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I've owned several pets in my life, and cried when they died. But I have to say I've never been to pet bereavement counseling. I never even knew such a thing existed until I saw the title here on helium. In fact, I thought it might be a really bad joke. But, then after thinking about how I much I missed the companionship of our hamster who couldn't bark, or meow and how I felt depressed for about two weeks after she died, I realized that yes we do need pet bereavement counselors.

FEELINGS

We have deep feelings for our animals. Owning a dog is the most popular animal to own in the United States, with cats coming in a close second. We people become attatched to our animals because, afterall they become our best friends. And they don't talk back, they aren't rude, and they don't take all your money and leave town with your best friend either! When I left home to get married, I left my best friend behind, -my cat of 18 years. I knew she was going to die, because she had cancer, right above her eye. But guess what, and I am admitting a huge thing here, I cried on my wedding night because I missed my best friend, and I knew she was going to die. I missed my cat so much, my husband had to hold me and tell me it was allright. I'm surprised he didn't file for divorce the next day!

ANIMALS ARE OUR TRUSTING BUDDIES

We people become so attached to our animals, because for the most part, they are loyal and trusting and they become our buddies. We people bond with other people. But we bond with our animals in an entirely different way. They can't tell us what is wrong when they are sick. A cat or a dog trusts us, and will cuddle up to us, expecting nothing in return, except maybe a pat on the head. Everyone in your life may want something, but all your pet expects is food. A cat sitting on your lap however, makes you feel relaxed and like everything is okay with life, and only asks for a scratch behind the ears in return.

YOUR ANIMAL BECOMES YOUR BEST FRIEND

Probably because a dog, or a cat or even a hamster can't talk they become your best friend. a child can easily bond with an animal and have a buddy to play with. Owning a dog or a cat helps a child become more responsible because they have to feed the animal and clean up after the dog or cat. You can easily play with a dog or cat and take them for walks. Whereas, asking a friend to go for a walk and to throw a frisbee around, becomes too much hassle because they lead busy lives, or they are too tired to do so.

Taking your dog to the dog park can be a great source of pleasure by allowing your best friend to make animal friends. You can run around and throw a frisbee to your dog. And you can make human friends with the other dog's owners.

Many people don't understand why pet owners feel so very depressed when their pet dies. They have no one to talk to except a bereavement counselor. When a friend or family member dies, people will listen, to your feelings of loss. You need to talk it out, so that life can go on, and so that you can possibly get another buddy to take to the park to go for walks.

Learn more about this author, Kate Johns.
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