A recent story in the news brought attention to the value of pets in families. A local man shot and killed his neighbor's dog and was being sued in court for damages. The law regarded the pet as property, as if the grieving family had endured nothing more than damage to a mailbox or fencepost. They were compensated for the financial value of the animal but received no justice for their pain and suffering. The financial compensation they did receive was enough to purchase another animal, which had the implication that replacing a pet was no more difficult than replacing a piece of furniture in the home.
This legal case brought attention to something that pet owners have always known. Only people who have had pets can truly appreciate the strength of the bond that exists with their animals. Our pets are clearly regarded as members of our families, and the the intensity of the feelings of affection and attachment seem to be completely unrecognized by much of society. This puts pet owners in an agonizing situation when they experience the death of their pets under any circumstances.
When a pet dies, the human members of the family experience all of the well-known steps of the grieving process. The pain can be just as intense as grief brought on by the death of a beloved human, and can even be more difficult to cope with in one respect. Many pet owners realize that their suffering is not the kind of hardship that generates much sympathy or understanding in many circles of society. This causes bereaved pet owners to feel the added burden of carrying their sorrow silently with the acute awareness that their coworkers and friends simply cannot understand the damage that has just been inflicted on their hearts.
One of the most excruciating aspects of owning a pet involves approaching the monumental decision to euthanize the beloved family member. As the pet ages and experiences a decline in health, pet owners become haunted by the conflicting desires of wanting to protect and nurture the life that is entrusted to them without prolonging the suffering of a creature in misery. The process often involves feelings of guilt. There is guilt associated with wanting to keep a suffering animal alive for selfish reasons, and guilt associated with making a willful, deliberate, and conscious decision to kill a family member who is entirely and helplessly dependent on the decisions of humans.
Thankfully, there is evidence that the bond between people and pets is starting to find greater recognition. Some businesses even offer caskets and burial services for pets. This is a clear indication that more people are beginning to realize that even though the lifespan of animals is very short, they have an enduring impact on the lives of everyone who loves them.
If you have ever felt like people around you cannot understand how much pain is involved with the loss of your pet, perhaps you will find comfort by visiting http://www.usfreeads.com/2218593-cls.html and gaining access to a beautiful collection of poems, readings, and quotes about death. This is a resource that is intended to to soothe the hearts of all who are grieving.
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