Why Losing a Pet Hurts So Much: Understanding Grief After Pet Loss

When my beloved Crain Terrier Truckee passed away, the pain was overwhelming. I was very sad, could not sleep well, and missed important deadlines. For many people, losing a pet feels just as devastating as losing a human family member, and that reaction is completely normal. Truckee, like other pets, had weaved himself deeply into our  family’s daily routines and emotional lives. He offered unconditional love, companionship, and comfort.  His absence leaves a gap that feels impossible to fill. Grieving a pet often mirrors human grief because the emotional bonds [...]