suffer (from) pet loss

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taked4700

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Hi,

1. He is suffering from pet loss.

2. He is suffering pet loss.

Which is right?

Thanks in advance.
 

emsr2d2

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Hi,

1. He is suffering from pet loss.

2. He is suffering pet loss.

Which is right?

Thanks in advance.

Neither. You don't "suffer from" the death of a pet in the same way that you suffer from an illness.

He has suffered the loss of a pet.
I recently suffered the loss of my pet dog.
 

billmcd

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Hi,

1. He is suffering from pet loss.

2. He is suffering pet loss.

Which is right?

Thanks in advance.

I think both would be understood in today's jargon and casual conversation, but emsr2d2's points are worth noting.
 

MikeNewYork

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Well, as a veterinarian, I can tell you that people actually suffer from pet loss, not just suffer the loss of a pet. I have seen pet loss cause divorce, suicide, drug addiction, years of therapy, unemployment, etc. The grief can be as intense or even more intense than the loss of a family member. It got so bad, we employed a psychotherapist and social worker/grief counsellor. Part of it has to do with living in New York City where the city can be cold and harsh, the dwelling spaces can be very small, and people are in close contact with their pets 24/7.
 

emsr2d2

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I understand that it makes them upset. What I'm saying is that in BrE, we do not use the phrase "pet loss", any more than we say "parent loss", "child loss" etc.
 

billmcd

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I understand that it makes them upset. What I'm saying is that in BrE, we do not use the phrase "pet loss", any more than we say "parent loss", "child loss" etc.

....... or, speaking from my personal experience, 'hair loss'? :-D
 

MikeNewYork

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OK. Interesting. We have even had a variety of Pet Loss Symposia in the US.
 
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