"Miss You So Much" Depression After Losing a Pet Dog... What Is 'Pet Loss Syndrome'? [Hello? Animal]

Guilt and Depression After Pet Death
Risk of Extreme Choices if 'Pet Loss Syndrome' Develops

Recently, it has been found that many people suffer from the so-called 'pet loss syndrome.' The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Pixabay.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] # Kim, a worker in his 20s, recently said goodbye to his companion dog 'Mimi,' whom he had raised for over 10 years. Mimi was diagnosed with lymphoma last year and, after a difficult battle with the illness, crossed the rainbow bridge in January this year. Kim said, "Mimi was family who lived with me since middle school. Even though I knew she was sick, I feel like I couldn't take good care of her, and I keep regretting it," adding, "It's already been over two months since Mimi left, but I still miss and want to see her." He continued, "When I was tired and struggling, the greatest comfort was my companion dog. The farewell is still very hard to bear."

Recently, the number of 'Petfam'?people who treat their pets like family?has been increasing. Among them, some experience what is called 'Pet Loss Syndrome' after their pets pass away, raising concerns. Pet Loss Syndrome refers to the mental difficulties such as grief and depression experienced after the death of a companion animal. Especially when symptoms are severe, it can be hard to maintain daily life, and in some cases, it may lead to extreme choices, requiring caution.

With the recent increase in single-person households and rapid aging, the number of households raising companion animals is growing. According to a survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in 2020, there were 6.38 million households raising companion animals. This is an increase of 470,000 households compared to 2019. This accounts for 27.7% of all households in the country. In other words, more than one in four households live with companion animals.

Photo by Pixabay.

Among them, the number of people expressing pain due to the death of companion animals is also increasing. The average lifespan of companion dogs and cats is between 12 and 16 years, which is very short compared to humans.

Choi, a worker in his 20s who lost his companion cat 'Moka' last year, also reported experiencing depression for a while. Choi said, "After losing Moka last summer, I was so sad that I didn't even want to meet acquaintances for a while," adding, "I had no motivation for anything. Not only me, but my family who took care of Moka felt the same."

Those who regard companion animals as friends and family feel loss and sadness when they say goodbye to them. This mental pain is also called 'Pet Loss Syndrome.' Dr. Willas Saip, an authority on pet loss research, explained in his book 'The Death of Companion Animals' that "Taking care of a dog is like raising a child," and "You feel a similar level of responsibility even in the death of a dog."

Especially if Pet Loss Syndrome continues, it can lead to social problems such as extreme choices. In January 2019, Brian Velasco, the drummer of the famous Filipino rock band 'Razorback,' died by jumping. It was reported that he had been suffering from depression after his companion dog died in November 2018.

Given this situation, recently, there have been quite a few gatherings where people who have experienced pet loss come together to share their grief. For example, they share the sadness of losing a companion animal and comfort each other. It is also reported that some gatherings include experts such as veterinarians and mental health specialists to provide support.

In this regard, Seocho-gu has been operating the 'Seoripul Rainbow Gathering,' a pet loss group, since September last year for residents suffering after losing their companion dogs.

Meanwhile, the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests five ways to overcome Pet Loss Syndrome: ▲Try to accept the reality without the companion animal ▲Fully feel the sad emotions ▲Recall memories with the companion animal ▲Reflect on what the companion animal meant to you ▲Share your feelings with others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.