Grieving the Loss of a Dog
It’s not easy writing about the subject of death, especially a loved companion dog. I have lost many wonderful dogs in my lifetime. They all unconditionally loved me and my family; they committed to us and were eager to spend every moment with us. Isn’t it funny that we can take the trash out only to return two minutes later to a gleeful reunion of wagging tails? To have a dog in your life who will be your best friend is a wonderful and invaluable experience. While dogs can easily recognize when we are sad, they can give us comfort and love. They entertain us with their personality quirks and they can always make us laugh. My husband says “dogs are better than TV”.
People can have a hard time recovering from the loss of a beloved pet. The pain of a loss can often feel overwhelming and trigger all sorts of painful and difficult emotions. The grieving process happens very gradually. It can’t be forced or hurried. You should never feel ashamed or guilty about grieving the loss of your dog. The feelings of guilt can be over whelming because you couldn’t afford the cost of the expensive vet treatment. Feelings of sorrow, grief, sadness, shock, or loneliness are all normal reactions. Please don’t let anybody tell you how to feel or not feel.
Seniors may have a harder time dealing with their loss. It might have been their sole companion and taking care of the dog gave them a sense of purpose and self-worth.
Helping young children with their first experience with death can help them cope with the grief and pain but also teach them the joy of loving a dog. Don’t shield you child from the sadness but be honest about what has happened. Pretending the dog ran away or went to sleep can leave a child more confused, frightened, or betrayed when they finally learn the truth.
Look after yourself because the stress of losing a dog can quickly deplete your energy and emotions. Eat some good food, hopefully something healthy. Get plenty of sleep and exercise to help release endorphins. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone for help. There are special pet grief consolers, helplines, and online support.
A good friend sent me a note after we lost our dog. She wrote “a good dog will only hurt you once, that’s when their gone.”