Readers reveal the universal heartbreak of losing a pet

This week, we published a five-day series on the world of modern pet ownership. One of those stories struck a nerve with readers, sparking a Facebook thread that left us speechless.

• Revealed: Dog breeds that break the bank
• Pet owners to ‘pay price’ for industry shake-up

Sometimes, social media really is a wonderful place

In the past week, The Daily Telegraph lifted the lid on Australia’s $12 billion pet industry, taking an in-depth look at everything owners need to know to survive the complex world of modern pet ownership.

During the five-day series, readers shared incredible stories about their own pets, revealing a depth of compassion in the comments section of Facebook that’s rarely seen.

But there was one story struck a nerve more than any other. An interview with pet loss counsellors Karen Jaques and Dr Michael O’Donoghue about coping with the death of a pet sparked a Facebook thread that moved us to tears.

“My gorgeous Chevy dog. 12 1/2 years old. RIP darling boy xxx”. Shared by Heather Bolton/Facebook

“My beautiful baby boy Pepper Tyszyk went to the rainbow bridge 23/5/19 aged 15, he loved his trips to Bunnings. We miss him so much.” Shared by Lisa O'Meara/Facebook

Hundreds of readers took to the comments section to share images of the pets they had loved and lost, leaving emotional tributes to the companion animals that changed their lives.

Not only was it a chance to connect with others who had been through the same experience, but the reaction showed how deeply we all feel the loss of a beloved animal, even if it’s not widely acknowledged by society.

“My best buddy Chubbs. Died of a congenital heart. Broke my heart too when he was gone. I’ve lost a few pets over the years. It’s like losing a family member. At the least a good friend. Just like losing a friend or family member, you can’t “just get over it.” Shared by Clinton Lloyd/Facebook

Here’s what else you missed.

REVEALED: DOG BREEDS THAT BREAK THE BANK

We used to ask how much is that doggie in the window. Now, we’re better off asking how much will that dog leave us in debt. An exclusive five-year study reveals the true cost of our most popular breeds. INTERACTIVE: WHAT WE’RE SPENDING

OWNERS TO ‘PAY PRICE’ FOR VET INDUSTRY SHAKE-UP

He turned a $330,000 investment into the biggest corporate and vet company in Australia. But today, former Greencross founder Glen Richards blows the lid on why he believes bean counters and retailers now hold the power in the $12b industry.

HOW SAFE IS THE FOOD YOU FEED YOUR PET?

It’s the unregulated industry putting our pets’ lives at risk. In the 12 years since pet food safety was raised with the federal government, there are still no mandatory safety standards, no public recall system and no regulator that can take action when something goes wrong. Here’s what you need to know to protect your pet.

Two thirds of owners view their pets as family rather than mere companions and are prepared to go to great lengths to give them the best possible healthcare.

INCREDIBLE SUPERVETS SAVING LIVES

From pacemakers to 3D-printed bone implants, the evolution of our pets into family members is seeing Aussies go to great lengths — and expense — to extend their animals’ lives. But with so many options available to save our pets’ lives, the question people now face is how much should they spend on an animal?

SYDNEY MAN’S $40K VET BILL TO SAVE DOG’S LIFE

How much is your pet’s life worth? If it came down to a dollar and cents decision, how far would you go to save them? That’s the dilemma Ashton Mills is facing now.

PET INSURANCE: THE BEST AND WORST POLICIES

Australians are spending $500 million annually on cover for their dogs and cats but there are so many restrictions and pitfalls in most policies, what policies are really worth your money?

POSTCODE PEDIGREE: SYDNEY’S MOST POPULAR DOG BREEDS

We often joke that dogs look like their owners, but what does a dog say about your suburb? Maybe more than you think. The Daily Telegraph gives you a comprehensive guide to dogs in the ‘burbs.

digital art for pet postcode story

THE HARDEST PART IS SAYING GOODBYE

When a beloved pet dies, the grief is devastating but owners are often told to get over it or get another dog, all of which can diminish the intense bond people share with their animals.

Pet grief counsellors explains why losing a pet hurts as much as losing a human loved one and how to manage what’s known as “disenfranchised grief”.

AS IN LIFE, IN DEATH PETS BRING OUT THE BEST IN US

At Sydney’s only dedicated pet cemetery, there’s no division between religion, race or class. All of that’s forgotten. Instead it’s a place that reveals the good in people. We take a walk among the tombstones of our city’s beloved pets.