Online Survey as Empathic Bridging for the Disenfranchised Grief of Pet Loss

Abstract

The current cross-cultural study investigated grief reactions of bereaved individuals following the death of a pet. We used qualitative methodology to compare, analyze, and report responses of U.S. and French Canadian participants to the last open-ended question on our online pet loss survey. We explored the degree to which our data illustrated pet loss as disenfranchised grief and asked whether there are differences and commonalities in the expression of grief between the two samples. Four major themes emerged: lack of validation and support; intensity of loss; nature of the human pet relationship; and continuing bonds. Findings confirm that, for both the U.S. and French Canadian participants, pet loss is often disenfranchised grief and there are ways to facilitate expressions of grief. Many participants wrote that the survey was therapeutic. Our survey allowed participants to express their grief in an anonymous, safe way by serving as empathic bridging and a willingness to help others.

Continuing Bonds Research with Animal Companions: Implications for Men Grieving the Loss of a Dog

“…Within our research, (Packman et al 2014) men have frequently reported that they grieve more for their animal companion than they did for some humans. This finding is corroborated by our clinical experience and underscores the strong connection between men and their dogs.…”

“…Counselors must not trivialize pet loss and grief, as too often, clients' experience is disenfranchised and minimized (Packman et al 2014). Clients have reported clinicians looking to uncover the "real reason" for the grief, either within their family or within areas of dysfunction in personal or professional relationships.…”

“…In a later and ongoing cross-cultural study, Packman et al (2014) Now that you have answered our questions are there any other feelings or thoughts about your experience of grieving for your pet that you would like to share with us? Feel free to write as much or as little as you like.…”

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“…In addition, appropriate retirement minimizes the chance of an acute and sudden death of the animal. Informing a participant that a therapy animal has passed away is tragic and unsettling, especially since the participant was not prepared to say goodbye to the animal before death [51,53]. Retirement facilitates a peaceful goodbye and closure for the participant.…”

A National Survey of Companion Animal Owners’ Self-Reported Methods of Coping Following Euthanasia

“…Unfortunately, as our four-legged companions have relatively short lifespans, an inevitable aspect of companion animal ownership is companion animal loss and millions of Americans will mourn for their companion animals annually [4]. Grieving a companion animal can be an intense emotional process, resulting in feelings of sadness, despair, and numbness.…”