Everything about our lovely pets

How to cope with the loss of your beloved pet

If you suppress your feelings, that will affect you in the longer run.” If you feel that it is getting difficult to deal with grief long after your pet has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, it’s time to seek professional help from a grief counsellor.

The painful loss of my dog gave me confidence to experience grief rather than shrug it off

That said, I’ve been touched this time by how many have understood that a dog becomes part of a family.The final gift a dog gives its family is the lesson of loss .

Dogs ‘feel grief and mourn when other pets die’

(Picture: Unsplash)According to the dog owners’ answers, the surviving dog after the death of the companion dog, changed both in terms of activities and emotions with the dogs showed altered playing, sleeping and eating habits.

Dogs experience a form of mourning when another dog in the household dies

The results also revealed behavioural changes were stronger for dogs that were reported to have had a friendly relationship with the animal that had died, or who had been their parent or offspring.“Most likely this means that the surviving dog has lost an attachment figure, who provided safety and security,” said Pirrone.

Dogs feel heartbreak: Study finds pooches get sad when they lose a friend

Research shows dogs refuse food, become less active and are more needy when grieving (Image: Getty)Dr Federica Pirrone, one of the study's authors, said: "Dog owners reported several statistically significant changes in the surviving dog after the death of the companion dog, both in terms of activities and emotions.

Tell us: how has your pet helped you through lockdown?

Our pets have always been a source of comfort : as companions, reasons to go out and exercise, a friendly face to come home to.If you’re having trouble using the form, click here.

Lorde’s right – we shouldn’t work when our pets die

In the UK, there is no specific law surrounding statutory bereavement leave but it is generally agreed that a number of (usually paid) emergency days can be taken immediately following the death of a dependent or close family member.

'Everything is different': Lorde to delay album release after death of pet dog

The New Zealand singer-songwriter had been working on her highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s hit Melodrama when her beloved dog, Pearl, died suddenly.Pearl, who was adopted by Lorde last year, had suffered various illnesses throughout his life, and the singer had been working with vets to pinpoint the issue.

Most men feel ’emotionally closer’ to their dog than any other human being

Research by US psychologist Dr Chris Blazina suggests that many men find their relationship and attachment to their dog to be more secure than their closest human relationships.In one nationwide study in the US, men were asked to compare their closest human and animal companion on how secure their bond felt.

The secret to… helping children cope with the death of a pet

A much loved animal is a member of the family – how the loss is handled will help children deal with their grief The death of a pet can bring you closer, as children realise their parents are also sad.