Today marks the eighth anniversary of my dog, Lady’s death. She was such a special dog for so many reasons as were all of my pets. She was in a horrific car accident in which her left eye was popped out when she was picked up by the Humane Society. They saved her life and eventually she was put up for adoption since no one claimed her.
She was my only dog who went to work with me. She was a therapy dog at a nursing home. She had the gentlest personality and got along with everyone and other animals.
Her death came suddenly, out of the blue. One day she was being herself- sleeping undercovers as usual and the next day, she could barely open her eyes.
Within 15 minutes she had multiple seizures and she spent the night at the Emergency Animal Hospital in Allentown. The very next day it became clear she had permanent neurological damage and I made the difficult decision to end her life peacefully before she was going to endure another round of seizures.
So here we are eight years later and I still miss my “Ladygirl” as I used to call her affectionately among other names. I adopted Lady from the Humane Society after the camera I was operating at BCTV captured her image for the viewers. I knew she belonged in our home. And I was right.
The loss of Lady was quite traumatic for me. Please make no mistake- when any of my pets have died, it has been extremely difficult. That particular year- 2002- I had been quite ill and she was by my side the entire time. In the middle of that illness I had no choice but to cope with the loss of Lady. And in in my time of need, my sister, Teresa, was there to console me. Sadly and unfortunately, Teresa also died just a few months later.
I have loved and lost quite a few animals over the years. They were all special to me. Each had his or her own unique qualities. I can think of each one as I type this and memories come flooding back. Some lives were cut short from illness. Some lived to be quite old including one dog, Prince, who lived for 16 years.
I wish pets could live forever but sadly their life spans are so short. I have cherished each and everyone of my pets. They are a part of my family.
Even though this is the anniversary of Lady’s death, I choose to remember Lady’s life. She was such a sweetie. One-of-a-kind dog. All of my pets are one-of-a-kind and I like that. They are unique.
To answer my own question- do you ever get over the loss of a pet- no. But I choose to remember the good times and keep them close to my heart. Talking about my deceased pets has always helped me to get through the grieving process. Losing a pet is very difficult for so many of us. As I said they are part of our families. Hold onto the memories and share those memories with others.
Lady is still with me as are my other pets. Their physical bodies aren’t here but their memories are alive in my heart and soul. So they are a part of me and they live on.
Here is poem I found about the loss of a pet.
Request From Rainbow Bridge”In Loving Memory of Isolde Jenkins””Copyright 1992 Constance Jenkins, All Rights Reserved”
Weep not for me though I am gone Into that gentle nightGrieve if you will, but not for longUpon my soul’s sweet flight.I am at peace, my soul’s at restThere is no need for tears.For with your love I was so blessedFor all those many years.There is no pain, I suffer not,The fear now all is gone.Put now these things out of your thoughts,In your memory I live on.Remember not my fight for breathRemember not the strifePlease do not dwell upon my death,But celebrate my life.