following the loss of their pet. Types of coping mechanisms used by bereaved pet owners were identified and included: isolation, social support, continuing bonds, memorialization, religion, and relationships with other animals. Overall, this review was able to identify a consensus among the literature that bereaved pet owners are likely to experience disenfranchisement surrounding their loss. Based on the present findings, suggestions for future research include a focus on the effectiveness of coping mechanisms used by bereaved pet owners.
... An additional potential issue for handlers, patients, and hospital personnel is the illness and/or death of a therapy dog. For the handler, serious illness or death of their therapy dog often represents a significant loss (58,59). Not only have they lost a beloved canine family member, but unless they own more than one therapy dog, they also lose an important activity and the relationships and gratification associated with being a hospital volunteer and providing CAI. ...
Canine-assisted interventions (CAI) are becoming more popular in hospital settings, representing a crucial intersection between animals, veterinary medicine, and society. However, standardized policies and procedures to minimize risk and maximize benefit to vulnerable humans and protect therapy dog welfare are lacking, posing a challenge to safe practice. Few intervention programs are evaluated to document efficacy compounding the potential risk. This paper presents a rationale for CAI in hospitals and describes the evidence, issues, and challenges to establishing and maintaining safe and effective programs for humans and animals. Recommendations are made for best practices based on the existing scientific evidence and a model program in place in a major medical center for 19 years. Scientific and practical implications are considered.
... The aforementioned strength of the owner-dog relationship in brachycephalic breeds may reduce the likelihood of euthanasia in other ways also. The strength of the attachment bond to a pet has been demonstrated to be a signi cant predictor of the severity of grief after the loss of a pet [68][69][70] . Anticipation of this loss may delay or prevent owners in making euthanasia decisions 71 . ...
The loss of a pet can be particularly distressing for owners, whether the method of death is euthanasia or is unassisted. Using primary-care clinical data, this study aimed to report the demographic and clinical factors associated with euthanasia, relative to unassisted death, in dogs. Method of death (euthanasia or unassisted) and clinical cause of death were extracted from a random sample of 29,865 dogs within the VetCompass Programme from a sampling frame of 905,544 dogs under UK veterinary care in 2016. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and method of death. Of the confirmed deaths, 26,676 (89.3%) were euthanased and 2,487 (8.3%) died unassisted. After accounting for confounding factors, 6 grouped-level disorders had higher odds in euthanased dogs (than dogs that died unassisted), using neoplasia as the baseline. The disorders with greatest odds included: poor quality of life (OR 16.28), undesirable behaviour (OR 11.36) and spinal cord disorder (OR 6.00). Breed, larger bodyweight and increasing age were additional risk factors for euthanasia. The results highlight that a large majority of owners will face euthanasia decisions and these findings can support veterinarians and owners to better prepare for such an eventuality.
... Research suggests that women have even greater bonds with companion animals than men (Margolies, 1999). Women report greater feelings of despair following the death of a companion animal (Gosse & Barnes, 1994), and seek services for pet loss more often than males (Margolies, 1999;Turner, 1997). Research has also suggested that women are more actively involved in animal rights (Jamison & Lunch, 1992). ...
As the rate of pet ownership increases, companion animals are fulfilling a variety of roles in the lives of their humans. This article provides insight on the role that companion animals play in the lives of women. The women in this study showed stronger attachments to those animals that either preceded the birth of their children, or followed the children leaving home. This finding has potential implications for services provided to women by various helping professions.
... Como sujetos, los animales de compañía proveen valor, amor y soporte emocional a sus dueños, quienes los consideran como amigos o condentes eles (Albert y Bulcroft, 1988;Beck y Katcher, 1983;Gosse y Barnes, 1994;Hirschman, 1994;Katcher, 1989, Donovan 2013. En investigaciones con dueños de animales domésticos de compañía que son considerados como un integrante más de la familia (Belk, 1996;Holbrook et al., 2001;Cohen, 2002;Jalongo, 2004;Holbrook, 2008), se han documentados ciertas actividades donde los perros y gatos acompañan a sus dueños en las vacaciones familiares, se les compra accesorios de diseño, se les mima en tratamientos de spa, o se les dejan sustanciosas herencias (Eckstein, 2000;Brockma et al., 2008;Blouin, 2008;Shepherd, 2008;Hung et al., 2011;Grimm, 2014). ...
