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💔 Why is losing a dog so painful? Many of us have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a beloved dog and found ourselves overwhelmed with inconsolable grief that can last weeks and months.
This is a fresh topic for me as I unexpectedly had to say goodbye to my beautiful English Spring Spaniel, Jag, in early June. In good health at age 11, I thought I would have two or three more years with him. With a sudden onset of symptoms of a brain tumor, our time was cut short, stolen from me by an intangible thief. This photo is taken during our last hour together. Jag could make me smile through my tears. The grief is visceral. Most of us have been through it – with the profound love for a dog, eventually comes a profound loss.
According to Frank T. McAndrew, Professor of Psychology at Knox College, research shows the loss of a dog is often comparable to the loss of a loved one. He writes, “Unfortunately, there’s little in our cultural playbook – no grief rituals, no obituary, no religious service – to help us get through the loss of a pet, which can make us feel more than a bit embarrassed to show too much public grief over our dead dogs.”
Dogs provide us with such dedicated companionship that our bond with our loyal pet can be more gratifying than personal relationships. Who doesn’t daydream about playing in a pile of puppies or snuggling with our canine companions? And, dog owners are known to be typically happier than people who own no pets at all.
Things to help with the grieving process:
❤️ Validate your grief and realize it will take time to heal.
❤️ Speak to a counselor or join a grief support group.
❤️ Embrace your memories of your dog through photos, a scrapbook, or shadow box.
❤️ Have a memorial service for your pet by spreading the pup’s ashes in a special place.
❤️ Volunteer at a rescue group or shelter or foster a pet until you are ready to share your life with one again.
The loss of a dog can be devastating. Grief has no timeline or rules. Most of us will not be able to resist owning another cherished dog at some point. They are worth it!
