It's Just a Pet: How to Respond When People Don't Get It

Your coworker says, *"Sorry about your dog. At least you can get another one."*

Your brain explodes. Your mouth says nothing.

You are not crazy. Pet loss is real grief. The problem is **disenfranchised grief**—society doesn't give you "permission" to mourn the way you would for a human.

Why It Hurts So Much

How to Respond (Scripts)

**The Dismissive Comment:** "It's just a dog/cat."

**The "Get Another One" Comment:**

**The Overly Cheerful Avoidance:** "At least they're not suffering anymore!"

Who WILL Understand

Next Steps Checklist