The death of a pet is horribly painful, and tonight I am feeling that heavy grief. My mum called this evening to tell me our family dog died today.
If you don’t own a pet, then it’s likely you won’t understand what it is to love an animal as part of your family. This daft and loyal pup was part of my life for the past 12 years.
He was a wonderful, cuddly bear of a mutt. A sturdy cross between a Labrador and a Collie, with thick tufty fur and a lifelong puppy face.
I keep remembering the day we found him in the rescue centre. We were still raw from the loss of my childhood dog and my parents weren’t sure they were ready for another. They walked past his kennel without even spotting him. But I saw him hiding indoors, just peeking around the corner at me and coaxed him out. After a lot of encouragement, he slinked nervously toward me and sat down by the fence. I talked to him a little and he eventually relaxed, leaning against the chicken wire so I could just stroke a little patch of his fur through the gaps. He loved that contact and I loved him immediately.
I loved him for 12 years. He made me smile and kept me company and always knew when to put his head on my knee to comfort me. It hurts that I couldn’t be with him at the end. I know he wouldn’t have known what was happening, and it wouldn’t have meant anything to him to hear it, but I’d have really liked to say goodbye.
blackspotsite 
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how deep that pain can run. Pets really are family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
i’m so sorry to read this. we lost our family dog just over a year ago and i can still hear the sound of her paws on the floor and her tail wagging and hitting the wall. i hope you find comfort in the memories of the 12 years you could share with him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw so sorry you lost yours too. Yes I am focusing on all he brought us, all the laughs and adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My sincerest condolences. This past August, I lost my dog of 13 years so I know how devastating it is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. So sorry yours is gone too. They do make such a big impact.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m very sorry for your loss. He looks such a lovely boy in those two photos. You all made him very happy in those years. That’s the main thing x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, he was lovely and you’re right, he had a very happy life
LikeLike
I too have felt this awful grief. It hurts. Because the love a dog gives is so simple, the grief tends to be very pure; we don’t feel resentment or anger towards them, just love, which is what is so devastating. I know how it feels, and I’m very sorry.
When my dog died, i remember reading this quote: “Those who say “it’s only a dog” have clearly never loved a dog”. It is very true.
My thoughts are with you x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s spot on. We have these real and true relationships with our animals, we can share our lives with them without fear or shame or inhibition of any kind. That’s a wonderful thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry. Losing a pet is heartbreaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry for your loss and that you didn’t get to say goodbye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks DV
LikeLike
Since I am still in a depression over the loss of my dog a year ago I could not read the entire blog post other than you lost your family pet and I just wanted to know how very truly sorry I am to hear this and my thoughts and prayers are with you as I know the devastating pain it can cause.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry, Laura. Dogs are such awesome friends to humans. My husband and I have had five dogs together (two are living). Each one has brought us so much joy and unconditional love! I often complain that my heart has turned to stone and that I can’t cry, and it’s true that I’ve never cried in therapy and never cry at home. But at the vet, putting down an older, sick dog who is ready to let go of this life, the tears have poured down my face. I’m sorry that you didn’t get to say goodbye in person. What I know, though, is that once the shock of the initial loss is gone, you will miss him, yes. But you will also carry the love you and he shared with you forever, and it will continue to bring you happiness for your entire life. That’s another amazing gift dogs give us.
LikeLike