... Como sujetos, los animales de compañía proveen valor, amor y soporte emocional a sus dueños, quienes los consideran como amigos o condentes eles (Albert y Bulcroft, 1988;Beck y Katcher, 1983;Gosse y Barnes, 1994;Hirschman, 1994;Katcher, 1989, Donovan 2013. En investigaciones con dueños de animales domésticos de compañía que son considerados como un integrante más de la familia (Belk, 1996;Holbrook et al., 2001;Cohen, 2002;Jalongo, 2004;Holbrook, 2008), se han documentados ciertas actividades donde los perros y gatos acompañan a sus dueños en las vacaciones familiares, se les compra accesorios de diseño, se les mima en tratamientos de spa, o se les dejan sustanciosas herencias (Eckstein, 2000;Brockma et al., 2008;Blouin, 2008;Shepherd, 2008;Hung et al., 2011;Grimm, 2014). ...
El Instituto de Biodiversidad y Áreas Naturales Protegidas del Estado de Quintana Roo, tiene como objeto conducir la política estatal en materia de áreas naturales protegidas, bienestar animal y biodiversidad, con la finalidad de salvaguardar y fomentar el uso sustentable de los recursos naturales, fortaleciendo el sistema de áreas naturales protegidas y procurando el bienestar animal y la biodiversidad que existe en el Estado.
En este sentido brinda seguimiento al Consejo Consultivo Ciudadano para la Atención y Bienestar de los Animales en el Estado de Quintana Roo, el cual es un órgano de coordinación institucional y de participación y colaboración ciudadana, cuya finalidad principal es establecer acciones programáticas y fijar líneas de políticas zoológicas, ambientales y de sanidad, a efecto de garantizar el trato digno y respetuoso a los animales del Estado.
... As dogs come to be viewed increasingly as family members across much of the developed world, the grief felt at the loss of a beloved dog can be significant [129][130][131]. Veterinary and animal-shelter industry professionals are particularly at risk since they routinely encounter work-related stressors caring for companion animals, often resulting in occupational stress and burnout, mental health problems, as well as compassion fatigue and suicide [132]. ...
Simple Summary
The Earth is under increasing pressure from the burgeoning global human population and the subsequent rise in demand for food and a myriad of other finite resources. Mitigating the environmental, societal and ecological impact of the human footprint requires understanding the long-term relationships between our species and the plants and animals we now rely upon. In addition, the modern scientific approach often conceives of, and addresses individual problems through narrow windows that can fail to take into account the connectedness of multiple problems. By broadening the scope of inquiry to include both science and humanities perspectives, and simultaneously focussing on a single species, we suggest that many of the United Nations Strategic Development Goals (SDGs) can be addressed more effectively. In this paper, we describe how a comprehensive assessment of the long-term relationship between humans and dogs can yield insights, and offer ways in which modern global challenges can be tackled.
Abstract
No other animal has a closer mutualistic relationship with humans than the dog (Canis familiaris). Domesticated from the Eurasian grey wolf (Canis lupus), dogs have evolved alongside humans over millennia in a relationship that has transformed dogs and the environments in which humans and dogs have co-inhabited. The story of the dog is the story of recent humanity, in all its biological and cultural complexity. By exploring human-dog-environment interactions throughout time and space, it is possible not only to understand vital elements of global history, but also to critically assess our present-day relationship with the natural world, and to begin to mitigate future global challenges. In this paper, co-authored by researchers from across the natural and social sciences, arts and humanities, we argue that a dog-centric approach provides a new model for future academic enquiry and engagement with both the public and the global environmental agenda.
... Previous researchers (Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Jarolmen, 1998;Rajaram, Garrity, Stallones, & Marx, 1993) have long noted that grief at the loss of a pet produces stress emotionally comparable to the bereavement stress at the loss of a human relative, especially for adolescents. Margolies (1999) showed that women's grief at the loss of dogs and cats was comparable to the grief at the loss of human friends, while a comprehensive review of 30 studies (Clements, Benasutti, & Carmone, 2003) showed that pet loss could become a major bereavement stress, especially for juveniles (cf. ...
Buddhist Chaplains chanting sutras after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 often encountered survivors who felt that hearing sutra chanting itself ameliorated their bereavement grief. This research is the first experimental examination of the effects of sutra chanting on listeners’ bereavement stress. Prior research demonstrates that sudden pet loss causes bereavement stress in students and that physiological stress can be noninvasively measured by salivary alpha-amylase. We asked Japanese college students to raise pet goldfish until they developed an attachment to them, then confiscated the fish, and told the students that they had to be killed. To compare the bereavement stress of groups listening and not listening to sutra chanting, we used psychological and salivary analyses. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Multidimensional Empathy Scale (MES), and State half of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) psychological scales showed no statistically significant differences between sutra and control groups, but salivary analyses indicated measurable stress reduction in the sutra-listening group only. This pilot study tentatively confirmed the hypothesis that listening to Buddhist sutra chanting reduces Japanese bereavement stress. Further research is needed both to verify these stress-reduction effects and to determine whether such effects are primarily musical or cultural/spiritual.
