The death of the beloved Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s dog recently sent shockwaves through the international poetry community. Neruda has written extensively on the close connection with his pet, even calling him his “little companion” and “unconditional friend” at times. Devastated by the news, many have gathered to mourn the loss of their literary icon’s four-legged best friend.
Tragically, the death of a well-loved family pet can often compound the toll of grief felt by those closest to the animal. It can create a type of sorrow that is hard to express verbally, which further complicates the process of mourning. The compounded grief means that it’s important for family, friends and loved ones to be understanding and supportive during this difficult time.
However, not everyone is familiar with the phenomenon of grief in cases such as this, so how do you explain it? Dr. Alexandra Ramires, an animal psychologist, suggests that “grief is typically associated with the death of a human being, but we should also acknowledge that animals play an incredibly important role in our lives.” Put simply, animals can bring joy, care, and love into our lives just as much as our closest friends and family.
In the case of Neruda’s dog, the sorrow is shared by many. Jose Miguel Echeverria, a literature professor, explains: “Neruda’s bond with his little companion was well known, even by those of us who had never met him. You can almost see it in some of his writings, where he refers to his pet as a ‘constant in my life.’ He understood that his pet was more than just a companion; it was a part of his family.”
Thus, it’s understandable that the collective feeling amongst the poetic community has been one of despair. This tragedy has given us all an opportunity to recognize the importance of animals in our lives, and to think about our own relationships with them. Whether it be cats, birds, horses, dogs, or any other pets, animals can often provide us with a great deal of comfort and companionship over the years.
The Role of Animals in Human Lives
The connection between humans and animals can be both emotional and physical in nature, and the bond that is formed can often be strong and meaningful. In the words of James Serpell, Professor of Animal Ethics and Welfare Science, University of Pennsylvania, “Animals can bring us joy, comfort, and a sense of purpose; they can give us unconditional love and friendship”. This kind of companionship is often invaluable for those living alone or for people who are grieving over the loss of a human family member or friend. Animals can be “therapeutic”, as Professor Serpell states.
In fact, research has shown that pet ownership can have a range of health benefits. For example, according to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, people who own pets tend to be more physically active, and as a result are more likely to achieve higher levels of overall fitness. The same study also showed that pet owners got more satisfaction and self-esteem from pet ownership than those without pets. This kind of companionship can be especially helpful for people living in isolation and can lead to greater wellbeing overall.
Not only this, but animals have also been found to provide assistance in the treatment of autism and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. In certain cases, pets can even be seen as part of the family, taking on the role of a “comfort object”, providing emotional support and unconditional love when needed.
Pet Loss and Grief
Unfortunately, the death of a pet is often inevitable and it’s important to be aware of the grieving process that follows. As the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute explains, the death of a beloved pet can be “a traumatic experience” and “can lead to a range of emotions…sadness, guilt, anger, and disbelief are all common reactions to the loss of a pet”. It’s important to remember that grief is an individual experience and people can take different amounts of time to process their grief.
Additionally, when caring for someone in grief, it is equally important to remember that they have their own ways of coping. Continuing routines, talking about the pet, taking time out, or seeking professional help can all be important steps in coping with the loss. Additionally, for some, the mourning process can be eased by taking part in a pet remembrance service or ceremony to provide closure.
Support for Pet Loss
Fortunately, pet loss support groups provide help and understanding for those grieving the loss of a beloved companion. Many of these networks are online or run by pet owners who have themselves gone through the process of pet loss. The support can provide a place to honor their memories, share stories, and discuss how to move forward with life after the loss. These networks can often be a great source of comfort, allowing people to share stories and receive empathy and understanding in the face of sorrow.
In light of recent events, it is perhaps a reminder to us all of the strength and resilience of the human-animal bond. Animals can play an incredibly important role in our lives and in Pablo Neruda’s case, a special one at that. May this serve as a reminder of how much we can gain from a loving relationship with our four-legged friends, and the powerful emotions that are often associated with this connection.
Environmental Impact of Pet Ownership
Owning a pet can also have environmental implications. According to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, pet ownership can increase the amount of trash generated. This fact is often overlooked, as many people do not take into consideration the potential environmental consequences of their actions. It is important to think about the potential environmental implications and adopt practices that are sustainable and ethical.
Animal companions require a certain level of care, which can vary from species to species. This includes not only providing food, shelter, and medical care, but also a suitable environment, including appropriate housing and stimulation. Appropriate animal husbandry practices, such as spaying and neutering, are also important to ensure that animals do not suffer any unnecessary harm.
Moreover, pet owners also need to be aware of the potential impact that their pets can have on other animals and the environment as whole. Domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, can be predators, and their presence can have a detrimental effect on native species. It’s important to be mindful of and take steps to avoid any unintended environmental harms that pets may cause.
The Psychological Benefits of Owning a Pet
The psychological benefits of pet ownership have long been documented. Pets have been known to help reduce stress, provide comfort and companionship, and even increase feelings of self-worth and wellbeing. Research suggests that pet owners are not only more likely to be physically active, but also more socially engaged with their communities.
Indeed, it is becoming increasingly clear that pet ownership has a significant impact on our mental and emotional health. For example, studies have found that pet owners experience greater levels of joy and happiness, lower levels of loneliness, and increased levels of self-esteem.
Additionally, pet companions can often provide an important source of social support. This can be particularly helpful in times of loneliness, illness, or grief. Pets provide non-judgmental emotional support without any expectation in return, giving people access to the comfort of companionship that many humans cannot provide.
Ultimately, it is clear that the human-animal bond can be incredibly powerful, regardless of the type of animal. In the words of Pablo Neruda, “A dog has died. I buried him in the garden next to a rusted old machine.” We can all do our part to pay tribute to the unique, emotional bond that exists between humans and animals and appreciate the many gifts they give us, just as Neruda did.
