Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on the part of the human.
     Animals are so special to those of us who love them. We miss them when they are no
longer with us. We grieve (哀悼) for them in ways which are just the same as grieving for
a human loved one.
     Whether the end comes through old age, illness, or sudden death, the death of a pet can
cause enormous feelings of sorrow, guilt, and loneliness for children and adults alike, as the
animal was considered a family member, a child's favoured playmate, or an older person's
loyal and faithful companion.
     Some people don't want a pet because they do die! It's understandable to be unwilling
to expose yourself to death but, at the same time, we become immeasurably more human
because our animals die. When we live with animals we're more in step with the rhythms
of the planet from day to night and from season to season because our companions make
us more aware of the changes around us. Our companion animals teach us about the simple
gifts of a beautiful day, a good meal and a gentle touch.
     The death of a pet can make us struggle with our belief structure－a natural part of the
grieving period. Whether grieving an animal or human, we question our beliefs and many
people find their belief structure becomes stronger when they ask themselves hard questions.
Others find a new way of acceptance.
     And we learn from our animals. Animals aren't afraid to die; they show us that the end
of life can be faced without fear. They can teach us to accept death as an opening for love
and wonder.
     Allow yourself to grieve in whatever way is appropriate for you. The loss of a pet is real
grief and causes us to travel through the stages of grief－denial, anger, depression, guilt, and
acceptance. These stages must be lived through for the mourning to allow full healing.