... A study of people whose animal had died within the previous year reported that attachment to the pet and the perceived lack of understanding from others were associated with increased grief, as were social isolation and being female (Gosse & Barnes, 1994). Thus, some respondents experienced a lack of validation of their grieving by others as a type of grief disenfranchisement: a lack of recognition and regard for their sadness, To protect the rights of the author(s) and publisher we inform you that this PDF is an uncorrected proof for internal business use only by the author(s), editor(s), reviewer(s), Elsevier and typesetter SPi. ...
... Owners often report that they preferentially interact with their companion animals over other close relationships (Kurdek, 2008;Sable, 1995) and express grief and distress (Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Tzivian & Friger, 2014) when their pet dies. These behaviors suggest that adult owners display attachment behaviors such as proximity seeking and maintenance and separation distress toward their companion animal. ...
Companion animals are increasingly being recognized by society as beneficial to our health and considered by many owners as authentic and affectional family members. Human relationship theories help us to understand the emotional and supportive aspect of the human– companion animal bond. This study uses attachment theory, social support theory, and the concept of the hierarchical nature of attachment relationships to further understand and measure human–animal attachment. In study 1,161 university-student pet owners completed a modified multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) that included pets as a source of support, and we pre-tested a 60-item pet attachment measure. Results showed that students perceived their pets as distinctive sources of social support, at similar levels to their significant others, family, and friends. Principal components analysis of the 60-item measure reduced it to 31 items, and revealed four pet attachment components: (a) Proximity maintenance and interaction, (b) Emotional attachment behaviors, (c) Emotional support given and received, and (d) Emotional and monetary value. The scale was named the Emotional and Supportive Attachment to Companion Animals Scale (ESACA) (Cronbach’s α = 0.96). In study 2, 83 university students completed an attachment hierarchy scale and the ESACA. Companion animals were included in pet owners’ attachment hierarchies and ranked higher than siblings but lower than romantic partners, parents, and close friends. Those who indicated higher attachment to their companion animals ranked them higher in their attachment hierarchy than those less attached. This study supports and extends previous research that has used aspects of attachment theory and social support theory when exploring the human–animal bond. Many companion animal owners perceive their pets as additional sources of emotional support, fulfilling the four features of an attachment relationship and including them in their hierarchy of important attachment relationships.
... Euthanasia can be done for many reasons, including when a pet is terminally ill and will deteriorate, has severe injuries from which it will not recover, has irresolvable behavior problems, or has age related problems which cannot be alleviated. Several researchers (Gerwolls and Labbot 1994;Gosse and Barnes 1994;Stephens and Hill 1996) indicated that the grief associated with a loss of a pet is similar to that associated with human death. Hence, to request euthanasia of a pet may be one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner makes. ...
The purpose of the paper is to explore how the role a pet played before disposition and how the owner lost his/herpet affect the pet owner’s next pet adoption decision. Results from Pearson chi-square tests of independence showno significant relationship between how the respondent viewed his/her pet before relationship ended and the lengthof time he/she waited before adopting another pet. However, a significant relationship was found between how thepet owner lost his/her pet and the length of time he/she waited before adopting another pet. Respondents who saidthey lost their pet voluntarily were more likely to wait longer before adopting another pet than those who said theylost their pet involuntarily. Moreover, the results confirm that respondents who viewed their pet as a child, beforeend of relationship, were more likely to hold funeral rituals than those who viewed their pet as a friend, a family orhousehold member. Finally, those pet owners who lost their pets and decided to adopt another pet are likely tochoose a pet of the same species but different breed. Implications to theory and practice are discussed.
... Doka (1989, p. 4) coined the term "disenfranchised grief" which describes very well this "type of grief that persons experience when they incur a loss that is not or cannot be openly acknowledged, publicly mourned or socially supported". Emotionally speaking, the death of the patient and animal companion could be a difficult moment for both the veterinary professionals (Fogle & Abrahamson, 1990) and the caretakers (Gosse & Barnes, 1994;Planchon et al., 2002). In this respect, for some keepers, "it seems that the death of a dog is a stressful life event" (Tzivian, Friger, & Kushnir, 2015, p. 1). ...
