The Death Of Our Favourite Pets
Well, I’ve had some conversations today about how the death of pets affects us.
A guy who I see on a regular basis, Pete, has a frequent visit from his neighbours dog…a beagle…a rather friendly dog with an enormous personality. Well, over the last few years this dog has spent more time at my friends place, that she did with her owner…she even barked at us when we would arrive in the car to visit.
A few months back I received a call from another one of our friends to tell me that the little dog had been run over by a truck and killed. Even before I phoned to see how Pete was doing, I knew how devastated he would be feeling. This loss probably effected him as much as if a relative had died.
Grief and loss really affects people in such different ways…I am even aware that women who suffer a miscarriage may grieve each year for the loss of that unborn baby….and a father may grieve just as much.
The subject of pets is an interesting one…they love us unconditionally and accept us the way we are…something that many people wish for. So it has made me think about my pets – and I have had many over the years. Several of my businesses involved animal breeding, samoyed and labrador dogs, persian cats and even rabbits (both as pets and for consumption).
My favourite dog (Sasha) died while giving birth to her final litter of pups. I will always remember the way she looked at me just seconds before her soul left her body…that vivid memory remains with me, and I think, always will.
I hadn’t thought much about how Sasha’s death REALLY effected me until the last few days…I have not had pets since. I guess it touched me more than I was willing to admit. Anyway, in memory of a wonderful friend, who loved and accepted me just as I am, I am posting this pic of Sasha – may she rest in peace.
Gosh, Elizabeth….how your post about your beloved Sasha has triggered my memories of my beloved Zoe and Edwina Rose (Ted). I/We loved them as if they were our children and when they perished in our house fire, I really wondered how I would live without them! Only someone who has loved and lost an adored pet could understand my profound grief! But unlike you, and others who I have known to lose a dearly loved pet, I just had to get some more wee dogs because Zoe and Teddy had opened up my heart so much, I was terrified I would close down and never be able to have any more. They are not relacements for Z & T…good heavens, they were irreplaceable…..but dear, sweet ‘little people’ of their own…..AND luckily for us, they are both granddaughters of Z & T who were mother and daughter…!!!!