Jazz (l) resting comfortably behind Shadow. They were best friends and brothers.
It is said “Time heals all wounds.” I can’t tell you with positive conviction if this is accurate especially when it pertains to the loss of a beloved pet.
Yesterday marked the third anniversary of one of the saddest days of my life. It was August 4th, 2011 when my adored, dearest and cherished best friend, Shadow, took his last breath in my arms after suffering from an episode of congestive heart failure. He stared intently into my eyes so deeply as his eyes closed for the last time.
It was the only time any of my pets had ever done that. His actions made feel as if he was still with me and still is. If words could describe it , I’d swear he was saying “thank you for allowing me to leave with dignity and for loving me. Until we meet again, I will always love you and be with you.”
His death like all of my fur kids prior to him left an indelible imprint on my heart and soul. None will and have never been forgotten.
All of my pets’ deaths are always excruciatingly painful to endure. A piece of my heart is taken when one of them dies. The hurt and anguish are unbearable to handle. The loss is simply too much.
Those who have truly loved a pet understand the profound impact the loss of a pet has on your life.
When a fur kid passes away, the emptiness and void left behind are too much to endure at times. With Shadow’s death, the tears did not cease for a very long time. To this day, I still cry for my Shadow.
We had a very special bond as I do with all of my pets. Shadow was literally my shadow. No matter what I did, he was there. Protecting me. Watching over me. Always near me or next to me. Always present. We were inextricable.
When I was having an asthma attack in the middle of the night, not only did he sit beside me in the living room as I gasped for air, he woke my husband to alert him by jumping on his chest (something he never did).
He was a mentor, a big brother, a play buddy and best friend to my dog, Jazz. Jazz came from a hoarder and knew nothing of living in harmony in a good home. Shadow taught Jazz manners, patience, commands, how to behave, and to respect his big brother. Jazz learned how to play ball, tricks, and commands because of Shadow. Jazz observed Shadow so closely. Whatever Shadow did, Jazz learned too. Those two became the best of friends and brothers. Many people thought they were related.
When Shadow left us, not only were we impacted, so was Jazz. Jazz was lost without his brother. Jazz always curled up behind Shadow. He loved the protection Shadow offered him. With Shadow gone, Jazz felt alone particularly when left alone. His sorrowful howl said it all.
Jazz started to sleep on the top of the sofa next to our bird cage that housed our dear Indian redneck, Tweety, when alone in the house. Sadly, Tweety died unexpectedly the following year (2012). Jazz was now really alone when no one else was home.
While I felt so badly for Jazz, I couldn’t bear the thought of adopting another dog. The scars of his untimely death was still too fresh for me to consider this option.
I personally feel it takes time to grieve a loved one whether human or animal. There is no set time table to achieve this. My pets are my kids. To introduce a new pet into my life so soon feels like a lack of respect for the pet who is gone. I know others don’t agree.
Grieving allows you to go through all of the stages and I won’t kid you, it’s extremely painful.
Shadow has the same importance to me as when he was alive. All of my pets do. He is part of my soul.
I miss Shadow more than words could ever express. He was a special boy. From the time he picked me to adopt him, our undeniable bond was always evident.
Holes may be in my heart from the losses in my life but my soul is larger because of all the pets and animals I’ve had and have in my life.
As Rose Kennedy said about time healing all wounds. “I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”
The scar tissue created by my losses has helped to protect my sanity. Without this safety net, I would’ve gone crazy a long time ago when I lost my first dog, Prince.
I miss you Shadow. You and I WILL meet again. Until then, watch over all of my other fur kids and animals I’ve helped who have passed before you. Love you so much! I so wish you were here!!!
I’m sorry about Shadow. I know how you feel. It’s the same way with me. I hate when people tell me it’s time for me to get another pet. That’s my decision, not theirs. I love them with all my heart. I hurt so badly. :'(
I still miss my baby. RIP little one.
I don’t which is harder. Losing your pet suddenly or when he is progessively getting worse from an illness. Either way, it hurts like a SOB. I miss my girls like you do. You’re not alone.
That is a good article especially for those who have dealt with this.
Simple but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing your own personal information. I’m sorry about your loss. It’s a shame pets don’t live longer. At least he had a good home.
A must read post!
It is hard to locate knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re writing about! Thanks
Terrific article, I think many people can relate to what you feel. All of us deal with pet loss in different ways.
Your mode of telling everything in this post is really fastidious, every one be able to simply understand it, Thanks a lot.
Either way let your child know what is happening. Include the child when the pet dies. Don’t lie and say the dog or went to a farm. Kids like honesty. Don’t be graphic either. Talk to them about getting another pet. See what their feelings are. Perhaps, they don’t want another one. Include them during the whole process. Answer their questions as honestly as you can without being too depressing or graphis, as I said.
I am one of those who does adopt shortly after a pet dies. I miss having a furry friend to.keep.me company. I never forget my other pet. It hurts.but having a new pet lessens the pain.
Your boys look so sweet.
I’m sorry about your loss. I know and understand your feelings. I’ve had a “heart” cat that I loved so much. She was my best friend. When she died, a part of me died along with her. I think of her every day. Your not alone.