As time goes by, the definition of ‘family’ is getting broader and its forms are also diversified. Therefore, more and more families value their pets like dogs and cats as family members. For this reason, more people feel extreme depression, sadness, or loss when their pets die. This is called Pet Loss Syndrome. This is a symptom that causes mental pain and it can be considered a category of PTSD. If it is not properly treated, it can lead to mental problems such as depression or anxiety disorder. Therefore, Pharos will look into pet loss syndrome and how to accept and overcome the farewell in a healthy way.

 The symptoms of pet loss syndrome vary from individual to individual, but emotions such as sadness, anger, resentment, denial, confusion, and depression typically appear. Not only emotional changes, but also direct physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, insomnia, and loss of concentration can accompany the syndrome. There are people who suffer from lethargy and pain because the memories of their lost pet keep arising, and they avoid things or places related to death or find basic tasks impossible. These symptoms can appear differently depending on the individual’s condition or the relationship with the pet. People who suffer from this syndrome try to overcome it, but they don’t know how or suffer from extreme depression, so sometimes they deal with it in the wrong way.

 The famous YouTuber Tico the Samoyed caused controversy with her method of overcoming pet loss syndrome. The YouTuber posted a video where a similar dog returned about a year after the death of her pet dog, Tico. It means that she copied the dog. The reason why this is controversial is because of the dog cloning method. The method requires one surrogate mother dog and one egg donation dog, and 5-7 fertilized eggs are needed at least three separate times. In addition, if there is a problem caused by the cloning, they do the process again. This causes a problem in which animals are not properly treated as an organism with dignity and it is an obvious infringement of animal rights. This is because it is an act that takes away the life of other animals because of longing for pets.

1. I’m mad at the vet who can’t save my pet.

2. I’m very upset about the death of my pet.

3. My life without my pet feels empty.

4. I’m having nightmares about the death of my pet.

5. I feel lonely because I don’t have a pet.

6. I had to recognize that something went wrong with my pet.

7. I miss my pet so much.

8. I feel guilty because I couldn’t take better care of my pet.

9. I was discouraged by not doing more to save my pet.

10. I cry when I think of my pet.

11. I feel angry about the people who are affected by the death of their pet.

12. I feel great sadness about the death of my pet.

13. I’m angry at friends or family who didn’t give me any help.

14. Memories of the last moments of my pet won’t leave my head.

15. I think that I can’t get over the loss of my pet.

16. I think it would be better if I loved pets more.

 These 16 questions are a ‘pet mourning measure’ developed by Hunt, Melissa Padilla, and Yaniz at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States in 2006. It can identify sadness, anger, and guilt, and if the total score is over 36, the test taker likely has pet loss syndrome and should consult a doctor.

 If the sadness from your lost pet persists, you can face difficulties in daily life. Rather than trying to forget everything at once, it is important to slowly accept the farewell and manage your emotions. First, it is good to have enough time to mourn. Suppressing emotions can lead to bigger stress. Second, find a way to celebrate memories, such as creating a place to put your memories with your pets. It is good to make happy memories such as making memorial jewelry, making albums, etc. Finally, consult with an expert. If your sadness does not disappear as time goes on, professional counseling and drug treatment can be helpful.

79th Reporter • CHO SEO YUN • jeoyum@gmail.com