I have realized why losing a pet is sometimes harder than losing a human loved one

[Anonymous]

It's because pets are often a major source, sometimes your only source, of comfort through difficulty.

No one has ever explained it to me this way before, but now that I am experiencing it, it's very obvious. I'm incredibly sad and normally when I'm very sad, I sit with my pet (or play with them, or take a nap with them) and their companionships and familiarity is a great source of comfort. So the pain is just compounded.

I have lost loved ones before but never someone I was currently living wither who had been a great comfort to me. It's a very specific thing. All I want right now is to give my furry friend a hug or see their sweet face or feel the weight of their warm body next to me. And it's the one thing I can't have.

I feel bereft.

[Anonymous]

A pet's love for us is so loyal and genuine. It's different than a human. I totally get it. I'm sorry you're hurting. Losing a pet is awful.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry for your loss. It will sting less as time goes on, even though you'll never stop missing them. Our family dog died when I was shy of 13, and I still use her name in some of my passwords - it's a way to keep her memory alive.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry OP. Hugs to you.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry for your loss. My late pets are my social media avatars to keep them alive in cyberspace.
In time the sweet memories overcome the sad ones.

[Anonymous]

I felt awful when I lost my first dog because I had held him from the time he was a teeny puppy and then I had to watch him be an old man and I hated the whole trajectory.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry for your loss OP 💔…

My beloved cat died four years ago ➕ the void I feel everyday is felt so strongly even after all this time has passed.

Losing my cat was so painful for me because his love was very unconditional - - which is something that I never encounter w/human beings.
Plus animals are so very loyal > and they never judge us.
When we need them they are always by our sides.

Unfortunately our pets are on loan from God.
Who is hopefully caring for them all after they cross the rainbow bridge.

[Anonymous]

They are also so much part of your daily life, always underfoot, so you really feel the void just living in your own home.

[Anonymous]

Yes I think that’s true OP. I also think that in today’s society, pets have taken the position of children for many people and losing a child feels particularly unnatural and devastating.

Sorry for your loss.