PETS: LOVE, LOSS AND GRIEF FOR THEIR OWNERS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the growing importance of pets in contemporary families and the implications that the death of these companions has on their owners. Although grief is generally associated with the loss of people, the pain caused by the death of a pet can be equally intense, since the emotional bonds between humans and pets have become increasingly significant. This emotional relationship, characterized by affection and daily coexistence, transforms pets into members of multispecies families, which makes death a devastating moment for many owners. The research focused on works by renowned authors in the fields of psychology, psychoanalysis and studies on grief, such as Bowlby (2004), Worden (2013), among others. The methodology was a narrative literature review that included a survey of studies that analyze contemporary families and pets, the role of social and emotional support in the elaboration of grief and the relevance of farewell rituals. The study highlighted the need for greater understanding and acceptance of grief in pets, promoting discussions about the social validation of this suffering and the importance of psychological support for grieving guardians.