THE UK’S largest dog welfare charity Dogs Trust has marked last Saturday’s (July 5) Pet Remembrance Day by releasing research about the silent grief many dog owners experience after losing a beloved pet.
It revealed that one in ten people felt that they had no one to talk to after the death of their beloved canine companion.
The findings paint a powerful picture of the emotional impact of pet loss, and how frequently that grief goes unspoken.
Despite 89 per cent of dog owners saying the loss of a dog is comparable to losing a close family member, almost half of bereaved owners say they didn’t feel able to open up about their feelings.
Some of the most common reasons were fears of being judged (15 per cent), a belief others wouldn’t understand (22 per cent), and even embarrassment about the level of distress they felt (12 per cent). One in eight (13 per cent) struggled to find the words to describe their pain.
With over a million dogs dying each year in the UK, the emotional impact is widespread and often underestimated, suggesting that pet loss grief is a hidden issue.
What’s more, while most said they could talk to family members, only 13 per cent felt comfortable sharing their grief with employers or colleagues, exposing a gap in workplace compassion around pet bereavement.
“People often feel ashamed or silly for grieving a dog, but their feelings are valid. We see first-hand just how deep the bond goes between humans and their dogs.
“For many, a dog is a constant companion, a source of love, laughter and security. They really are a member of the family, so it’s only natural that losing them leaves a huge hole.”
“We want people to know they’re not alone in their grief. Talking about it, remembering your pet, and finding your own way to heal is part of the journey,” said Chris Slight, manager at Dogs Trust Evesham.
The charity advises owners to share their feelings and be patient as grieving takes time.
See www.dogstrust.org.uk for more guidance.
