The sadness in saying goodbye to a pet

I just don’t believe there’s anything more difficult for an animal lover who has spent the past 10 or 15 years sharing every day of his life with the love, affection and loyalty of an animal to come to the end of the animal’s life. There are just so many raw emotions that surface at a time as sad as this.

Realizing the constant companionship of someone who believes you are the most incredible human being on the planet is about to come to a quiet close. The one who greeted you every day of your life with such joy and excitement and made you feel like a celebrity in your own home is about to slip away.

The one who inspired you to take on new tasks or hobbies because you knew he believed you could do anything and you didn’t want to disappoint him is growing weak.

The bundle of fur who would race to you, sit in your lap and stare lovingly in your eyes when he knew you had a bad day, or were sad or sick, is now the one who needs comforting, reassuring and affection.

The confidant you would talk to constantly and share your darkest secrets because you knew they were safe with him will be silent forever. Who will you have those conversations with now?

The comedian who made you do silly things even if you’re middle aged, such as run and jump in a pile of leaves together while you giggle and your fur baby kicks up leaves everywhere is now about to rest.

There’s something about having a fur baby that gives humans permission to play and be carefree like children. Having a great dog or cat lets you perpetually be a child at playtime. And when it appears the play date is forever coming to a close it pierces your heart.

Saying goodbye to a pet has got to be one of the most difficult things ever to do. And being aware there is a significant void in your life is a stark realization of the depth of love you and your pet had for one another. It’s hard to even be comfortable in the room you spent the most time with your fur baby because it seems so empty without him.

If you’re not the one losing your pet right now but you know someone who is, please acknowledge the pain and the impact the loss will have on him and his family. The days of considering our beloved deceased pet as “just a dog and you can get another one,” are long gone.

Thank goodness we’re now viewed as part of the family. I’m not “just a dog that can be replaced.” I’m AC Pup with a family I adore and I have a place as a member of my family.

So if you know someone whose pet has come to end of life or has recently died, please offer sincere condolences. Please don’t minimize his or her pain. Please don’t suggest a replacement pet any more than you would suggest getting a replacement human family member.

The agonizing grief being felt is real. It’s deep, it hurts and it leaves people heartbroken. So please, offer genuine understanding and love.

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 4:11 PM with the headline "The sadness in saying goodbye to a pet."