A convenience sample of 76 students in veterinary medicine served as the basis for a qualitative investigation on animal companion loss and the veterinarian-client relationship. Participants recorded their views regarding the interaction between veterinarians and caretakers and the emotions related to the animal companion's euthanasia/death. Participants mentioned some of the stressors concerning veterinarians' communication with clients. With respect to the narrative reflections from this study, a number of respondents indicated the presence of sorrow and grief in the context of the final separation from the patient with whom the students had established a bond for several years. Other veterinary students noted that veterinarians can feel frustration and anger if they cannot save the animal companion because the client " came in too late ". These insights have important implications for keeping an animal companion. Cuvinte-cheie: pierderea animalului de companie, moarte, eutanasie, emoţii, studenţi de la medicină veterinară.
... phantom sensations). Indeed, after pet loss, grieving pet owners who are strongly attached to their animal can even experience somatic stress symptoms (Gosse & Barnes, 1994). Furthermore, Hart, Hart and Mader (cited in Morley & Fook, 2005) argue that continual reminders of the animal's absence, or symbolic loss, is felt through their links to other relationships in which both they and their owner were involved. ...
The widespread tendency of modern-day pet owners to self-identify with their companion animals psychologically, symbolically and relationally demonstrates how the constructed identities of animal and owner are strongly linked. This becomes particularly apparent during natural disasters. In this review, the new concept of the pet-owning self is discussed in relation to three self-psychology perspectives: self-extension, symbolic interactionism and selfobject relations. We purposefully depart from the realm of attachment theory to argue that these three epistemological approaches to self-identity, although related, warrant closer examination. Although we discuss them in relation to disaster contexts, the concept of the pet-owning self remains widely applicable. We argue for the importance of acknowledging the powerful intersubjectivity inherent to pet keeping, the inseparability of perceived pet identity from owners' experiences of the self and that preserving the cohesion of the two is an essential consideration for owners' psychological wellbeing when managing the integrated pet/owner in the face of risks posed by disaster and other hazards. Future research opportunities and implications are then discussed in the context of social identity theory.
This study examined the factors influencing pet attachment by investigating attachment dimensions and exploring the relationship between demographic factors and pet attachment. The study utilized the Pet Attachment Questionnaire (PAQ) to assess the level of attachment between pet owners and their animals. A demographic questionnaire was also administered to gather socio-cultural, economic, and health-related data from pet caretakers. A confirmatory factor analysis was applied to confirm the scale factor structure. Hypothesis testing procedures were used to reveal the relationship between the demographic characteristics of the participants and the attachment relationships. The study involved 304 volunteers who visited the animal hospital at Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The findings revealed significant impacts of various factors on attachment dimensions, including age, household income, participant and household member anxieties and traumas, number of pets owned, pet health, and previous pet ownership. These results contributed to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape the attachment between humans and animals. Further research is needed to delve into the underlying mechanisms and potential interactions among these factors, advancing our knowledge of human-pet attachment.
Veterinary training programs rely on animal cadavers for a variety of important educational activities, yet ethical sourcing can present considerable challenges. Public sentiment has rendered traditional sources (e.g., euthanized shelter animals or purpose-bred animals) increasingly tenuous throughout the United States, leaving many schools to search for alternatives. One such alternative is to establish a cadaver donation program, with a handful of institutions implementing such programs in recent years. Still, there have been few to no studies evaluating the factors that influence pet owners’ decisions about whether to participate that could inform the establishment of such programs to date. In the present study, a nationally (United States) representative sample of current and potential dog and cat owners was asked to complete a survey capturing various demographic factors as well as their existing attitudes toward both veterinary medicine and veterinary education in addition to selecting among hypothetical cadaver donation programs with varying attribute levels in a blocked, orthogonal, fractional factorial discrete choice experiment to determine the characteristics that correlate with higher participation rates. Although initial interest was strong, our results suggest that younger pet owners, individuals with more formal education, and individuals with positive relationships with their current veterinarian are most likely to participate in a donation program. Concerningly, however, dog owners were somewhat less likely than other respondents to participate. The return of pet ashes was the most important attribute to respondents, suggesting that cadaver donation administrators should consider inclusion of this service to maximize participation.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed older adults at a disproportionate risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness and subsequent reduced wellbeing. Evidence suggests companion animals may have the capacity to provide social support, reduce loneliness, and improve wellbeing in older adults. Using a cross-sectional design and online/phone semi-structured survey methodology, this qualitative study explored how companion animal ownership impacted the subjective wellbeing of 177 (89.8% female) older adult companion animal owners aged 65–84 years (M = 70.72, SD = 4.5) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. A template thematic analysis indicated older adult companion animal owners perceived their companion animals to provide mental, social, and physical wellbeing benefits during the pandemic. Participants found providing care for their companion animals offered a light-hearted reprieve from pandemic fears while bringing a crucial sense of motivation and purpose to their days. Participants considered that their companion animals provided “COVID-safe” tactile comfort, social support, and companionship, while older adults also found pleasure forming attachments with wild animals during the pandemic, a novel finding in companion animal research. Our findings suggest that older adults facing barriers to companion animal ownership, including those living in retirement villages, residential aged care facilities, and hospital settings, may gain mental health benefits from forming attachments with wild animals, without being burdened with the sole responsibility of providing full time care for a companion animal. Furthermore, our findings provide evidence to support the creation of two novel theoretical mechanisms of human–animal interactions for further investigation: the motivation and purpose theory and the reprieve theory.
