I am so sorry for your loss of your dear friend, Roxy. I know from (far too much) pet loss experience that the death of a pet can often be as hard, if not harder, to handle than the death of a human. I work as an animal chaplain to help people prepare for, cope with and move on after pet loss, and I frequently hear that this is so. One reason for this is because our society doesn't give us "permission" to grieve an animal, which leads to our rushing through or outright denying those emotions.
Another reason, as I discuss in my book "Good Grief: Finding Peace After Pet Loss," is because the love we share with our animal companions is unconditional and free of the complications that come along with human relationships. It only stands to reason that the death of such a loving friend who made such few demands of us and gave us so very much would leave a gaping hole in our lives. Anyone who would dismiss our grief by saying, "It was just a dog. Go get a new one," is clearly someone who has, for whatever reason, been denied the kind of phenomenal relationship we've been blessed to have with our pets. I feel sorry for those people, for they'll never know the depth of love we share on a daily basis with our animal family members.
Honor Roxy's life with you and the lessons she taught you about love by one day opening your heart and home to another needful pet when you've fully grieved and know the time is right for you. Who knows? She may even be instrumental in paw-picking for you your perfect next pet.
Wishing you peace.
Beautiful Roxie by: Margaret Handy-Williams, Dartmouth, NS, CA
I like the way you look at things in life (to know the 13 years plus one more year) meant everything to you celebrating life with Roxy. You're a true and loyal compassionate friend to Roxy and others.
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