Have you ever had a pet?  There is generally a difference between dog lovers and cat lovers, but no matter what kind of pet a person has, that pet feels a space for the owner that no person could fill.  Having a dog that greets you at the door when you come home can be amazing.  Dogs seem to love you no matter what, and will wag their tail and make you feel like the most special person alive.  A cat can be a bit colder but also plays a huge role in the life of the owner.  Cats might stare into your soul, but they still make you feel loved and important.  Pets play a large role in a family, and as family members, it can be devastating when they are gone.

Dogs can be a reason to get up in the morning.  They keep us company and watch over us when we are sick.  At times, they even give us a reason to live.  I have had patients in therapy, or even in the emergency room, whose focus is getting home to their pet.  Dogs count on their owners for so much, from going outside to food and water.  Owners count on the companionship, but also for some with mental health issues, they count on their dog to know when they will need help.  Dogs can be trained to help manage medical issues so they can play an even bigger role in helping someone stay independent.

Cats can be a little more finicky, but they still play a strong role in the lives of their owners.  Although dogs and cats can both get into trouble when left alone, cats can get into trouble on many different planes, from the floor to the top of the cabinets.   They count on their owners for food and water, but also managing the litterbox.  If they go outside, they return with presents at times.  They may be very interactive.  They may ignore their owners, but they have relationships, more on their terms.  Many are very loving, and play a large part in their owners lives.  Their owners want to return to them and care for them, like children.

Whatever kind of pet you might have, when you lose your pet, it can be devastating.  It can feel like a part of you is missing.  Some people lose their will to live when they lose a pet.  Others struggle to find a path after such a loss.  Everything changes.  Routines change, exercise might decrease when they are no longer taking their dog for a walk.  Their mealtimes might change, since they may have built their meal times around feeding a pet.  Pets tend to be good at letting their owners know when it’s time for meal, whether it’s five in the morning or five in the evening.  Without that prompting and without that pet, a person may not have a will to eat.  When we lose a pet, everything changes, and the sadness can be overwhelming.

Losing a loved one has to be processed through grief.  Losing a pet is no different.  If you know someone going through this kind of loss, reach out and offer support.  They will need to adjust in so many ways.  Pets often keep us grounded and give us purpose.  Without that purpose, many people need to redefine their goals and their future.   Will they get a new pet?  Will they wait?  They will have decisions to make, for their future.  If a pet is part of your plan for happiness, take time to grieve your loss.  Reach out if you need support, and remember, you are not alone, even if without your pet, it feels that way.  It’s all part of being happy, for life.