During two retreats in 2017 and 2020, a group of international scientists convened to explore the Human-Animal Bond. The meetings, hosted by the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Leadership Institute, took a broad view of the human-dog relationship and how interactions between the two may benefit us medically, psychologically or through their service as working dogs (e.g. guide dogs, explosive detection, search and rescue, cancer detection). This Frontiers’ Special Topic has collated the presentations into a broad collection of 14 theoretical and review papers summarizing the latest research and practice in the historical development of our deepening bond with dogs, the physiological and psychological changes that occur during human-dog interactions (to both humans and dogs) as well as the selection, training and welfare of companion animals and working dogs. The overarching goals of this collection are to contribute to the current standard of understanding of human-animal interaction, suggest future directions in applied research, and to consider the interdisciplinary societal implications of the findings.
Objective: The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore veterinary professionals’ use and perceptions of grief resources and services to support companion animal caregivers following companion animal euthanasia.
Background: The loss of a companion animal can be a source of great sorrow and grief. Like human loss, many companion animal caregivers may seek out and benefit from grief resources, of which veterinary professionals are often important providers. Yet, little is known about how, when or for what reasons veterinary professionals provide these resources.
Methods: A qualitative study consisting of group and individual interviews involving 38 veterinary professionals and staff from 10 veterinary hospitals in Ontario, Canada was conducted. Verbatim transcripts were evaluated using inductive thematic analysis to identify themes and subthemes.
Results: Results indicated that typically resources were only provided if a caregiver requested information, or when veterinary professionals recognised that the caregiver may benefit from these resources. To assess a caregiver’s need, participants reported considering their age, the strength of the human-animal bond, their previous and ongoing life circumstances, and their emotional state. Several barriers limiting veterinary professionals’ use of grief resources were also described including perceptions that few adequate resources existed and a lack of knowledge of existing or new resources.
Conclusion: Overall, findings suggest that there are substantial opportunities to improve and embed a provision of grief resources within the veterinary profession. There is a need to develop adequate resources to meet caregivers’ supportive needs and implement these resources within the greater veterinary profession.
Pets play an important role in their owners’ lives and are often viewed as family members. However, research on human-animal relationships suggests that pet owners often receive relatively less emotional support when experiencing grief after the death of a beloved pet, a phenomenon known as disenfranchised grief. In this internet-based survey study, we explored how people experienced grief surrounding the loss of their pets, and how this experience mirrors emotions that result from the death of a human loved one. We examined how factors such as anthropomorphism, attachment to a pet, and social support influence the grief experience. We also explored how feelings of guilt and shame play a role when grieving the loss of a pet. We found that grief over the loss of a pet is similar to grieving a human loved one in large part due to the anthropomorphic qualities attribute that owners attribute to their pets. Avenues for future exploration of the psychological impact of pet ownership are discussed.
This research used an online quantitative survey to investigate variables related to grief following pet loss. These included type of relationship, animal species, amount of time since death, cause of death, attachment, and social support. We also examined emotions hypothesized to be associated with pet loss: grief, guilt, and loneliness. Female and male participants over the age of 18 years (n = 85) who had lost a companion animal within the previous six months completed the survey. We divided the cohort into three groups rep- resenting high, middle, and low levels of grief. Individuals in the high grief group experienced the highest level of guilt and loneliness when compared with those with low and medium levels of grief. Grief was also related to the way in which participants described their pets. Those who classified their pet as their “child” or “best friend” reported significantly higher levels of grief in comparison with those who considered their pets to be “good companions.” Furthermore, a high level of pet attachment was associated with higher grief. Other variables related to level of grief included age, which was inversely related to grief, guilt, and loneliness, and the presence of supportive others ameliorated guilt and loneliness. Species of animal was related to guilt and grief, with rabbit owners exhibiting significantly less guilt and grief than dog and cat owners. The type of death was not associated with grief, guilt, or loneliness scores. The major- ity of respondents felt supported following their loss, although some did not feel understood and expressed a lack of social recognition for their loss.
