Research investigates how companion animals can support their LGBTQIA+ owners following bereavement.

In the wake of a bereavement, owners often seek the comfort and companionship that pets can provide. After the flood of well-wishers has slowed to a trickle, it is companion animals who remain loyally by our side in the months and years that follow. This powerful bond has been captured in the scientific research into grief, highlighting the value of their non-judgmental support without the need for words.

Previous research has revealed that pet ownership can buffer some of the negative psychological consequences associated with losing a spouse. This is particularly true for older adults, who naturally tend to have smaller social support networks. Moreover, a recent study has investigated the role that companion animals play in bereavement within the LGBTQIA+ community, where grief can be compounded by prejudice.

New study into pet support

The study included four cisgender lesbians and six cisgender gay men who had experienced the bereavement of a same-sex partner. All participants were interviewed about changes they noticed after their partner’s passing, and the responses of others. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and then analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to extract the important themes. A secondary analysis was conducted on six participants that reported bonding with their companion animals after the death of their partner.

Comfort and companionship

One of the central themes that emerged from the analysis was the comfort and companionship that pets provide to their grieving owners. In particular, participants mentioned their constant and non-judgemental emotional support during the pain of loss.

“I would talk to the cat and he’d listen. Well, the thing is, he was always there, before and after Nick died. So, just talking was like he knew what I was talking about. And I was calm when… when I talked to them, because… because I could only be calm talking to them (Brian).“

Reminder of partner

Another theme that emerged was that their pets acted as a reminder and connection to their partner who passed. Pets were able to evoke memories or demonstrate behaviours that reminded them of their loved one. However, some participants noted that this connection made the death of their companion animal even more difficult.

“Kent and I would walk and play with the dogs together, and you know, share the responsibility as a couple. And I could see aspects of Kent in them (laughter)… Just, you know, the way he trained them (laughter). And they probably also missed Kent (Josh).“

Purpose and routine

Pets were also valued as providing a focus and sense of purpose during the sadness of grief. The routine and normalcy that they created through the provision of their care gave participants a sense of stability in a tumultuous time.

“Like, I walk the dogs every day, which is a meditation. I think I know after these 20 years that’s it’s so easy for emotions to become quite negative that I believe I need to maintain a bit of a routine. And these walks have helped me keep up the routine; otherwise, I would be like in my pyjamas all day (Caroline).”

Research implications

The findings of the study underscore the importance of pets for navigating bereavement in the LGBTQIA+ community. Through their first-hand accounts, participants shed light on the ways in which their pets provided comfort, companionship, and a sense of purpose during times of profound loss.

However, it should be recognised that the small sample size and narrow demographic (cisgender lesbians & gay men only) limit the scope of the insights. More research is needed into other populations in the LGBTQIA+ community, and it may be beneficial to ask participants directly about the role their pets played following bereavement, in order to gain a more complete understanding.

Key study findings:

• Participants reported that their pets gave them comfort and company
• They stated that their pets served as a reminder of their partner
• Pets also gave participants a purpose and focus