Why Researchers Relate Losing A Dog As Hard As Losing A Loved One?

Losing a dog is an excruciating experience and only a dog-owner-who has lost a dog before, can understand this loss as harder as losing a loved one.

Researchers profess the interspecies bond between dogs and human as an incredible and endearing and perhaps, the relationship is more satisfying than any human relationship because a dog-owner receives unconditional, and uncritical positive feedback.

Dogs are the only animals that have evolved over the past 10,000 years to be our companions and friends.

Scientific studies reveal that dogs respond to different human emotional states and can understand human intentions quite surprisingly. Therefore, people who own pups respond positively to such unqualified affection, assistance, and loyalty.

5 Reasons Why Researchers Relate Losing a Dog As Hard As Losing A Loved One

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”– Anatole France

1. Faithful bonding.

Sometimes, dogs are the closest companions a person can ever have in life. Some dog owners have even known their dog pet longer than their wives. So, it’s not unusual when the monumental loss of a dog makes a person devastated.

Dogs assimilate same kinship as humans can have with their friends. Laura Argintar suggests that dogs may exhibit the qualities that help to create deep bonds like a person builds with friends. You may share trustworthiness, acceptance, support, dependability, and love with dogs.

2. Stages of grieving.

Mourning dog-owners get through various stages of grief before they can finally overcome their pet’s death. The time span of these stages deem similar like losing a loved one.

Grieving pet parents respond differently and for dissimilar lengths of time, may depend on their age, circumstance of the pet’s death, or the relationship between them and their animal.

Author of the book, Death & Dying, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross established an argument that grieving dog owners pass through the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

The unsettling timeline after the pet’s death is extremely stressful and tough for the owner to find closure and move on.

3. Companionship with dogs provides love and comfort.

According to a psychologist, Julie Axelrod, losing a dog is as painful as losing a source of unconditional love, a primary companion who provides security and comfort, or someone you consider your soulmate.

4. Change of lifestyle and routines with dogs at home.

A dog owner incorporates various amendments to the routines and schedules with respect to the needs of their pup. Death of your dog leaves a void in your life because, earlier, you used to spend most of your time around your dog but now, your home becomes different.

5. Everlasting memories.

The time you had spent with your pet is etched all over your mind. Unforgettable memories, the awkward first day in your home, tenacious routine for seeing a Vet, and the last day when standing by the gravestone, will remain impactful throughout the life because dog-owners live a true emotional experience with their pets and especially those who relied upon pets as their only social companion.