This paper explores multispecies families and nonhuman kinship through the lens of tattoo narratives, namely those that accompany designs dedicated to a companion animal. Although some tattoos are purely aesthetic, many embody deep personal meanings. Humans use narrative as a tool to endow meaning to experience, and the visual nature of a tattoo invites the telling of a story. Participants in this study were compelled to commemorate a special bond shared with their companion animal in the form of a tattoo. A discourse analysis approach was applied to examine narratives under the framework of “nurture kinship” and the theory of kinship as “mutuality of being,” as well as the role of memorial tattoos in griefwork and the theory of “continuing bonds.” Through embodied story-telling, tattoos can help the bereaved maintain an absent presence with the deceased. This study supports the conclusion that humans can and do form kinship bonds with other animals and that memorial tattoos serve similar functions, regardless of the species of the deceased loved one.
A pet has a played significant role as a member of the owner's family in recent years. It is known that the loss of a loved pet could bring its owner severe grief. However, this reaction has not gained enough attention. The description about grief reaction and care was reviewed in accordance with past literatures. Loss of a pet is one of the object losses. The pet owners suffer grief at the loss of the pet. It is just as traumatic as the relatives who died. They could experience various negative feelings and sorely somaticize in the process. When they reached to pathologic grief, some kinds of expert interventions were useful in treating these symptoms. In cases of pet loss, care providers should pay enough attention to treatment because of some features different from human death. First, in veterinary practice, owners have choice to euthanize their pets. It sometimes results in a pang of guilt, while humane euthanasia puts pet away calmly. Secondly, when perceptions about pet loss are different between owner and people, this gap makes owners feel isolated. Other's unintentional words, for example "just a dog" or "you can get another pet", would result in disappointment if the lost pet was considered precious. Furthermore, a funeral ceremony that is helpful for mourning work is much less common in a dead pet. These specificities of pet loss are worthy of attention. In Japan, such a controversial pet loss has been known during the last decade. Japanese bereaved owners also seem to go through grief process as in some other countries. However, a recent report showed that some of them felt different about foreign treatments. Although several textbooks of pet loss were translated and consulted, such past recommendations could not be appropriated in Japanese. It might be because of difference between Japanese and foreign cultures. Therefore, it need to be discussed how we should support bereaved pet owners on the basis of Japanese culture. As most of candidates in the past researches were recruited via a veterinarian, counselor or bulletin board, accessible populations might be biased. In addition, participants in the past survey generally think back and answer to questions in retrospect. These selection or recall biases could lead misinterpretation of findings. For the purpose of an appropriate support, the best-unbiased research for evaluating grief derived from pet loss is required. And then a prospective longitudinal survey is also needed in order to evaluate the result of interventions.
Mental health professionals interested in animal-related issues are likely to encounter clients who are dealing with grief and bereavement following the death of a pet. Familiarity with contextual issues which impact animal-related grief and bereavement such as mode of dying, after-death care, social support, ritual, and memorialization is an important requisite for provision of comprehensive support services. The role and utility of pet loss support groups as well as knowledge regarding their structure, documentation, and suggested policies are important for mental health professionals involved in this work. Human-horse relationships occupy a unique niche within companion animal-related issues. Dedicated attention to grief and bereavement following the death of a horse is recommended.
The patient–provider relationship in the context of veterinary medicine represents a unique opportunity for studying how bad news is communicated to pet owners by conducting structured interviews with veterinarians. A sample of 44 veterinarians’ responses was recorded and content-analyzed in an effort to identify themes among providers in their clinical experience of breaking bad news (BBN). Two coders revealed several themes in the data that were organized by three overarching areas: (1) breaking bad news in general, (2) euthanasia, and (3) social support. The findings from interviews indicated the COMFORT model (Villagran, Goldsmith, Wittenberg-Lyles, & Baldwin, 2010) in medical education provided a useful framework to organize the communication of BBN in veterinary medicine. Results were discussed in relation to future research in patient–provider communication and COMFORT’s potential value for training students in veterinarian education.
