Reflections on the loss of a beloved pet

This is an article that I wrote for our local newspaper shortly after the loss of one of my much-loved pets. I see so many experiencing the same pain, and thought it would be helpful to post this article on my blog for people to read and refer to others.
   -Alice

Tears were flowing readily. No matter how much self-talk I tried, the sadness lingered. “He was only a dog,” someone might say, hoping to help alleviate the obvious pain I was feeling. But thankfully, no one was foolish enough to say that to me, at least to my face. Most everyone with whom I shared my loss was very familiar with the place in my heart and life that Dusty, my Shih Tzu, had occupied for over 15 years. “What about this little companion had made such an impression on my heart that his death would cause such pain,” I wondered? Only another pet-lover can really understand, but it does help to look at the situation. Like me, you may find great delight in thinking you are tough and an emotional “super-woman or super-man.” But who are we kidding? Animal lovers can be real softies! That is why the departure of my furry friend has made such an impression on me. Bear with me as I muse a bit on the pain of losing a dear pet.

            Why do pets endear themselves to their owners? Is it because they let us spoil them so easily? Is it that they show us unconditional acceptance and love, a rare commodity in this cruel world? Is it their sheer presence that keeps loneliness at bay?

            Are some of the tears when they die the result of memories that linger, the times when the pet was there to show comfort when no one else was around to do so? To be sure, our blood pressure may be lowered because we have a pet, but is that the reason we cry when they die? Perhaps the sadness comes from realizing our own mortality and our wonder if someone will miss us and cry over us when we die. Perhaps we cry because we could not do anything to prevent their death, and had to even decide when and if to ‘put them to sleep.’ This painful experience can be a reminder that we have very little control over things in life, especially life and death issues.

            The tears also may come from the realization that not everyone will be as forgiving of us as they were, or as ready to accept us in our weaknesses and love us even when we are unlovely, as they always did. Perhaps they also taught us what it means to live in the moment, to enjoy each day as if it were made especially for us, to be happy with the basic essentials. Perhaps their contentment and desire to be with their loved ones serves as a reminder to us that sometimes we desire things more than we love people.

            Yes, Dusty, you taught me much about life, love and God. I shall ponder much on your little life, and hope I am a better person for having been your ‘mom.’ And may the One who said that not even a sparrow will fall to the ground without His watchful eye continue to bless both the pets and their owners who have much to learn from their lives.