Patricia Noble’s heartbreak was palpable as she recalled the day she had to make the agonizing decision to end her beloved dog Dougie’s life. The grief, she admitted, was nearly insurmountable. The 10-year-old miniature dachshund who had been a constant presence and source of comfort in Patricia’s life had suddenly fallen ill and became paralyzed during a walk near their home in Aberdeenshire on New Year’s Day 2020.
Patricia, who has battled depression throughout her life, fell into a deep abyss of sorrow and despair following Dougie’s death. However, she found solace in a pet loss support service run by Blue Cross, an animal welfare charity. Over nine months, she established a regular email correspondence with one of their volunteers. This connection helped Patricia realize that she wasn’t alone in her suffering, it was a lifeline that eventually led to her regaining control over her life.
Now four years later, Patricia can fondly remember Dougie without the weight of overwhelming grief. She warmly reminisces about his untrainable nature and his endless barking at anyone and anything that caught his attention. Above all, she cherishes the memory of how loving he was; always ready to offer comfort when she felt low.
Inspired by the help she received from Blue Cross’s pet loss support service during her own dark times, Patricia now volunteers for the same service. As one of 300 volunteers, she offers empathetic listening and points grieving pet owners in the direction of counseling or other services if needed.
The number of people reaching out to Blue Cross’ pet loss support service has almost tripled over the past decade – from 6,240 in 2013 to 17,367 in 2022. It is evident that losing a pet is a form of grief that many struggle with but often feel unable to express due to societal norms.
Dr. Katie Lawlor, a pet loss psychologist based in San Francisco, saw this gap and decided to step in. Initially training as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Lawlor realized the lack of support for those grieving the loss of a pet. She now has an Instagram account dedicated to pet loss that has garnered nearly 75,000 followers.
The grief experienced from the loss of a pet is unique and often misunderstood by others. As Brad Webber, who lost his chow chow, Kia, explains it’s difficult because you can’t truly express to your pet how much they mean to you.
Cherry Tree Pet Crematorium in Kent is another organization providing support for bereaved pet owners. They offer keepsakes such as pawprints, jewelry and hair cuttings, along with cremation services and euthanasia.
While bereavement for a lost pet isn’t universally understood or acknowledged, it’s clear that pets hold a special place in many individuals’ hearts and lives. The bond with a beloved pet is often as deep and profound as any human relationship, making their loss equally as heartbreaking.