Pawsitive Connection: Widowers’ Life Experiences on Therapeutic Value of Owning Domestic Pets

The loss of a close friend, partner, or psychological support can have severe consequences, including trauma, worsened health, and increased mortality risk. Studying the therapeutic value owning domestic pets for widowers is urgent, as it lead to more effective interventions that promote well-being improve health outcomes. Hence, this study aimed unravel explore life experiences pets. It employed qualitative phenomenological approach, utilizing in-depth interviews collect data from nine (9) widowers. was analyzed using six-phase guide thematic analysis come up with themes explored widowers, how helped them in coping their insights. findings revealed represent challenges experienced by namely; (1) desolating experience, and; (2) yearning affection. On other hand, also aided cope mentioned challenges; sense security; relief delight through pet, (3) attachment companionship. Their insights are, ease loneliness longing; provide comfort warmth; entertainment happiness. Moreover, concluded an influence on capacity keep developing pervasive depression loneliness. Finally, recommended community aim overall older adults non-human companions.