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.