The text message from my friend Emily read, “Major’s gone…I’m not OK right now. Call you tomorrow.”
It’s devastating to lose a beloved pet and many pet owners find their grief just as overwhelming and heart wrenching as the loss of a family member or close friend. Our pets rely completely on us. They are happy when we are happy, and they lick our tears when we are not. The characteristics of grief fully apply, and the loss of a pet can stir up feelings of shock, guilt, anger, anxiety, and loneliness to name a few. Our day to day care of our pet is no longer, as is the unconditional love they give in return. The emptiness of their loss is palpable.
If you have recently lost a pet, be kind to yourself and give yourself time to grieve. Let yourself cry. Remember your pet by sharing stories with family and friends. Remember to be grateful for the wonderful years you had together. Take the time to write down fond memories. When our Bullmastiff Max died, I put together a photo book that to this day is on our coffee table. Celebrate your cherished friend and companion in whatever ways bring you comfort and peace.
Major was a friend and neighbor for over 10 years. My family and I are heartbroken for his human family who are dear friends, and we responded in a way we would normally in a time of loss. If someone you know has lost a pet, pay them a visit or give a call and be there to listen. You might send a sympathy card, bring flowers, make a meal, or offer to help in some other way. You can be sure that whatever you decide upon will be greatly appreciated.
The life of every living thing is in God’s hands and our pets are no exception. Our pets are blessings beyond measure for us to love and cherish. Proverbs 12:10 tells us that the righteous care for the needs of their animals.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Luke 12:6
This is so very true..But GOD softy whispers it’s gonna be alright. Wait on the Lord .. was the topic of my church service today.
Little bit of trivia. After God created man he wanted us to have a loyal companion to be with us and be man’s best friend, always to be by your side and to help watch over us so he created the dog. The reason he chose the name dog, is because it is God spelled backwards!
My Dearest Donna,
So glad you addressed this vital part of our beloved pets as friends and family.
We lost our beloved Winston in February of last year. His paw prints will be stamped on our hearts forever. But I know this….the 12 and a half years we were graced to share our lives with him we were so blessed to know this kind of love….and to give it back so freely……. So much is learned from our animals…..there are no conditions, nothing is false, they just love us as we are…….a reminder of exactly how Jesus must love us……only so much more!!!! Can you imagine that kind of love.? Maybe He gave us animals so we could get a glimpse of this perfect transparency.
I’ve lived with and lost many pets. I’ve loved each and every one because they were individuals and precious to my heart. The most difficult loss was a tiny kitty, runt of the litter Burmese I almost did not take home with me because I didn’t see her initially in the group I was presented with. When she was retrieved from under bedcovers it was instantaneous love and she never left my heart, ever. We shared living together for 17years, she was always a joy. I was devastated at her loss, my little Missette. I have chosen not to have any pets these days as I feel deeply one must have the means to take proper care of cats and dogs, even birds. I am a retired person and thus my means are limited. I have been blessed throughout my life with many wonderful animals. I DO have a fish, lol, as my daughter insisted I have at least that!