Loss of a Pet

Tatum O'Neal was recently arrested for buying drugs. The reason she gave for falling back into her old drug habit, was the loss of her 14 year old Scottish Terrier. Could this be a valid issue? Can grief lead to old habits and illnesses both physical and mental? Yes it can. The grief of losing a pet is real. 

Suffering Grief from the Loss of Your Pet?
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My mom recently lost her Scottish Terrier who was her only companion for many years. Her dog, Lucky, was hit by a car and left for dead. Ever since his death, there have been changes in my mom who is 84. When Lucky died, she stated that there was no reason to live any longer. This was her grief talking. We understood that she would be grieving and that she would be lonely.

My mom spent most of her time with her dog. She made sure he ate, and bathed him and talked to him. Lucky would always lie close to my mom if not on her. He would be jealous if my mom was talking on the phone. She always talked about him when I called(we live away from each other). She would give me blow by blow commentary of what he was doing. How he would look at her, how he was lying on her abdomen, whatever he was doing, was news.

Once Lucky died, her mental health deteriorated considerably. My mom had nothing to do and time on her hands. She woke up in the morning and sat in her living room all day and then went to bed. There was no company. She was taken to church every Saturday, and went to eat lunch at one of my sibling's homes. She would have an occasional visitor. She was a bit forgetful.

Because I do not live close enough to visit her often, I was shocked when my sister called and told me of the mental changes in my mom. I did not quite understand the extent of the changes until I spoke to her again. She could not remember anything in the present or the recent past. She would ask me what day it was repeatedly. My heart broke to see her that way. She kept saying that she was going off her mind and that her end was near.

She may have a medical problem that can be solved, but a lot of her changes are due to the loss of her beloved pet, Lucky. How interesting that both my mom and Tatum had Scottish Terriers and lost them. The grief they share is immense. It could and does lead to changes we cannot understand unless we have loved and lost an adoring pet who gives you unconditional love. Lucky was always so happy to see my mom if she was out even for an hour or two. She would jump and cry for joy when mom came home. Now her home is empty, dark and lonely. Grief can show itself in many different ways. It affects both the psyche and the body.

 

Evangeline Samuel PhD is a retired nurse who enjoys her daughter's dog, Kate's company, and loves dressing her up in stylish dog clothes Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evangeline_Samuel