The year 2001 was a very tough year for our family. Among the losses we experienced that year were the passing of our two older dogs.
Zola, our Alaskan Malamute, battled many health problems in her later years before we decided it was time to end her suffering in January. Letting go of Zola was very difficult, more than I can easily express.
Perhaps even more difficult was the passing of our mixed-breed angel dog, Alex, in June. Alex was also 11 years old. I have never met a more kind, loving, and patient soul than Alex, and I doubt I ever will.
Although time has gone by since their passing, writing about it still brings up a lot of emotion in me. I know how difficult dealing with their loss was for me, and know that sometimes it is difficult for others to to understand the depth of the feeling of grief some of us have over the loss of a pet.
Here are some writings and resources that helped me in working through my early grief. I hope if you are going through such a time, they are helpful to you. Whatever you are feeling, please know that you are not alone and reach out for support if you need it....
Love and Hugs to you,
-Anne
Links to help in coping with the loss of a pet:
The ARK, Inc. (of Huntsville, AL) web site has a "coping with pet loss" resource which contains some helpful links:
http://www.arkinc.org/petloss.htmA site containing good information on euthanasia, and some inspirational / helpful stories on that topic: http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/euthanasia.htm
A book recommendation --
The Loss of a Pet - A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When A Pet Dies
by Wallace Sife, Ph.D.
ISBN 0-87605-19702
Other things that can help…
I can write much more easily (and probably better!) than I can talk – I would encourage folks to consider writing to help cope with their feelings. Try keeping a journal to help sort through the intense feelings. Another thing that can help immensely is to write a "goodbye" letter to your lost loved one. Reach back in your memory and reminisce on all the wonderful times you shared. Looking through old photographs can be a great comfort, too. If you feel up to it, try making a memorial photo album / journal in memory of your lost loved one.
Take a walk in a place that was special to you and your lost loved one – take time to meditate and reflect.
A friend gave me this suggestion – another friend of hers who had lost a beloved pet tied many white ribbons in the lower branches of a tree near the area where her dog was buried.
She got the idea from a Native American Indian tradition similar to this to assist the soul to travel on the wind. She says it gives her peace to look at the tree with all the ribbons.Tributes to Zola and Alex…
Memorial Collage and letter for Zola
Memorial Collage and letter for Alex
Remember that whatever you are feeling, you are not alone – there are others who can sympathize or empathize with your feelings. If you need to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to others for support.
So long...