As an experienced pet parent, I know the heartache and emotion of losing a dog. Sometimes the circumstances in which a pet passes away can make the loss even greater and traumatic.
But for dogs, do they know when it is their time?
An Argument For Why Dogs Never Die
An article published on Dog Heirs, a website dedicated to serious dog lovers in pursuit of community, makes an incredibly strong argument for why dogs never die – they don’t know how to.
The article was written by Ernest Montague, a community member who experienced a recent loss of his pit bull Bolo where he shared the sentiment that dogs just keep going no matter their age. Even if they are hurting, have trouble walking, or have their senses damped, they still want to go for a walk with you. An old dog still thinks he is a puppy in many ways, and never seems to worry about death. I agree in many ways with Ernest’s message, as I have an old and frail pooch myself.
My Pekingese, Scruffie, never gives up on chasing other dogs, getting in a full walk, and sniffing all the good things the world has to offer, despite being blind. I hope, like Ernest says, when his time comes that he can close his eyes and enter an eternal, peaceful sleep. (1)
Mourning The Loss Of A Dog
Ernest’s article is a wonderful example of looking at a horrible loss with a positive spin. However, approximately 85.7% of pet parents report feeling at least one symptom of grief after the loss of a fur-baby. For some pet parents, grief can be so intense that a true medical condition arises like depression or anxiety.
Feelings of anger, guilt, numbness, and shock at the loss of a pet are all normal and can last well over a year. Be kind to yourself if you are currently experiencing the loss of a beloved pup. (2)
What Does The Research Say?
Grief from the loss of a four-legged family member is a significant issue when you consider that the majority of American households have a pet. Additionally, with dogs and cats having a much shorter lifespan than humans, the death of a pet is often a person’s first experience of death. Researchers recognize that the loss of a dog or cat is especially hard for pet parents due to their being no true social outlet for their loss. Unlike humans, dogs often do not prompt funerals, sympathy cards from friends, or community support. To make matters worse, acquaintances may fail to acknowledge a pet as a legitimate source of love and only urge you to replace the pet.
This can leave owners feeling isolated and make the resolution of grief more difficult. As such, researchers urge grieving pet owners to surround themselves will fellow pet parents who understand the feelings of loss best and make a special time to remember the beloved dog or cat who has left this world. (2)
Dogs are a huge source of unconditional love, support, comfort, safety, security, and stability. Living alone, I would even argue my dog Scruffie plays an even bigger role in my life than some humans, being the face that greets me in the morning and at night. Don’t let anyone downplay the loss of your doggie for you, which is a complex and important time of grief for pet parents.