Final answer:
The hardest emotion for a grieving owner to relinquish is denial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The emotion that may be the hardest thing for a grieving owner to relinquish is denial.
When facing the death of a loved one, people may go through Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief, which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Denial is the initial stage, where individuals may refuse to accept the reality of the loss. It can be difficult to let go of denial because it acts as a defense mechanism, protecting people from the immediate pain and sadness associated with the loss.
In the grieving process, individuals eventually need to work through denial and move towards acceptance in order to reach a healthier emotional state.