So sorry for the emotional trauma...losing a beloved pet is always a great sorrow. As for your question, I don’t really know the answer to whether some of us are preordained by our biological makeup to be atheists...it’s an interesting thought.

I think we are all biologically predisposed to be believers - not necessarily believers in gods, but we’re just creatures that must believe something. And through effort - our own and that of those who have influenced us - we have the option of moving our beliefs closer into alignment with objective reality. Maybe part of that is luck, and I guess I like to think part of it is intelligence.

I also think that the farther we go with that alignment, the less painful the lack of comforting fantasies can be. In other words, ditching the gods is just the first step, not the last. But loss is always loss, and I fully sympathize with that particular kind of loss. It leaves a painful emptiness, no matter what we believe.

My condolences on your loss of Lucky, most of us who truly care for and love our pets know of the 'hole' in our lives that occurs when we lose them.
Even though their physical being is gone our memories of them are still with us and will remain with us even on our darkest of days.
Even though it has been years since my "Old Mate, Charlie," departed from this mortal coil quietly in his sleep one night at the age of 16 human years there are still times when I automatically and unconsciously look around for him, call out to him from time to time and even make him his 'Smoko' when I'm making my own.
Charlie and I shared a bond so strong that he helped me through my grieving processes and I through his when my daughter died from cancer, I saved him when a snake bit him and he, just by means of a look, saved me from committing suicide on my lowest of low days.
He now lies buried in his most favourite of places in my yard, under a garden where he'd lay every morning to catch the morning warmth of the rising sun.
Mourn the passing of Lucky for as long as you feel the need, remember Lucky for the rest of your days and be glad of the love you both shared.

Sorry to about your loss

"Do any of y’all think some of us are biologically programmed to be non believers?"

No.. We just don't accept impossibilities like others do.. Our eyes are open wide...

I'm sorry about your Lucky....

As for your actual question, I'm not sure if it's biological. But if it is, then it would probably be the reverse... that some are programed to need it. However, it really is a crutch, and people biologically don't really need it at all. In my opinion it was created to answer the things that had not yet been explained. Some people just can't cope without the comfort of an answer, even if that answer is incorrect.

I'm so sorry for your loss! Anyone who's loved a pet knows how you feel right now!

I've read "The God Gene"...and it's logical but if it's true that religion is ''hardwired'' into us, it's interesting to realize that many more of us are ''coming out'' as non-believers. What's happening to OUR genes? It seems more likely to me that religion is such an old custom that we saturate children in it, directly or indirectly. And that saturation stays for a lifetime in some people. Others just see it as a ''feel-good fairy tale'' and let it go.

I think there are those of us who feel for the pains and suffering of others, and there are those who do not, or have this in lesser amounts. Personally, I choose to believe that any critter I help, helps me. Thus I strive to help as much as I can. I of course have limits.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I find comfort in knowing that as living things, eventually we will die, decompose, and the pieces that make us will again be scattered to the cosmos. It's a beautiful connection to everything that exists and that connects us all. I find comfort in that.

I am very sorry for your loss.
It's almost a year since I had to do the same.

All I can say is time takes time.

That sucks. Savor the good memories.

Sorry for your loss. I hope this helps.

[helpguide.org]

I am so sorry you have lost an important member of your family.

I went through a similar loss, but felt no desire for the comfort of religion. It was easier to grieve without it, more authentic, if that makes any sense. Sadness still lingers, but having felt the loss unfiltered, I felt better more quickly, I think. I don't know if this is helpful. perhaps if you sit quietly, feel your loss almost in a meditation, and cry a little, your grief may mellow out into fond memories.

You gave them the best life they could have while here. It is with great joy you found each other.

If you'd ever like to share some photos: "Pet pictures and discussion"

I'm sorry for your loss. But the memories live on.

ALeigh, hugs for your loss. I truly think we are more connected to our pets, because, they are pure love. They are true friends, empaths, therapists. Non judgemental, love. I think my a-ha moment, when I started to question religion, was that I was told at a young age, that our pets would not be allowed in heaven! To me , at a young age, made me hate God.

I agree that for some of us, it's difficult to believe. I lost a son in '91, and if it were possible for me to believe it was in any way possible for me to see him again, I would believe. I tried my whole life up until probably 20 years ago, but I just am not programmed that way.

Sorry for your loss, just went through the thoughts of 55 years of pets no longer with me. Yeah it still hurts.

Sorry

Whenever I lose a friend I cry my eyes out for three days remembering, and go find another.....use to get drunk for those three days, but that was a few years ago when I drank. Don't know how that'll go now. Sorry for your loss. We do invest alot emotionally, and all we can do is our best....good luck

Sorry for your loss. Do you plan on getting another pet?
You have to unwire yourself from religions hold on you, and you arise new as an Atheist.

How old was she?

Loosing ones best friend is so hard, you both had a good life together!

She will always be with you, a soul just fades always, never disappears completely!!!

It will be the little things that will remind you of the love and companionship you shared!

Be calm you will recover, there are other souls to help you through your time of lost!

Some souls are just there, you have not seen or are aware of them so far!

I’m so sorry that you lost Lucky.