The loss and grief are even more profound for individuals who share their lives with an animal in service for conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, autism, or physical ailments such as seizures and visual or hearing differences, where the animal not only provides companionship, but also gives important physical and psychosocial support for optimal daily functioning.5 Grieving in this case may be severe, as it involves an additional functional loss to the patient when the animal is gone. Research has shown that patients had appreciation for acts of support from medical professionals (such as phone calls and notes/cards sent to them) during the grieving process over the loss of a pet.3 Finally, there are mental health professionals and support groups specifically geared toward coping with this type of grief and loss, both in-person and online, such as Animal Talks, Lap of Love. She completed her doctoral degree in medical science at the University of Lynchburg in 2019. She has practiced Emergency and Urgent Care Medicine since graduation from PA school, and in 2011 joined academic medicine as a faculty member in a PA program. Dr. Brown also owns her own consulting company where she offers workshops, lectures, and legal consulting.

Source: Washington Post January 08, 2024 22:23 UTC