This study aims to understand the experience of single-person households regarding the death of a companion animal. To this end, five participants were interviewed, and a qualitative case study was utilized, allowing for in-depth exploration of a spec...
This study aims to understand the experience of single-person households regarding the death of a companion animal. To this end, five participants were interviewed, and a qualitative case study was utilized, allowing for in-depth exploration of a specific situation in time and space to study the causes and context of the phenomenon. The data collected through the interviews were analyzed using within-case study and cross-case study, and three superordinate categories emerged: “lonely alone time,” “daily life with four-legged furry family members,” and “family members who left a big mark on my heart.” Under “lonely alone time,” we identified two subcategories: “I'm alone again today” and “I'm in silence.” Under “daily life with four-legged family members,” we identified two subcategories: “strange but we gradually became a family” and “don't think you're alone.” Furthermore, under “family members who left a big mark on my heart,” we identified two subcategories: “unprepared separation and scars on my heart” and “remembering you whom I loved.” On the basis of these findings, we made recommendations on how to resolve the negative emotions of single-person households who had experienced the death of a companion animal, as well as measures to reduce the gap between companion and non-companion animal owners.