New Leaf Magazine

The death of a pet is difficult and it is a loss that is not acknowledged by the general public. Through the eyes of a child, you can see how a dog touches lives and teaches life lessons that we often overlook and take for granted. After his pet is euthanized, one child explains a very basic life lesson. “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life—like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Don Ray Smith opens our hearts to the understanding that is gained in having pets, loving them and eventually learning about death when a pet dies. Through his sensitive and personal story, he acknowledges when a pet dies we learn that death is no longer just a word or a game you played when pets died or disappeared. Maybe death was real and it hurt more than anything else ever would and he gives us permission to grieve. 

Mark Wessels, a pastor for over twenty years, shares his story about the loss of his loving pet, May, and explains that the loss of a companion animal can be traumatic. It is not something that either professionals or laypersons should make light of with insensitive comments or inactivity. If you have lost a companion animal, try to be understanding of the nature of that relationship and honor the grief that accompanies the loss. Don't ever apolpgize for loving someone including your pet.

When your family or companion pet dies there can be overwhelming feelings of pain and loss. You are grieving. But few people recognize the death of a pet as a very real loss. Many people even say things like, “it’s just a dog” or “just a cat,” “you can get another one.” Little do they know how they are diminishing the strong feelings you have for this “little or big” creature that has loved you and your family unconditionally. Sherry Williams White, nurse, writer and grief specialist shares ideas for coping with the loss of your pet and explains how you can honor your grief.