Human–animal relationships are increasingly incorporated into families as a normal part of family life. Despite this, relationships with animals are often viewed as inferior to human relationships. This becomes problematic during times of loss and grief when members of a grieving companion animal owner's support system do not understand the salience of the relationship with the animal. Veterinary and other helping professionals need basic information about the experience of companion animal loss in order to help support and normalize the experiences of grieving companion animal owners. The present study qualitatively describes human–animal relationships and the subsequent loss and coping experienced by owners of beloved companion animals. Comparison with human and other types of loss and factors unique to companion animal loss are discussed, and practical applications for veterinary and other helping professionals are provided.
We examined the impact of pet/animal death on Complicated Grief (CG) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in relation to demographic variables amongst a diverse population of racial and ethnic groups in Hawaii. Three hundred and fifty-five participants (142 solicited by mail, 213 volunteer college students) completed a 37-item questionnaire, the Inventory of Complicated Grief Revised Short Form (ICG-R-SF) and the PTSD Check-list (PCL), and we assessed relationships between demographic variables such as pet ownership with CG and PTSD scores, to gauge potential at-risk populations. While Filipino populations presented increased, if subclinical, CG and/or PTSD scores, no primary racial/ethnic identity correlated with significant scores, based on the DSM-IV-TR criteria. Individuals who scored higher on questions related to empathy with animals, such as adopting strays, feeling like their pet can sense their mood, integration of animals into the family unit, and feeling over-protective of their pet correlated with higher CG and PTSD scores. We found that 3.8% of participants met the cutoff score for CG and 5.7% met the cutoff score for PTSD, following the death of a pet/animal. There is a need for multicultural awareness regarding both human–pet/animal relationships and bereavement.
Bond-centered care is a systematic approach to dealing with the non-medical needs of pet owners, while simultaneously treating pets’ medical needs. The practice of providing bond-centered care is especially relevant for animal hospice teams and veterinarians who are dedicated to providing end-of-life services in a bond-centered practice. Meeting clients’ pet loss-related needs and providing them with emotional comfort requires knowledge about the specialized roles animal hospice team members play when helping people deal with grief. This chapter defines those roles, their boundaries, and how to deliver effective help to animal hospice caregivers without crossing those boundaries.
Psychosomatic symptoms of bereaved pet owners were longitudinally evaluated through a questionnaire survey. Results showed that the numbers of suspected cases of mental illness 0, 2, and 4 months after the pet loss were 22/37 (59.5%), 17/30 (56.7%), and 11/27 (40.7%), respectively. Risk factors could include age of owner, relationship between the owner and the pet, and family function.
It is evident that animal companions have a deep capacity for acceptance, adoration, attention, forgiveness, and unconditional love, thus, satisfying some of our greatest human needs. Pets also help humans to overcome or prevent a sense of isolation that is frequently experienced due to life struggles.
Companion animal ownership by those who are homeless or vulnerably housed has been criticized as inappropriate, for if someone cannot care for themselves, they must certainly not be able to care for an animal. However, our understanding of this unique human–animal relationship is growing, and we are furthering our knowledge of both the benefits and liabilities which animal companions confer upon their human guardians who are marginalized by community and society. Among street-involved and homeless youth, the need for the benefits of animal companionship is even more pronounced. Street-involved youth often come from experiences of abuse, trauma, and neglect into the street where further victimization is almost inevitable. Companion animals help youth not only to mitigate the stresses of street life, but they also offer youth the opportunity to experience the compassionate side of humanity in a way that no human has ever shown them. In this chapter, we will explore how animal companions are a form of social capital for street-involved youth, learn how human–animal attachment impacts the lives of youth, and apply the One Health model to wholly understand these unique human–animal relationships. To do this, this chapter will draw on my experience, observations, and reflections as a veterinarian working with homeless and vulnerable pet owners for over a decade with Community Veterinary Outreach, my graduate research with street-involved youth who own pets, as well as existing and emerging literature on homeless and street-involved youth, and human–animal interaction.
The primary purpose of this study was to explore the bond between men and their canine companions across the lifespan. Due to traditional socialization, men often struggle with psychological intimacy and interpersonal relationships. As such, canine companions may be particularly valuable in orienting men toward a more relational way of being. Data were analyzed from 911 current and/or former dog owners, recruited mostly from electronic classifieds and forums. In addition to demographic questions, participants completed the Gender Role Conflict Scale-Short Form (GRCS-SF), the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Short Form (ECR-S), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Pet Attachment Scale (PAS). If the participant’s most significant canine companion had died or been lost, he was also asked to complete the Grief Pattern Inventory (GPI). Findings supported, as theorized, a difference in patterns of gender role conflict based on age, a difference in the strength of the attachment bond and the level perceived social support from the most significant canine companion based on age, and a difference in a dissonant grief pattern after the loss of the most significant canine companion based on age. Findings did not support a moderating effect of attachment avoidance on the relationship between attachment anxiety and a dissonant grief pattern. While additional research investigating the relationship between males and their canine companions is needed, these findings give credence to the integral part that dogs can play in the lives of men in our culture. Furthermore, this information may be valuable to the many disciplines involved in the study of human-animal bonds.
