Recently I wrote about death and the post How Do You Handle Death? covered the loss of a family or friend. Many have read and shared this post with others. I have even received emails of condolences. In the last two weeks, I attended two wakes and one funeral. Death as we all know is such a difficult transition for everyone.
It was just a little over a week ago that my husband Butch had to take Zoe to the veterinarian. Zoe a Presa Canario was a gorgeous, loving dog who was the joy of the family. She was a large muscular dog who weighed about 145 lbs. and had a look that would scare the beejesus out of anyone. She was a protective member of the family. She would put everyone on alert whether it is for the family to know that someone is approaching the house or to let the visitor know that the house is under her protection.
On the other hand, Zoe in all of her regal stature, loved to play and wag her heavy tail with excitement which could feel like a whipping when all is said and done. It was clear that Zoe loved her family as much as she was loved. It was noticeable that something was not quite right as she seemed to slow down. Butch took her to the veterinarian on Thursday and waited for word on her diagnosis. On Friday, he was told that they would run some tests on Zoe and get back to him. By Saturday morning, the call came in that Zoe was not doing well and she would not make it through the day. The family got together and headed over to the Veterinarian's to say good bye. Zoe died minutes before the family arrived. It was a very sad moment.
Losing a pet is also a major loss, there is no replacing your pet. It leaves a void in the family as they mourn the loss. The best way to cope with losing your pet is to keep the memories going. Remember the time when she/he did something quite funny or unusual that made you laugh. While some may think you can always buy another dog, which is true yet nothing takes the place of the pet who shared so many moments of your life. Each dog has it's own personality and Zoe had something that everyone can share their own personal connection to her. The memories of Zoe and all of her Marmaduke like moments will forever be a part of my memories of her. She was simply the best!
Zoe: 3/19/02 - 10/8/11
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I know how bad you can feel when you lose your pet, it's definitely like losing a family member.
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