ABSTRACT
The death of a beloved pet can be as emotionally traumatic to an individual as the death of a human being. Children are particularly vulnerable to intense feelings when a furry, scaly, or feathered friend dies. To a young child, the bonds with animals are indistinguishable from those with people and can in fact be stronger in many cases. A pet loves unconditionally. It does not argue, criticize, judge, or discipline. Moreover, adults frequently go to great lengths to obscure the truth of the loss from kids. Euphemisms and half-truths about the fate of the family pets may be extended to the children, leaving them confused about what really happened. There may be few rituals to allow for expression of grief. Others may be impatient with the depth of feeling family members feel for their lost pet. This chapter stresses awareness of the magnitude of pet grief in kids, influencing behavior in the classroom just like reactions to a human’s death.
