Fond Farewell My Pet

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”Anatole France

When you lose your cherished friend, you must find the way through pain toward acceptance and resolution. Needing someone to talk to about your loss doesn't mean that you are weak. It means you are human. It is basic human nature - this need to have our sorrow recognized, respected, and responded to in a manner that is healing.

Grief and Mourning

The grief that comes with the death of a pet is not just a feeling; it is a process. This mourning process is complex, involving tasks that need to be accomplished and stages to move through. Mourning involves the whole of ourselves: our emotional, physical, social, mental, and spiritual selves.
Even though grieving is not an intellectual process, knowing how it works and what it involves makes a difference in our journey through the pain toward healing.
No one else can do the grief work involved in mourning your pet, but one who hears your words and knows your suffering can lift the burden of traveling that road alone.

“Emotional healing happens not because pain is taken away, but because it is given its due.” Phyllis Kosminsky, Ph,D.

The Death Of A Pet

Little compares to the shattering pain that comes with the death of a pet. Your pet is gone but the bond between you as intense as ever. Maybe more intense. The sense of loss runs deep, the sorrow is profound, the wound feels mortal. I have been there, I know.

Until the Worst Is Over

Having someone to rely on makes a difference. Having a support system makes difference. Not being alone with sorrow makes a difference. Being heard makes a difference.
Telling another what has happened and how it feels is transforming. It is a big part of moving toward healing and peace. Giving voice to our experience gives meaning to our existence. It is what moves us through pain toward healing. So guard against any notion that it is foolish, childish, or weak to feel and express sorrow and grief. In times of trouble we turn primarily to friends and family. Find someone you can turn to in this time of need and talk about your loss with someone who understands and can sympathize.
You'll never forget your beloved pet...and you shouldn't but the sorrow and grief will turn bittersweet and eventually you will be able to think about them with a smile and joy that you were able to share part of your life with them.
If you'd like to share your stories with me, feel free. I'd love to hear them. Now, here are some of my beloved pets that have gone on and a little about each of them. They were all wonderful pets and I will never, ever forget them.

Foxy

I had a small dog named Foxy for over 2 years. I got her when she was 4 months old and she was the perfect dog for me. She was a pomeranian/dachsaund cross and she weighed 6 pounds soaking wet. She loved me more than anyone else and she lived and breathed to make me happy. Foxy didn't like strangers and really only tolerated other family members. She was almost human in her ability to understand me and she actually listened when I talked to her. Sometimes, I swear, she could hear my thoughts. She could sit, stay, come, lay down, sit up, roll over, speak, wait, climb trees (seriously), her favorite words were cookie and squirrel. She knew what squirrels, birds, mice, cats, and dogs were and would look in appropriate places for them if she heard those words. She was a great mouser (better than our cats) and a wonderful companion. Rarely would you see me without her. I took her with me to the feed store, friend's houses, family get-togethers, the bank, sonic, school, etc. If someone saw me without her, they always asked about her. She was my shadow, my constant companion, and my friend...so much more than a dog. She was kicked in the head by a horse in mid-May 2007 and died in my arms. Even when she was lying there unable to move and dying, she wagged her tail at me before losing consciousness. I will never forget her and never replace her. This is my tribute to her.

Boots

Boots is another of my beloved pets that is no longer with us. She had to be euthanized in '06 at only 2 years of age because of a rare condition found in cats. Her kidneys were failing and we couldn't get them flushed with IVs. She was a trooper but it was just too much for her. I still miss her sweet face. She was the sweetest cat I've ever had. She was dumped at only about 6 weeks of age and I found her cornered by my neighbor's dog in my yard. I saved her (scratches and a bite were my thanks at first) and took her home. It took her no time at all to figure out that I was her friend. From then on out, she was grateful, loving, and the sweetest natured cat. She would talk to me with her little "chirrups" every time I looked at her or said her name. She would come running when I called her and she loved to cuddle. I will never forget my sweet Boots.

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