We know as pet parents that our beloved companions will not be with us forever. From the moment they enter our lives, the time when they will no longer be by our side is always looming. And that’s the crux of grieving the loss of a pet- no matter if it’s an anticipated loss or completely unexpected, nothing truly prepares you for the loss.
I remember that the first time I saw him, he was huddled in the back corner of his kennel. He was skinny, his coat was dull and he was curled into the space furthest from the kennel door. He was doing everything possible to block out the sights and sounds of the shelter he found himself in.
When I brought him home for fostering, it was weeks before his personality started to emerge. He loved being outside but was not sure at all about pets and attention. We spent a lot of time on the floor, just being quiet and watching a movie. And when plans for him had to change, I realized that my life would not be complete without him. He became an official member of the family just two weeks later and has been my shadow and constant companion ever since.
And in the seven years since his adoption day, I’ve dreaded the day when I would have to say goodbye.
That day came just a few weeks ago. His health, both mental and physical, had been declining for a while and it had come to the point where his quality of life was no longer where it needed to be. His transition was peaceful, surrounded by many of the same people at Michigan Humane who had brought him into my life in the first place.
In my decade-plus in animal welfare, I’ve had end-of-life conversations with more pet parents than I can count and each time, I’m reminded of how universal the experience of grief and loss is. And how, even in the darkest moments when our hearts are in a thousand pieces and just getting out of bed seems a monumental task, the memory of the love and devotion our pets provide can be a balm to a grieving soul.
It doesn’t matter if it’s the first pet you’ve lost or the tenth, each one leaves an indelible mark that we carry forever.
Photo credit: Anna Chrisman