GRIEVING PAWS: UNDERSTANDING THE EMOTIONAL TOLL OF LOOSING

A BELOVED PET ON OWNER’S MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

PRINCESS LYKA A. SAPANG

MARK DAVID R. AZURIN
CHELCEE I. CAPINPIN
SELENA M. SALES

A Research Proposal presented to the Faculty of the NEHS-Senior High School, as Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements in III

SECOND SEMESTER-SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024

 INTRODUCTION

The loss of a beloved pet can be a deeply distressing experience for pet owners,

often triggering a range of intense emotional responses and impacting their mental well-

being. Research in the field of psychology has increasingly recognized the significance of

the human-animal bond and its profound influence on individuals' lives. As pets are often

considered members of the family, their death can lead to grief reactions akin to those

experienced when losing a human loved one (Bowlby, 1980). Understanding the

psychological ramifications of pet loss is crucial for providing effective support and

intervention strategies for grieving pet owners.

The bond between humans and their pets is multifaceted, encompassing

companionship, unconditional love, and emotional support. Consequently, the death of a

pet can disrupt the daily routines and emotional stability of their owners, leading to

feelings of loneliness, sadness, and emptiness (Archer, 1997). Research has shown that

pet owners may experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic

stress disorder following the loss of their animal companion (Hunt et al., 2006).

Furthermore, the intensity of grief experienced by pet owners can be comparable to that

of losing a close human relative (Brown et al., 2003), underscoring the profound impact

of pet loss on mental well-being.

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 The grieving process associated with pet loss often involves a complex interplay

of emotions, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance (Kubler-

Ross, 1969). Some individuals may struggle to cope with the overwhelming sense of loss,

experiencing prolonged periods of grief and emotional distress (Carmack et al., 2007).

Factors such as the circumstances of the pet's death, the duration of the owner-pet

relationship, and the level of attachment to the animal can influence the grieving process

and its subsequent effects on mental health (Thompson et al., 2020). Recognizing these

factors is essential for tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of grieving pet

owners and facilitating their journey towards healing and adaptation.

In conclusion, the loss of a pet can have profound implications for the mental and

emotional well-being of pet owners, eliciting intense grief reactions and psychological

distress. By understanding the complexities of the human-animal bond and the grieving

process associated with pet loss, mental health professionals can offer compassionate

support and effective interventions to help individuals navigate through their grief and

ultimately find healing and meaning in their loss.

The goal of this study is to determine how the intricate dimensions of how the death of a

pet impacts the mental and emotional well-being of pet owners. It aims to understand the

subjective experiences of individuals in coping with the loss of their animal companions

and the subsequent effects on their psychological health. The study endeavors to uncover

the unique ways in which pet loss influences individuals' emotions, coping mechanisms,

and sense of identity. By delving into the lived experiences of pet owners, this research

aims to provide insights into the multifaceted nature of grief and bereavement following

the death of a beloved pet. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the

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human-animal bond and the significance of pets in people's lives, thereby informing

interventions and support systems for individuals navigating through the process of pet

loss.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Pet

A pet, or companion animal, is an animal kept primarily for a person's company

or entertainment rather than as a working animal, livestock, or a laboratory animal. Pets

can constitute a connection to nature, function in recreational and work activities,

and provide companionship in our homes . The importance of animals in our lives is

founded on the human–animal bond concept, which is the “mutually beneficial and

dynamic relationship that exists between people and other animals that is

influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both”.

This concept has championed animals as companions and family members,

leading to their essential part of everyday life for many. The human–animal bond has

additionally driven the common belief that pets are good for human health, both

physical and mental. Throughout history, animals have played a significant role in

society including in agriculture and pet ownership. A recent survey conducted in the

United States estimated that approximately 67% of homes had at least one pet, equaling

about 63 million homes with at least one dog and 42 million homes with at least one cat.

Pets can constitute a connection to nature, function in recreational and work activities,

and provide companionship in our home (Huppert and So 2013) . This concept has

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championed animals as companions and family members, leading to their essential part

of everyday life for many. The human–animal bond has additionally driven the common

belief that pets are good for human health, both physical and mental.

While there are some qualitative studies that claim that pet ownership benefits

people, particularly in regard to improved mental health, there are few studies with

substantial evidence from large, diverse population samples to support this theory.

Pet Ownership

Pet ownership has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, with millions of

households welcoming pets into their lives. Studies have shown that pet ownership offers

numerous physical and psychological benefits to individuals. According to a study by

McNicholas and Collis (2000), pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and

cholesterol levels compared to non-owners. Furthermore, pets can provide emotional

support and companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression (Wood et al.,

2015). These findings highlight the significant role pets play in enhancing the overall

well-being of their owners.

Moreover, pet ownership has been linked to improved social interactions and

increased physical activity. Research conducted by Wood et al. (2015) suggests that pet

owners often engage in more outdoor activities, such as walking or playing with their

pets, leading to a more active lifestyle. Additionally, pets serve as social catalysts,

facilitating interactions between individuals in the community (Knight & Edwards,

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2008). Whether through pet-related events or casual encounters while walking their pets,

owners often find themselves connecting with others who share their love for animals.

Despite the many benefits of pet ownership, it also comes with challenges and

responsibilities. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the well-being of

pets and prevent health issues. According to a study by Murray et al. (2010), neglecting

these responsibilities can lead to adverse outcomes for both pets and their owners,

including increased stress and financial burdens. Therefore, it is crucial for pet owners to

educate themselves on pet care and commit to providing a loving and nurturing

environment for their furry companions.

Mental Being

Mental well-being can be described as a combination of how we feel (our

emotions and life satisfaction) and how we function (relationships with others, personal

control, purpose in life and independence) (Keyes 2002). It is something that affects

everyone, old and young, and anyone can experience good or poor mental well-being.

Emerging adulthood, a transitional period between adolescence and adulthood, is

characterized by various challenges individuals struggle with while taking on adult roles

and responsibilities. The literature defines emerging adults as those aged from 18 to 29

years. These characteristics are particularly prevalent in students on college campuses as

they face increased academic pressures in addition to sudden shifts in their social,

geographic, and economic life contexts.

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 Pets often become integral parts of their owners' lives, providing companionship,

emotional support, and a sense of purpose. When a beloved pet passes away, the grief

experienced by their owner can be akin to losing a close friend or family member. This

grief may manifest in various ways, including sadness, depression, and feelings of

loneliness. Additionally, the routine and structure that caring for a pet provides can be

disrupted, leading to a sense of emptiness and loss of direction in daily life. The loss of a

pet may also exacerbate existing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety

disorders, as suggested by a review by Conner et al. (2015). Thus, understanding the

psychological effects of pet loss is crucial for providing appropriate support and

interventions to individuals navigating through this challenging experience.

Grief

Grief is a complex and multifaceted emotional experience that individuals

encounter in response to loss. Kübler-Ross and Kessler (2014) outlined the five stages of

grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—as a framework for

understanding the process, although it's important to note that grief doesn't follow a linear

progression and varies greatly among individuals. While grief is commonly associated

with the loss of human loved ones, pet owners also experience profound grief when their

beloved animal companions pass away (Archer, 1997).

The grief experienced by pet owners can be intense and enduring. Pets often hold

significant roles in their owners' lives, providing companionship, unconditional love, and

emotional support (Bergdahl & Helgeson, 2016). When a pet dies, owners may feel a

profound sense of emptiness and loss, similar to losing a family member or close friend.

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The bond between humans and their pets can be incredibly strong, deepening the impact

of the loss (Bowlby, 1980).

The type of grief experienced by pet owners is unique in its own right. Pet owners may

grapple with feelings of guilt, questioning whether they did enough for their pet or made

the right decisions regarding their care (Rodriguez, 2004). Additionally, pet loss can

evoke a sense of disenfranchised grief, where individuals feel that their sorrow is not

validated or understood by others who don't share the same bond with their pet (Doka,

1989). Thus, the grieving process for pet owners involves navigating a complex array of

emotions and challenges as they come to terms with the loss of their cherished

companion.

Emotional Being

Emotional well-being is how well people are able to process their emotions and

cope with life challenges. Managing stress, fostering positive social connections, and

taking care of physical and mental health may all help individuals maintain good

emotional well-being. Losing a beloved pet can be an emotionally devastating experience

for pet owners, often leading to profound grief and psychological distress. Research by

Field et al. (2006) suggests that the bond between humans and their pets can be incredibly

strong, akin to that of familial relationships. When a pet dies, pet owners may experience

intense feelings of sadness, loneliness, and emptiness. This emotional impact can be

attributed to the companionship, unconditional love, and support that pets provide, as

highlighted by McConnell et al. (2019).

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 Furthermore, the death of a pet can trigger complex and varied grief reactions in

pet owners. According to a study by Carmack and Howell (2017), pet loss can evoke

feelings of guilt, regret, and even anger in owners, especially if they blame themselves

for their pet's death or feel they could have done more to prevent it. Moreover, the loss of

routine and purpose associated with caring for a pet can exacerbate feelings of loss and

disorientation, as noted by Bussolari et al. (2019).

Death of a Beloved Pet

The loss of a beloved pet can have profound emotional effects on their owners, akin to

the grief experienced after losing a human loved one. Studies have shown that the bond

between humans and their pets can be remarkably strong, often characterized by deep

emotional connections and companionship (Archer, 1997). When a pet passes away,

owners often experience intense feelings of sadness, loneliness, and even depression

(Brown et al., 2003). These emotions can be further compounded by the sense of guilt or

regret, especially if the pet's death was unexpected or due to circumstances that could

have been prevented (McConnell et al., 2019).

The grieving process for the loss of a pet is multifaceted and can manifest in various

ways. Some individuals may experience denial or disbelief initially, struggling to come to

terms with the reality of their pet's absence (Carmack et al., 2016). Others may feel anger

or resentment, directed towards themselves, others, or even towards the circumstances

surrounding their pet's death (Barrera et al., 2017). Additionally, feelings of emptiness

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and longing for the companionship once provided by the pet are common, further

complicating the grieving process (Wittich et al., 2020).

Support from friends, family, and even pet loss support groups can be instrumental in

helping individuals cope with the death of their beloved pet. Talking openly about their

feelings, reminiscing about fond memories, and engaging in rituals to honor the pet's life

can all contribute to the healing process (Thompson et al., 2019). Ultimately, while the

pain of losing a cherished pet may never fully dissipate, many individuals find solace in

the lasting memories and the enduring love shared with their furry companions (Morris et

al., 2018).

Summary of Review of Related Literature

The human-animal bond is a profound connection that has led to pets becoming

integral parts of many households worldwide, offering companionship, emotional

support, and even improving physical health. Pet ownership is associated with lower

blood pressure, reduced feelings of loneliness, and increased social interactions.

However, the loss of a beloved pet can be emotionally devastating for owners, akin to

losing a close family member or friend. Grief experienced by pet owners is complex,

involving feelings of sadness, guilt, and loneliness. The death of a pet disrupts routines

and can exacerbate existing mental health conditions, necessitating compassionate

support and understanding from others during the grieving process.

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to explore the toll of losing a beloved pet on owner's mental and

emotional well-being in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Specifically it sought to answer

the following questions:

1. What are the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants?

2. What was the cause of your beloved pet's death?

3. What are the mental and emotional effects experienced by pet owners following the

loss of their beloved animal companion?

4. . What coping mechanisms do pet owners employ to navigate the grieving process

after the loss of their pet, and how effective are these strategies in promoting emotional

healing?

5. In what ways does the grieving process for a pet differ from other forms of

bereavement?

Assumption of the study

It is possible to assume that pet owners experiencing the loss of a beloved pet

underwent a diverse range of emotional challenges, potentially influencing their mental

and emotional well-being. The emotional toll from the loss might have affected their

daily functioning, relationships, and overall psychological state. Additionally, it was

presumed that factors like the depth of the bond with the pet and the circumstances

surrounding the loss played pivotal roles in shaping the extent of the emotional and

mental impact on the owners.

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Significance of the study

The findings of this study greatly benefits the following:

Pet Owners. The result of the study will be most beneficial to them.
Understanding the psychological impact of pet loss can help pet owners navigate their

grief and find effective coping strategies. This knowledge can empower them to seek

support and resources tailored to their needs

Mental Health Professionals. Mental Health Professionals can utilize insights

from this study to develop targeted interventions for individuals experiencing grief and

bereavement after losing a pet.

Veterinarians and Animal Welfare Professionals. The result of this study can

help their perspectives on pet loss and the grieving process will contribute to a

comprehensive understanding of the human-animal bond and its significance in both

clinical and emotional contexts.

Future Researchers. The findings of this study may serve as a substantial

reference for those who will be interested to conduct similar or related research in the

near future.

Scope and Limitations

The purpose of this study was to ascertain and analyze the the emotional toll of

loosing a beloved pet on owner’s mental and emotional well- being in Cabanatuan City's,

the year 2024. This study will adopt a qualitative approach to explore the lived

experiences of pet owners coping with the death of their pets. Through in-depth

interviews or focus group discussions, participants will be invited to share their thoughts,

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feelings, and coping strategies related to pet loss. The target audience was restricted to 15

participants coming from a particular group of Pet owners who are 18 years of age and

older. This study's geographic scope is limited to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study will apply a Qualitative research design to acquire literature about

Grieving Paws: Understanding the Emotional Toll of Losing Beloved Pet on Owner’s

Mental and Emotional Well-being in a Phenomenological manner which employs the

goal of acquiring information about a certain topic through other people’s emotional and

mental of the topic. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2013) states that;

Phenomenology is the study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-

person point of view. The central structure of an experience is its intentionality, its being

directed toward something, as it is an experience of or about some object.

The researchers of this study will conduct the Phenomenological Qualitative

research design to conduct the study as this research design fits the needs of the study in

acquiring and incorporating data in this study. The research design will be most

appropriate for the case of the study as it achieves the objectives of the researchers in

conducting the research. In this study, the researchers will attempt to seek data about the

emotional impact of losing a beloved pet on the mental and emotional well-being of pet

owners.

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 To acquire data to be used for the study, the researchers will conduct an interview

questioning the participants of the study regarding the topic of the research. The products

of the interview will be processed and used as data to conduct the research study.

Semi–structured interview questions will be utilized to gather data from the

participants of the study. Based on the given qualitative data, certain words, themes, or

concepts will be analyzed and interpreted.

Locale of the Study

This study will be conducted in Cabanatuan City during the school year 2023-

2024. All Pet Owners who lost their pets will be served as participants.

Legend: Participating Pet Owners

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Participants of the Study
The participants need to have experienced the phenomenon being explored (Creswell,2015).

The goal of the study is to understand the emotional impact experienced by pet owners when they

lose a beloved pet, particularly focusing on its effects on their mental and emotional well-being.

The 15 participants who are pet owners in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija will be chosen

since they signified interest to participate in the study. The participants' personal experiences

represent the relevant information the researcher was trying to find out in this study.

Only those who are willing to be involved in this study will be considered as participants and they

must be a pet owner who has loss a beloved pet

Sampling
The purposive sampling will be employed to determine the participants of the study.

Purposeful sampling is a technique widely used in qualitative research for the identification and

selection of information-rich cases for the most effective use of limited resources (Patton, 2002).

