The bond between humans and animals dates back thousands of years. This bond doesn't surprise those of us who know the joy of pet companionship, because we know how much they add to our lives. Companion animals can love us unconditionally. They offer support, comfort, security and stability. Recent studies show that pet ownership may reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and even may help some of us live longer.

So the loss of a pet can seriously affect the owner's physical and emotional well being. With the loss of a pet, many owners grieve that loss the way they might grieve the death of a human companion. Although this grief may be as intense as any human loss, this pain often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged by others. This seeming indifferent in others actually may intensify the loss.

Because society does little to acknowledge such grief, we need to recognize the phases of the grieving process in ourselves and others.

The first phase is usually denial or disbelief, for this is the psyche's way of dealing with the pain. Anger and guilt often follow the denial phase. We sometimes direct this anger at ourselves, at the veterinarian, at the animal or even at God. Sometimes, we feel guilty because we didn't realize the animal was sick. We may feel guilty if we can't afford the treatment available. We worry that we picked the wrong veterinarian. We may feel particularly guilty if we must euthanize our pet.

During this anger or guilt phase, we may become depressed. Symptoms include not eating or eating too much, not sleeping or sleeping too much, irritability, lack of concentration, extreme sadness, even thoughts of suicide. If these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, professional pet loss counseling may be necessary. For most people, however, anger and grief eventually subside as they face the loss.

Since society provides little support for those who grieve the loss of a pet, we who understand this grief need to support and help one another. If you are struggling with the loss of your rabbit or other companion animal, there is professional counseling available in San Diego. Don't let your pain go on unecessarily when there is help out there to guide you over this difficult time.

by Lorri A. Greene, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist