Some people simply cannot accept that our furry family members are more than just a dog. Americans spend multiple billions of dollars on their dogs each year. Somehow, the fact that they are more than “just a dog” is beyond the understanding of some people.
Just One Example Family Members Being More Than “Just a Dog”
Our cousin’s two standard poodles had their own places at the table with designated plates and bowls. If you dared to sit in their favorite armchair, you received glaring looks from humans and dogs alike.
The humans considered the two poodles to be children who made their family, and lives, complete. Vacations and virtually every day to day activity included them. There is no way the poodles were ever considered as just a dog.
I have heard of people creating accounts on social media for their dogs and having huge birthday parties for them each year.
The emotional bonds with their dogs, perhaps, stronger than others may have. And, yet, when their dog crosses the Rainbow Bridge, they are often told that he was “just a dog.”
Grieving is not easy
It is no surprise that some of these profoundly grieving people are embarrassed to speak of their pain. Sadly, it is likely that the one who has helped them deal with loss and grief in the past is the one to whom they can no longer go for comfort. He is no longer there.
Acknowledging grief can be embarrassing for some people. Then, they may feel as though they have betrayed their dog’s memory by feeling embarrassed about their grief. This emotional roller-coaster ride makes the grieving process more painful.
The death of our dogs is expected to make us sad, but not to the degree that we should be given bereavement leave. Perhaps there are practical reasons for that. We don’t usually depend upon our dogs to add to the practical necessities of life. They do not contribute to our income or help around the house. We don’t need time off to make arrangements for a funeral or to take over the responsibilities that our dog once held.
There is no funeral
There is no funeral where others can pay respect to our loved one and to the bond that held us so tightly, no outward acknowledgment of our deeply felt loss. We are left with an incredible emptiness in our hearts and everywhere we look. Their favorite spot in the family room is now empty. The toys that entertained them remain lifeless on the floor, food and water bowls are empty. All are now reminders of the emptiness in our hearts.
Our youngest daughter has an empty dog’s collar that she cannot bring herself to put away. She can barely walk past his favorite play area in our backyard without becoming tearful. Mick died of old age right after Christmas last year. Time heals all things, they say. It has not yet.
Why Do We Feel Their Loss So Profoundly?
For some, the loss is felt even more deeply than others. Our furry family members can fill so many roles in our lives. I have heard people say they were the living embodiment of their beloved childhood stuffed toy.
Can you imagine the stuffed animal of your childhood as a living, breathing comforter giving you unconditional love and protection? Now, imagine losing that same, loving animal. It is no wonder that we feel their loss so profoundly.
Does The “Why” Matter?
For whatever reason, there are times that dogs are more like children than the most beloved of pets imaginable. When you are blessed to have a house full of kids running around, you may not find it easy to imagine this being the case. While remaining thankful for your children, do not discount the love and feeling of a parent-child relationship that others have for their furry kids.
Please do not ever use the phrase “They are just a dog.” While this is especially important at times of a loss, it applies to all other times as well. No one should try to tell another person how to feel about their family members.
According to Pascal, “The heart has its reasons, whereof reason knows nothing.”
Photos Courtesy of Pixabay