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linzey / animal burials | 137 dangerous than the dog first thought. Although loving caregivers may instinctively wish to hug and reassure their companion when he or she is stressed, it can be counterproductive. In times of stress or fear, the role of the “leader” is to lead by example. By remaining calm, caregivers can communicate to their companions that they have nothing to fear. As animals naturally adapted to living in a family group, dogs often become stressed when left on their own. From a historical canine perspective, a dog abandoned by his or her pack would have little chance of survival because dogs in natural packs rely on their pack for the majority of their hunting as well as for their protection . When a canine’s viewpoint is considered, it is easy to understand why many companion dogs suffer a degree of separation anxiety when left alone. Although it is not ideal for dogs to be left alone, it is often impossible for caregivers to be with their companions twenty-four hours a day. The caregiver as “leader” can, however, take steps to reduce any anxiety experienced by the companion dog when the dog is left on his or her own. It is important for caregivers to ensure their companions have had the opportunity to burn off some energy via a walk or active play prior to being left. The caregiver can mitigate any boredom the dog may experience once alone by providing “food toys” that allow the dog to exercise his or her scavenging skills. Also, because dogs relieve stress by chewing, it is important to provide an appropriate “chew toy,” which can allow a safe outlet for any nervous tension. By reading and observing, caregivers can develop insights into the way companion animals view their world and specifically their human caregivers. These insights are invaluable in understanding our companion animals and our place in their lives. Related articles: Animal pain; Cats; The concept of guardianship ; Dogs; Enhancing a dog’s environment; A lifelong responsibility ; Teaching animals humanely Abrantes, Roger, The Evolution of Canine Social Behaviour, Wakan Tanka, 2010. Beaver, Bonnie B., Feline Behaviour, Saunders, 2003. Hough, K. A., Domestic Animal Behaviour for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists, Iowa State University Press, 1991. Serpell, J. A. (ed.), The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interaction with People, Cambridge University Press, 1995. Smith, Abbey A., “Utilitarianism for Animals, Kantianism for Humans? A Discussion of the Status of Animals,” master’s thesis, University of Exeter, 1998. Tabor, Roger, Understanding Cat Behaviour, David and Charles, 2003. Abbey Anne Smith Health, Loss, and Bereavement Animal burials Human beings often form close emotional bonds with their companion animals; indeed, for some people—usually but not exclusively children and the elderly—companion animals are the “significant other” relationship in their lives. The death of a companion animal can occasion deep emotional trauma, shock, disorientation, and feelings of guilt—all the usual experiences associated with other kinds of bereavement. But such bereavement is accompanied by two practical issues—namely, how to properly mark closure and how to respectfully dispose of the body of a loved companion. It is those two issues I want to address. It is psychologically important that there be a “closure ” moment, an explicit recognition of the death of the loved companion accompanied by a formal farewell and pause for thanksgiving. This can assist the bereavement process and help the individual to move on. For people who have built up a close bond over many years, even decades, it is inconceivable that the body of a companion should be disposed of like garbage. Sadly, however, religious traditions have been slow to recognize the spiritual significance of the animal-human bond; they provide little or nothing to help individuals move through the grieving process or say farewell. More directly, there are few religious rites for people to use for animal burials. When our beloved dog Barney died, we decided to bury him in our garden but found that we had no form of words to use or to assist us at that poignant moment of closure. Christians inherit two thousand years of spirituality and scholarship, and yet the religion is silent —at least liturgically—about the deaths of millions of other species, even those who share and enrich our 138 | linzey / animal burials lives. A tradition that has even countenanced the blessing of cars and whaling ships has never, it seems, even registered a pastoral need in relation to the death of companion animals. Because...

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