Pets are like extended families. They become a part of their owners, sometimes taking the place of kids who no longer have time for their parents. So when Bongo, the pet cat died, this man grieved for him for 16 days, and not a day passed by without him shedding tears for his furry pal.
Males Not Allowed To Grieve Cat's Death?
What makes it harder for Michael Zadoorian, Bongo's owner, was the knowledge that society oftentimes find it less masculine for a male to grieve over a pet, especially a furry little cat. Society dictates that grieving for a pet is more of a woman's or kid's thing but not a man's.
According to Huffington Post, Zadoorian, struggled with how to overcome his grief over the death of his cat. Sometimes, even to his wife, he was afraid of showing his real emotions. He would often find ways to hide his feelings, but they always manage to get the better of him.
A Daily Companion
Bongo was Zadoorian's pet for a long time. He was not only a pet that greeted him when he arrives home, rather he was the pet who kept him company as a writer. Perhaps, it was the similar characteristics of a writer and a cat that bonded Zadoorian and Bongo as they both do a lot of sitting, thinking and sometimes, staring into space musing.
At the time that Bongo got sick, Zadoorian was already preparing himself for the eventual death of his loyal friend. However, the days of preparation didn't do justice. He still felt so much grief when Bongo was already lifeless.
Sometimes, Zadoorian would question himself is his grief was no longer proportionate. These notions are brought about by society's way of putting numbers to what one feels. Is it the larger the animal, the more grief owners would feel and vice versa?
Grieving Is Personal
According to Help Guide, grieving over a pet is personal in nature. It cannot be equated or numbered. The experience of one person regarding his grief is different from one person to another. People must not say, "It's just a cat" as they may never understand the depth of grief that somebody feels upon losing his pet.
As Zadoorian went about the days without Bongo, he finally realized that he must not be ashamed of grieving for his pet cat. Giving due recognition to the intense grief is the least that he can do for the pet who was his companion for years.
