To think it's not weird to be upset over the death of a pet?

[MaggieDoesntGoHereAnymore]

I don't think it is but a classmate of mine informed me today that it was because "it's only a dog/cat/guinea pig/fish/whatever" and "it's not like it's a person"

I thought it was entirely normal to be sad over the loss of a pet but maybe I'm wrong.

SoFetch, theres nothing weird at all about not being an animal person (which is what you are basically)

If you are not an animal person and would not even be upset if a pet died, then really you just shouldn't ever have one. Theres nothing wrong with that, I hate people who get animals they don't like/arn't interested in though, the animal deserves better.

I am very very emotionally attached to my animals but no it doesn't compare to a child, spouse, parent or sibling! Still love them to bits though.

I love my cat to bits because she's been the reason for me to keep going when I was ill with depression. I still have days where I'm too low to get out of bed and she starts making lots of fuss because she's hungry so I have to get up and feed her.

So obviously I would be very upset if something bad happened to her.

22 No, I would never choose to have a pet. I had no choice as a child though as my sister is an animal lover and my parents don't mind them. I had to grin and bear it (although demanded that they were kept far away from me where possible!)

When they died, my sister was distraught. DM was sad and DF was indifferent. I patted my sister's arm, but didn't read a eulogy at the funerals.

Some people cry and grieve for the loss of possessions such as engagement or wedding ring, for a few days most of us would agree that would be distressing and that's just stuff.

So a living, breathing creature except in the case of aquatic stuff that you have chosen to have as a companion is going to cause grief at the loss. The first 2 times I saw my DH cry were because of the death of a cat. He's no softy (ex-army sergeant etc etc) but we love our pets. I'd probably take a day off if I had to do an emergency vet run or had a pet about to die that day, otherwise I have carried on through the power of chocolate.

I'd never compare it to the bereavement of a family member/friend though. Especially a child which is something I've witnessed and never wish to experience as I would expect to feel pain every day for the rest of my life. Losing a beloved cat to a dog chewing incident was upsetting for weeks but I wasn't 'bereaved' a few months down the line. Mind you I miss her more than my Nan who passed away in Feb but that's a long story for the Narc threads

I was beside myself when I had to have my old dog pts.
I was pregnant at the time and poor dh was so worried about me.
Almost 10 years passed before I would agree to another dog, because I couldn't bear the thought of losing one again.

With some animals there is a very special bond.

I still miss my old muttley and it's over 17 years since she died. Not in a wailing gnashing teeth kinda way, but a wistful rememberance. Especially since a chap moved into the next village with a dog that's her spitting image.

I am afraid that I have a hierarchy of love. I would be unmoved (perhaps even slightly relieved) if the guinea pigs or budgies died; because they were pets for the children who quickly lost interest in them and now I am saddled with looking after them. I realise other people love their guinea pigs / budgies etc and wouldn't minimise that....

Adore my dogs however and would be (have been) very upset if they died

Yes hmc I was very relieved when the goldfish shuffled off their mortal coil.