'There is a stigma around pet loss but that grief needs to be acknowledged by society'

Losing a pet is a particular type of grief, and although it hasn’t always been acknowledged, times are changingas greater understanding develops

"He was so unusual looking. We don’t know what breed he was — there was collie in him, but he had a terrier face" Picture: iStock

‘Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart”, said Winnie the Pooh, and he wasn’t wrong.

Being a pet owner can be a joyful thing, but it comes with the knowledge that you will most likely outlive your pet. Losing a dog is a particular type of grief and, though it hasn’t always been acknowledged as a valid grief, times are changing.