Some Ideas On Why We Grieve So Strongly Options

[Punky's Mommy]

I'm not sure where this kind of post should go.

A lot of people, like me, have felt that the experience of losing their pet was worse than losing a human family member. I don't say this to impune the sadness and trauma that comes with losing a human loved-one. But it makes me want to wonder why we are so attached and grieve so strongly, and I came up with some theories. I'm sorry to put this in a clinical light. I have a scientific background, and I'm using it here to try to understand my (our) grief.

1) Our pets become our adopted - often surrogate- children.
2) They have child-like faces and personalities, which triggers a nurturing side to us that lasts for the entire life of the pet.
3) The act of nurturing releases comforting chemicals such as serotonin into our systems.
4) It is inherently "unnatural" for our children to die before we do. It goes against our biology.
5) We no longer get that warm fuzzy serotonin feeling once our fur babies have passed.
6) Reasons 4 and 5 could be part of why some of us take it so hard.

Seems that the only comparison can be losing your own human child. I don't know.

[Cathi]

Yes, It is so wonderful to have some "one" to care for and about and to share those precious glances and quiet or fun companionship. It's the little things that matter. Oprah once said she was grateful just to look into her dogs' eyes.

And when that someone (fur baby ) is gone, it creates such a huge emptyness. I miss my Tico so much and have never grieved for a human like this. I think you are absolutely right.

Cathi