The Sudden Pet Loss
I was startled awake by a painful scream echoing through the house in the early hours of the morning. My beloved dog, Poby, was restless and in distress. Since he occasionally suffered from constipation, I assumed it was another mild case and rushed him to the emergency room.
However, the X-ray results revealed a far more serious condition—Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening emergency often seen in large dogs. Immediate surgery was the only option to save him.
Our family was thrown into panic, but we quickly decided to proceed with the surgery. The veterinarian, however, suspected that organ necrosis had already begun. She warned us that Poby’s chances of survival during surgery were slim, and even if successful, he would require lifelong medication and face complications. With heavy hearts, we made the painful decision to follow the vet’s recommendation and let Poby go peacefully.
The Depths of Grief
Born in the fall of 2019, just before the pandemic, Poby, our Pungsan dog, was the youngest member of our family for five and a half years, filling our home with joy and laughter. His sudden loss left us devastated. The grief was so overwhelming that our children couldn’t attend school, and my spouse and I had to take sick leave from work.
For weeks, seeing Poby’s toys, food bowls, and sleeping spots shattered our hearts. Even as time passed, traces of Poby lingered in our home, making it feel as if he might suddenly run out, wagging his tail.
Having grown up with multiple dogs—sometimes as many as five at once—thanks to my grandmother’s love for animals, I have experienced many losses. However, this was the first time I had to say goodbye so suddenly, and I know it will take a long time to heal.
The Depths of Grief
As more people consider pets as family members, the term “Pet Loss Grief” has become widely recognized. People no longer see losing a pet as a trivial matter. Studies show that 90% of pet owners experience depressive symptoms, and more than half suffer from severe grief. The pain is not merely about losing a pet. It is comparable to the deep emotional wound of losing a family member.
Many also struggle with anxiety, lethargy, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances, with some finding it difficult to return to daily life for over a year. The stronger the emotional bond with a pet, the greater and longer-lasting the grief.
For those who have never had a pet, it might be easy to dismiss this pain, thinking, “It’s just an animal.” However, pet loss grief is now recognized as a significant psychological phenomenon that requires professional understanding and support.
Coping Strategies
Wondering how to cope, I did some research and found that acknowledging and accepting emotions is crucial. Suppressing grief only prolongs suffering, whereas openly talking with family and friends can be incredibly healing. Reflecting on the happy moments shared with a pet and documenting those memories through photos or writing also helps.
I revisited Poby’s pictures, cherishing the love and gratitude I felt throughout our time together. These steps, I hope, will help me embrace the grief and turn it into cherished memories.
Additionally, specialized pet loss counseling and therapy programs are becoming more accessible. If overcoming grief alone feels too difficult, seeking professional help can be a valuable option.
A New Perspective
Losing Poby made me realize just how profound the sorrow of parting with a beloved pet can be. At the same time, this painful journey has given me a deeper appreciation for family and the meaning of life.
Every living being experiences both meetings and farewells. That’s why we should love and cherish them to the fullest until the very last moment. In the end, the best thing we can do is to treasure them while they are still by our side. I believe that as more people go through the pain of losing a pet, there is a growing need for a compassionate and supportive social understanding that acknowledges and comforts one another’s grief.
By Naki Park
The author is a business editor of the Korea Daily.
