ABSTRACT
Many pet losses occur because the animal is euthanized, but it is important to remember that there are other types of loss a pet parent can experience. Each type of loss poses a unique challenge in seeking resolution for the client. Manmade and natural disasters are just two of the special types of losses we've discussed throughout this book (see Chapter 10, “Pet Loss Due to Natural Disaster and Personal Tragedy” for a comprehensive look into this special type of loss). A pet loss also occurs when the pet runs away, is stolen, is given away, is killed suddenly (e.g., is hit by a car), is killed by someone else, dies unexpectedly (e.g., choking on a chew toy or strangling in a tangled leash), or is lost in a custody battle. Pet parents who are divorcing may wage as fierce a battle for a beloved pet as they would for a child. A pet parent who has fought to keep the pet will grieve the loss in much the same way someone grieves the loss of a spouse, friend, or child. Clients whose pets are killed or stolen may experience the same rage and feelings of lack of control as parents whose children are abducted or murdered.
