Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the loss of a companion animal/pet family member within the context of a family.In order to better understand the nature of bereavement upon the loss of a pet family member it was essential to first grasp the nature of attachment to the companion animal.Five families were selected to participate in this qualitative research study which examined the nature of attachment to the family member pet and the loss that was experienced when that pet family member passed away.These families were all unique in that they had all lost their pet which they had considered a family member within one month of their first interview, yet all families were also unique in how this loss affected the dynamics and structure in their respective families.The similarities and distinctiveness of these families, and their bereavement responses were highlighted in this body of work.Attachment Theory, Marriage and Family Therapy Theories, and also various Bereavement Theories were addressed in this study in order to more fully understand the scope of the loss that was experienced by these families.Specifically, the nature of pet bereavement and attachment were investigated in order to better comprehend the familial loss of a pet family member.This information is valuable to many disciplines such as marriage and family therapists, counselors, veterinarians, scholars, and even laypersons struggling with the loss of a pet that they had considered to have been a family member.iv DEDICATION This dissertation study is dedicated to my father, ANDREW J. KOCJAN III, the person who has most influenced my life and the way that I look at life.As it is said, children learn by what they see, not by what they hear.My father, or Daddy as he isfondly called, provided an enormous amount to see, and to take notice of as I grew and now as a grown woman.His extreme respect for others, his commitment to hard work, sacrifice to family, and most of all the time and energy that he expended on his four children are all pillars of his constitution.Superheroes are not only in the movies, they are the fathers that are there when their children need them, regardless of the circumstance and irrespective of the sacrifice it takes to be there for that child.I do remember all the times that you have been there for me and I am still in awe of the love that you provided to me, as well as to your entire family and friends.How does one measure success?I would say that having four grown children who love you, respect you, consult you, and admire you must be a glowing reflection of all that you have done.You were right when you always answered my childhood questions with "Because I'm the father, and I said so"; you certainly are, and I am certainly blessed.I love you very much, Your eldest.v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In undertaking an endeavor such as this there are so many people that have helped me to complete Project Hurricane D. Petrich.I owe much to those people and am humbly appreciative.Firstly, thank you Heavenly Father for allowing me to commemorate my son, Hurricane D. Petrich, in such a fitting way.You made this all possible.Jon, this project began with a simple card that read "To My Mommy, Love Hurricane."Without your trust that allowed me to become his Mommy, my heart would have never reached its full capacity.Thank you for being a great Daddy to Hurricane D., Tornado Jude, and Blizzard Leigh. . . .Your convictions of faith helped to make this a reality.Hurricane, Tornado, and Blizzard: I am honored to be your Mommy and you make all of my days sunny and memorable
Author: Deirdre K. Petrich
Institution: University of Akron
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2262521121