Coping With Losing A Beloved Pet
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Coping With Losing A Beloved Pet

Have a nice good cry

11
Coping With Losing A Beloved Pet
Photo donated by Kyle Luchansky

Pets are family, so losing one is like losing a family member. What makes it worse is when they must be put down because of cancer-- the one thing that shouldn't take the creatures we don't deserve.

I want to tell you a story. My boyfriend's parents had the most amazing dog-- her name was Ginger. Unfortunately, they had to put her down this past week due to cancer in her leg and her not being able to move around as well anymore. I was affected by this tragic event and after a couple of hours of crying over this beautiful soul that shouldn't have been taken, I came to the realization that losing a pet is like losing a family member. Pets become embodied in our everyday life, from taking them on walks to cuddling on the couch with them. They become ingrained in our lives and losing that connection with an animal is hard.

I saw the struggle on my boyfriends face when I came home from classes that day. He was devastated and I knew whatever I said wasn't really going to help him. I sat silently with him for the next couple days as he grieved. But, I knew no amount of grieving would heal this wound. Dogs are the most amazing creatures in the world, and we truly do not deserve them. With everything ugly in this world, they are truly pure innocence. As I sat with him over the next couples days letting him grieve, I realized what an injustice this was to this sweet dog-- cancer. I just couldn't fathom it, this was something that only took humans. Why would it take a dog?

I realized that dogs are just as vulnerable. I have come up with some things I think should help people overcome the sadness of losing a beloved pet.

First, take a deep, cleansing breath. I know it sucks, he/she was your best friend and know they are no longer there.

Second, don't forget that his/her soul is still out there set to be reborn for someone else (maybe even you) to have a new best friend.

Third, I know it's hard, but would you rather them suffer? In all actuality, they are in more pain than you and I could probably imagine and unlike us they can't let us know if they need more pain medication or need another doctors appointment.

Fourth, I know it hurts unbelievably bad, but don't take down those photos of them, you will regret it. Leave them hanging there on the wall, relieve those memories, don't let something ugly dishonor your memory of him/her, smile through the tears.

I hope that these four little tips will help you get through that awful, tragic moment. Remember that their corporeal form may be gone, but their soul will live on forever.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52901
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33983
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956658
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181453
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments