Grieving in silence: The loss of companion animals in modern society

Grief and bereavement issues and the loss of a companion animal: People living with a companion animal, owners of livestock, and animal support workers

“…By contrast, for a great many people in current Australian culture, animals, and particularly companion animals such as dogs and cats, are seen to provide companionship: unconditional, reciprocal attachment, support, comfort, safety, emotional security and stability (Wrobel & Dye, 2003). The degree of intimacy shared with an animal may exceed that shared with parents, spouses, friends or siblings (Morales, 1997). People may develop an attachment with an animal that transcends any relationship they share with another human being (Wrobel & Dye, 2003).…”

Cremation Services upon the Death of a Companion Animal: Views of Service Providers and Service Users

“…Morales (1997), writing from the United States, indicates that there, unlike in Australia, animals can be buried with full religious ceremony and can even be buried with their caretakers. Howell (2002), writing from the United Kingdom, also underscores cultural differences, observing that "Pet cemeteries continue to proliferate in Europe and North America, [and] pet funerals provide both elaborate ritual and profitable business" (p. 20).…”

“…It is remarkable that, despite this, so little attention has been paid to the grief experienced when a companion animal dies (Sharkin & Knox, 2003;Wrobel & Dye, 2003). In Western cultures, mourning by adults for the loss of a companion animal tends to go unrecognized, and when it is noticed, it is generally considered undesirable or pathological (Morales, 1997). Death of a companion animal is usually not considered a significant loss (Toray, 2004), even though the animal was a significant other to the bereaved.…”

Losing Sammy: A Catalyst for Exiting an Abusive Relationship

“…I still miss him today. Morales (1997) argues that some individuals who have lost a pet may grieve for a lifetime, despite the fact that they may own other pets. I purchased a rather large home about a year ago and I currently own two cats.…”