Grieving the loss of a dog is normal
By TRACY LALIBERTE-BAILEY
FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE
September 11, 2006
One of the most difficult aspects of my life with dogs is
having to cope with their departure from this life. For many
people, losing a canine companion is like the death of a family
member. I know that I am not alone when I confide that more than
once I have sobbed helplessly over the passing of a pet. After
30 years of dealing with dogs on a daily basis, you might think
that saying goodbye would get easier. No bones about it,
dealing with the paw prints on my soul only seems to get more
difficult as I reflect on the finite nature of earthly existence
and I continue to question my own place in this tail-chasing
universe.
Coping with the death of a dog is often a painful experience
that can leave us howling with heartache. Emotions of sadness or
loneliness are perfectly natural reactions to this type of
loss. Grief can occur in varying degrees and may be quite
profound regardless of your age. Unfortunately, the burden of
your sorrow may also be compounded by a cultural mindset of
biped superiority. I've over heard, "It's only a dog" in
foolish conversation far too many times to count. The truth is
that in modern times the family dog has become more than just a
fixture that we passively keep in our homes; the dog is an
intricate and inextricable part of the story that constitutes
our personal history.
Think about the life events that you and your dog share. Has
your dog nuzzled you through the tears of a relation ship
breakup or sat vigil when you have been sick? I wonder how many
moves to a new home, weddings, new babies, holidays, divorces
and serious illnesses dogs have shared with people. The real
question is: How do we begin to cope with the loss of a friend
that is so much a part of who we are?
Memorials, burial ceremonies, and crafted books or boxes of
commemoration are some simple ways that we can begin to mourn.
There are also some wonderful online pet memorial sites where
you can post a tribute to your departed or talk with other
people who are also dealing with loss. Or, you might consider
making a tribute your beloved's gifts of unconditional love and
non judgmental acceptance by obtaining an unwanted pet from a
shelter or bestowing an act of kindness on an animal or fellow
human in need.
Remember, the sorrow is real and everyone deals with it
differently. There is no set timetable for healing, nor is there
any right way to grieve. Phone your local ASPCA to find a pet
bereavement support group or to obtain the name of a counselor
if you or someone you know is having trouble dealing with the
loss of a fourlegged friend.
Wags, Tracie
TRACIE LALIBERTE-BAILEY of Attleboro is a professional
lecturer, educator and published writer on the subject of dogs.
You can contact her with any dog related questions at
tracie@dogpawse.com.
You can create an online memorial to your departed pet
for free at at www.ILovedMyPet.com.
For More Information Contact:
ILovedMyPet.com
Email: support@ilovedmypet.com
Internet: http://www.ilovedmypet.com
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