Purposive sampling, generally known as judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling is a type of

non-probability sampling in which researchers choose members of the public to participate in

their surveys based on their judgment.

The Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija was chosen for the study. The Researchers know that

they can gather more information as well as the participants in that chosen place. The participants

will be chosen because they were involved in the research topic which is pet owners.

Research Instrument
Semi-structured interview questions will be developed by the researchers with the guidance

of their research adviser who will employed in this study. The instrument will be used to obtain

firsthand information from participants in this study.

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 In qualitative research, semi-structured interviews are usually the sole source of data

collected. The interview is an extremely important and notable aspect of data collection in

phenomenology. However, interviewer influence can be a limitation so triangulation is needed to

manage biases (Creswell, 2015).

Semi-structured interviews can provide valuable insights into the Emotional and Mental of

Pet Owners. In such interviews, open-ended questions will be used to allow participants to

express their thoughts and feelings about several aspects of their Emotional and Mental being.

For example, questions might explore the Emotional and Mental of losing a beloved pet and, the

accommodations they use to overcome these challenges.

To gain insight and understanding of data on the Pet Owners in their emotional and mental

of losing pets, in-depth interviews will be conducted. Each pet owner participant will be assured

of the confidentiality of data and assigned a pseudonym or code.

Data Gathering Procedure

Prior to initiating the research, authorization will be obtained from the authorized

people in Cabanatuan City to conduct the study. After approval, the researcher will be

notifying the participants and ask for their consent allowing to participate in the study.

To gain insight into the pet owners' emotional and mental well-being, this

phenomenological study will utilize in-depth interviews. All information relative to the conduct

of this research will involve primary data that will be provided by the participants of the study. In

this regard, interview questionnaires will be made to obtain the needed information.

All information relative to the conduct of this research will involve primary data that will

be provided by the participants of the study. In this regard, coordination before the administration

of the interview questionnaires will be made to obtain the needed information. Data will be

collected via face-to-face interviews. The researchers will initially communicate with the

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participants by practicing the semi-structured interview to gather information from the

participants. The interview questions to be administered are detailed and with follow-up

questions. After gathering a substantial amount of data from the participants, analysis and

interpretation will be followed.

Methods of Data Analysis

To better comprehend the emotional and mental well-being faced by pet owners in

Cabanatuan City. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted by the researcher with an average

of 15 participants. This will only be done to comprehend and learn about the difficulties that pet

owners have with emotional and mental well-being.

This study will employ a thematic analysis. The researcher will go over the replies that

were captured in texts, media, and other means that could be transcribed. The researchers will

work with seven subjects to complete the thematic analysis needed for the qualitative data. The

researchers will read the decoded data once it has been encoded and look for significant claims

and patterns that have the potential to both fill in current gaps and create new ones.

The researcher will look through the objective as well as the data. The researchers will

only evaluate and examine the private data regarding the emotional and mental well-being of pet

owners in Cabanatuan City. The principal claims, beliefs, emotions, and experiences will be

reviewed by the researcher and coded for study.

Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are essential in qualitative research, especially in ensuring that no harm is

done to the participants and that they are protected (Crewell, 2013). Informed consent indicates

that participants take part in the study voluntarily, while it also allows them to understand the

nature of the study fully, their obligations, and the dangers involved, thus enabling them to

understand the study fully and to voluntarily participate.

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For this study, informed consent letters explaining the nature and purpose of the study will be

given and explained to the participants. The interview of the participants will be conducted face

to face. They will be requested to read the letters and to ask for clarification if necessary. They

will also be requested to sign the consent forms from the Barangay if they are willing to

participate in the research study. They will also be informed that their information will be safe

and will be coded with pseudonyms from the onset of the study. The researcher will inform the

participants that participation in the study will be voluntary and that they have the right to

withdraw at any time if they wish not to continue their participation in the research.

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