Dogs and Death

Our culture is not very comfortable with death.  While that is understandable, it is a part of life and what we do when a loved one passes, is so important.  Some want and expect everyone to just “move on” and “get over it.”  I think this is based on the fear of pain and loss rather than really wanting us to forget.

We may use words less abrupt than dead or died in exchange for passed away, crossed over, and in an effort to add humor – “kicked the bucket” or “bought the farm.”  I’m sure there is some great story where these sensitive phrases originated.

When a family member dies, human or canine, there is a loss.  That loss can be huge!  Since this is a dog blog, I’m going to talk about when a dog dies.  When a dog is young and had a dependent personality, it seems to make the transition much more difficult than if they have lived to be 13-15 years-of-age and it’s time.  Sudden loss is extremely difficult and for a sweet Spirit who needed us, it can be even more challenging emotionally.

We have the same questions we have with a human death in that we wonder why.  We will never know the answer.  What we can do is stop and remember them and the life that was shared.  To try to forget too soon, doesn’t honor the life that was and in many ways always will be.  Memories are forever.  (Make good ones!)

Here’s my tribute to a beautiful Dane who had to leave us too soon.  He was so afraid of many things in the outside world, but never feared giving or receiving love and affection.  You had to smile and laugh at his lack of social graces and his cartoon-like looks and personality. He is a true Gentle Giant that leaves a giant hole on this earth.