Much has been written about the depression many people feel about this time of year. Most people recognize that the first Thanksgiving and Christmas after a family member has passed will be rough, filled with moments of sadness instead of joy. “Pet Parents” often consider family pets as family members and so may experience similar grieving.
Some pet owners will be the newly grieving. Right now, we are experiencing the usual late fall/early winter euthanasia season. This happens around the first cold snap, for older pets with severe arthritis or house soiling problems. In mild weather, the management is tolerable, but when it is freezing outside, the burden and suffering is too great.
Some pet owners will experience depression now even though the pet passed months or years ago. Last year, Fluffy’s stocking was put in the holiday decorations box in the attic with no thought it would be the last Christmas. Opening up that box will be hard this year, and for years to come.
For other owners, the sadness of knowing their beloved pet is declining and that this might be their last Christmas will be a cause of much sadness. For me, the toughest Christmas was the last one with my little Pekinese , a month before she passed. We knew she was failing, had a mass in her chest, and wouldn’t be with us long. I wanted to make it special for her, but she didn’t feel much joy. I am sure some families with members in hospice have a similar experience.
This year, we have new joy in our household. My granddaughter is 9 months old, and a smiles at me every time I see her. And we have 2 new little terrier mix puppies that are a delightful challenge. But at least the puppies will grow out of this “diaper” phase quicker than my granddaughter. They are coming to work every day with me for training. If you come by, ask to see the puppies! They need socialization with lots of people.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201608/why-losing-pet-hurts-so-much
https://www.griefhealingblog.com/2014/05/pet-loss-is-it-different-kind-of-grief.html
http://theconversation.com/why-losing-a-dog-can-be-harder-than-losing-a-relative-or-friend-68207
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-death-of-pet-can-hurt-as-much-as-the-loss-of-a-relative/2012/02/21/gIQALXTXcS_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ebee72896b6e
https://thepetlosscenter.com/