When a loved dog dies, grief can be intense, and cases of pathological extended mourning have been reported by psychiatrists. Some owners may grieve over their dog for a year or longer, a time span comparable to that following the death of a close relative. However, there are several differences between the two mourning processes. Various ceremonies and routines attend a human death and these ma y in themselves help the bereaved to cope with the grief, aided by emotional support from friends. No graveside rituals pertain to the death of a dog, but often the most upsetting aspect is the lack of understanding by other people. Dog owners are often so embarrassed at their own strong feelings over the loss of their pet that they have difficulty in talking about it.