Past research shows that anthropomorphizing animals and nonhuman objects is correlated with unmet social needs (e.g., loneliness), and momentary feelings of social rejection can be soothed by thinking about a pet or by having a dog nearby. The current work tested whether thinking of names for cats and dogs improves wellbeing after social rejection, as well as whether this phenomenon occurs because of a unique quality of animals or because of anthropomorphism more generally. In three studies, participants relived a past experience of social rejection, social acceptance, or a physical injury (a control condition), after which they reported their current wellbeing. Next, participants named either cats or dogs (studies 1, 2, 3), people (study 2), or plastic toys (study 3) before reporting their current wellbeing for a second time. Across all three studies, naming cats or dogs reduced feelings of social rejection. Naming anthropomorphic plastic toys, however, produced a similar effect. To test the role of anthropomorphism in this phenomenon, study 3 also measured participants’ chronic tendency to anthropomorphize and included a condition in which participants only viewed animals or toys. Rejected participants who simply viewed photos of cats or dogs (without naming them) experienced improved wellbeing if they were already dispositionally inclined to engage in anthropomorphism. Collectively, these results suggest that briefly thinking about cats or dogs is an effective strategy for improving feelings of social rejection and that general processes involving anthropomorphism can produce this ameliorative effect.
We compared grief severity and its predictors in two equivalent college student samples who had experienced the death of a pet (n = 211) or a person (n = 146) within the past 2 years. The human death sample reported higher grief severity, p < .01, but effect sizes were small (ds = .28-.30). For both samples, closeness to the deceased was overwhelmingly the strongest predictor of grief severity; other predictors generally dropped out with closeness added to the model. Results highlight the importance of including closeness to deceased in grief research, and its centrality in understanding grief counseling clients.
Pets can be loyal, loving, and entertaining members of a family. Their deaths are generally experienced as painful losses by the people who love them, even though the grief experience is often culturally disenfranchised. In this manuscript, we discuss the role that pets can play in a person's life; the effects that pet loss can have on the people who love them; and some creative rituals for memorializing a beloved pet.
The social and the emotional roles played by pets in the urban setting are examined. Data obtained from a random telephone survey of 320 pet owners and 116 non-pet-owners in Providence, Rhode Island, are presented. Responses to the survey indicate that pets are viewed as important family members by people who live in the city. Further, pet owners stress the positive roles played by pets in the household rather than the negative consequences of pet ownership. Pet-human interaction in the urban household is primarily positive. However, the emotional dimensions of pet-human relationships vary over a number of significant social variables. Pet attachment is highest among single, divorced, widowed, and remarried people as well as among childless couples, newlyweds, and empty-nesters. Urbanites are more attached to dogs than to cats and other types of pets. Pet anthropomorphism is high among single, divorced, and remarried people, dog owners, and childless couples. Data on the sociodemographic differences between pet owners and non-pet-owners in the city are also presented.
Argues that the care of farm and pet animals and gardens allows the elaboration of nurturing beyond the rearing of human children and that such extensions of nurturing behaviors have positive consequences for psychological and emotional health, intimate interactions, and the ability to find solace and contemplation in a busy world. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The bond between human and pet depends on their commonality as animals and their mutual need for attachment. Under abnormal circumstances of developmental frustration a human may displace an overdetermined need for attachment to the pet. The attachment relationship is pathological because of its defensive purpose, and its interruption can create enduring psychiatric reactions. The paper details the developmental determinants for this interaction.
Pathological bereavement reactions following the death of a close relative or friend have been well documented in the literature. Similar grief reactions have been described following other personal losses, such as the loss of a limb or the loss of one's home.
The cases of three women are described in whom pathological grief followed another category of loss, that represented by the death of a much loved domestic pet. The patients suffered disabling psychiatric symptoms following the death of their pet dogs. The dogs were all of the toy dog variety and had been at least 13 years of age at the time of their death. Institution of psychiatric treatment resulted in rapid recovery and at follow-up after a year there had been no recurrence of symptoms.
Unpublished master's thesis
- M Bloom
Unpublished master's thesis
- L Lenior
Oxford: Basil Blackwell
- J A Serpell