Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bridge: A heuristic exploration of the human-animal bond after the death of a companion cat or dog
Abstract (summary)
This heuristic study explored the essence of the lived experience of the self-reported bond between humans and their companion cats or dogs, as reflected upon by the owner following the death of the pet. Specifically, the researcher explored the questions: What is the essence of the lived experience of the human-animal bond for participants after the death of their companion cats and dogs and what is the essence of grieving the loss of the bond that is formed between humans and their companion cats and dogs? The sample consisted of 12 participants, 10 women and 2 men, ranging in age from 28 to 66 years from New Jersey. Seven of the participants' deceased companion animals were dogs and five were cats. The qualitative data, gathered through semi-structured interviews and eulogies, were presented in individual depictions, exemplary portraits, composite depiction, and creative synthesis. The data were analyzed utilizing the heuristic phases, and through qualitative thematic content analysis. Based on the results, the essence of the lived experience of the human-animal bond is defined as living a happier, healthier, and fulfilled life in the comforting presence of a beloved family member who illuminates life's lessons through affection resulting in the capacity to love and to experience being loved unconditionally. The results indicated that the essence of grieving the loss of the human-animal bond is a traumatic and agonizing experience that transcends death through the continuation of a loving bond. This research contributes to the current literature on the human-animal bond and bereavement; however, this study challenges the notion that death is the ultimate break of the human-animal bond. Audience includes psychological counselors, spiritual healers, veterinarians, and pet owners.
Indexing (details)
Spirituality;
Counseling psychology
0622: Clinical psychology
0647: Spirituality