Emotional impact of childhood pets

A survey conducted earlier this year by American Humane Association's Animal Welfare Research Institute revealed 40% of adults surveyed say the loss of a childhood pet continues to affect them as adults. 

Whether from injury, disease or old age, respondents reported that the death of their pet still affected them but an even greater number (45%) said they are still affected by a pet that was given away, ran away or had an uncertain disposition. Most people surveyed cited dogs as their beloved childhood pets and more than half of respondents noted they had lost their pet more than 20 years ago. 

What is equally interesting is that 20% of dog owners and 17% of cat owners said the loss of their childhood pet is the reason they chose not to have another. 

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