Welcome to Doggie Dialogue:
We begin our weekly blog with our “RUFF TAILS” . May we introduce Axl...
In July 2018, I lost my 1st GSD, LEGEND, to cancer.
During our grieving process Axl’s photo popped up on the rescue page. After much consideration, I wondered if Axl would be suitable to be placed with my 7 year old GSD Stella??
WELL, it was a perfect match!! Axl has grown into a secure, loving and mostly a calm boy.
Our dogs are so integrated into our lives and many dogs have “grown up” with us giving such comfort and unconditional love. Our dogs help us establish a routine, gives us responsibility of caring for their well-being.
When losing a dog this can throw the entire rhythm of life out of order and add to the stress of the grief.
Grieving your dog is such a personal journey. It is important to go at your own pace. Find a friend, a family member, who understands dog loss, and/or a dog group to talk thru your loss of your beloved dog. Allow yourself to feel the sorrow, and pain without guilt.
Some of our clients have done a ceremony or memorial with their entire family when their dog has passed.
When our clients who have young children, the children do experience the loss as deeply as you do. Keeping children active helps them with the healing. Some activities recommended are making a clay paw print, drawing pictures, or even releasing a balloon into the sky in honor of their dog.
If you have surviving pets, try to maintain a normal routine, as your pets can also experience the loss and become distressed.
Other clients have memorialized their dog by planting a tree, creating a garden, placing a plaque in the yard, and even donating to their favourite charity on behalf of their dog.
On our own website, we have dedicated a tribute section, to our wonderful dogs that have passed. It is never easy, and you will never forget your beloved dog/dogs.
One of my favourite quotes is the following:
“The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not “get over” the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to.” --- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
