Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened –Anatole France
Just the other day one of my dearest friends in the whole wide world lost her #1 best friend & dog Milo, after 13 loving years. This is for you, my SS#1 (between us) girlfriend! You were the bestest mom ever + Milo was one very lucky dog! Thinking of you…..
Pets are beloved members of the family and not “just a dog” or “just a cat.” When they die a part of us dies too and we feel a significant, even traumatic loss, given the intense bond most of us share with them. It’s natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness when a pet dies but never feel guilty or ashamed about grieving for an animal friend.
If you lived alone and the pet was your only companion, coming to terms with his loss can be even harder. If you were unable to afford expensive veterinary treatment to prolong the life of your pet you may even feel a profound sense of guilt. Like grief for humans, grief for animal companions can only be dealt with over time, but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Here are some suggestions:
Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel, and don’t tell yourself how to feel either. Your grief is your own, and no one else can tell you when it’s time to “move on” or “get over it.” Let yourself feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment.
Create a legacy: Preparing a memorial, planting a tree in memory of your pet, compiling a photo album or scrapbook, or otherwise sharing the memories you enjoyed with your pet, can create a legacy to celebrate the life of your animal companion.
Look after yourself: The stress of losing a pet can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help you get through this difficult time. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly to release endorphins and help boost your mood.
If you have other pets: try to maintain your normal routine. Surviving pets can also experience loss when a pet dies, or they may become distressed by your sorrow. Maintaining their daily routines, or even increasing exercise and play times, will not only benefit the surviving pets buy may also help to elevate your outlook too.
Remembering Milo
He was just THE BOY
Not a dog toy.
He was a human friend.
Brilliant & funny
Right to the end.
Milo was part of my Heart
That is now gone, but will never
be forgotten.
He brought us such Joy. Such happiness…
His Daddy will miss his co-pilot on drives across the country.
His Mommy. I’ll just miss My BOY.
– Angela Pucci
I was there 2 yrs. ago when Angie took this pic in Florida.
For Angie….remember it’s always better to have loved & lost an animal than never to have loved one at all.
Don’t Cry for Me When I’m Gone
So, though I give you all my heart
The time will come when we must depart
But all around you, you will see
Creatures that speak to you of me;
A tired horse, a hunted thing
A sparrow with a broken wing…
Pity – and help (I know you will)
And somehow, I will be with you still;
And I shall know, although I’m gone
The love I gave you lingers on.
– Anonymous-
Separate Lifetimes
We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own,
Live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan….
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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