We lost our beloved furry family member, a cat named Barista, to a tragic hit-and-run incident on the road. She was only two years old and vital part of our lives. Like a child of ours, Barista held a unique personality with distinct likes, dislikes, and characteristic quirks. Can you imagine losing your child and being expected to continue functioning as usual without time to mourn? Well, that's the situation we find ourselves in as employees in a prison system.

Our story is not unique and we believe no one should be forced to shelve their grief and return to work after losing an animal companion. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) indicates that nearly 70% of US households, or about 85 million families, own a pet. This statistic underlines the prevalence and significance of pets in people’s daily lives, thus accentuating the need for empathetic policies like pet bereavement leave.

In contrast to human loss, pet loss is not governed by any bereavement laws in Tennessee or across the United States. We find this not only insensitive but also inhumane, considering pets are widely regarded as family members. Countries like the UK have already recognized the need for pet bereavement leave, setting a precedent that could readily be adopted here.

We are not asking for unlimited time off, but for a reasonable period to process the grief associated with the loss of a pet. We implore Tennessee lawmakers to mandate pet bereavement leave in workplaces, acknowledging the emotional distress suffered by pet owners and promoting mental well-being. Please, sign our petition and support our cause. Make pet bereavement leave a legal mandate in Tennessee.