If you share your life with animals, it’s easy to
think of them as part of the family —we all keep animals, including not just
cats and dogs but rats, hamsters, rabbits, fish, horses, and more.
In study researchers found that teens with diabetes
were better able to control their health when they cared for fish —Similarly,
having pets in childhood appears to reduce the risk of asthma. Pets can reduce
blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Having pets around can be beneficial for some
people they may increase self-confidence or make people more comfortable.
Unfortunately, the life spans of most of the
animals we welcome into our homes are significantly shorter than our own —
except for fortunate tortoise and parrot owners. Whether in seven, 14, or 21
years, people who adopt rabbits, dogs, or horses will eventually face the end
of an animal’s life.
Pets and humans tend to die in very different ways
— euthanasia is a common outcome for pets, allowing people to feel more of a
measure of control in the face of pain and suffering.
Others may adopt a new pet almost immediately,
sometimes because anticipatory grief allowed them to process many of their
feelings prior to death. Grief may be complicated by feelings of guilt,
especially in cases where people decide to euthanize their pets.
People can also attend individual or group therapy,
or visit support groups, to develop healthy coping skills and work through
their grief. Find counselor who specializes in grief counseling, especially if
they have experience with pet loss, can be particularly beneficial.
