It's plain to see these days that our feelings about pets are out of the closet and on our bumper stickers! The bond between the people and pets is very strong especially when the pet is regarded as a member of the family. What makes a pet become a persons best friend? It is how the pet is regarded in a person's life while providing companionship and unconditional love. This bond firms up with time. Some pets become very special to the owner and they are stricken with powerful emotions of grief at the pet's illness or death. Who suffers most when a pet becomes ill or passes on? Young single, childless persons. Often it is the first death a young person experiences. The maternal caring bond is strong and emotions come to the surface which are as intense as those felt during the death of a child or close family member. What about children? How can a parent best handle pet loss? Be honest to the child about what is happening. Use plain words to explain the pet's illness and ask the child to take part in the decisions regarding treatment and death. If a person is stricken with grief, it is important to recognize the situation as a personal crisis. Employers, co-workers and friends need to acknowledge the crisis, suggest a personal day off work, and offer kind support.
