ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the grief experience of those who share their lives with companion animals, familiarize practitioners with the phenomenon, and provide a framework to guide care, support, and treatment. Although grief, over the loss of a human or animal companion, is a universal experience, it is essential that we begin this exploration with an operational definition of the term. Unlike people with terminal illnesses, pet owners have the option of euthanasia when a pet is terminally ill or very old, which means they often face a difficult decision over terminating the pet’s life or prolonging their suffering. Owners may experience guilt as they note their own premature physical or emotional withdrawal, or suffer censure from others, including veterinary professionals, for what appears to be a lack of caring. In terms of the potential for a complicated grief response, companion animals not only provide friendship and affection; they can also act as “bridges” to other important relationships.
