By Marsha Haskell
During the spring of 2008, our beloved boxers Max and Mollie, affectionately referred to as “the twins,” succumbed to cancer within three weeks of each other. Through a series of events that felt like they were meant just for us over the next few months, we adopted two more boxers, Zeke and Zoey, who were inseparable and filled our hearts with love and joy for 10 years. Sadly, both passed away this past August from cancer, within two weeks of each other.
Our pets are our family, and losing a pet is like losing a beloved family member. The grief feels just as deep. Our pets provide unconditional love and support that people may not find otherwise. The greeting you get from a pet is beautiful and joyous; losing that unconditional love is painful and difficult.
Grieving the loss of a pet takes time. Physical memorials and sympathy cards that remember the beloved pet help with healing your broken heart. The loss is also felt by the remaining pets in our household. They, too, grieve the loss of their companion.
Everyone grieves the loss of a pet in diverse ways, and that is OK. You never get over the loss, and you cannot replace a pet, but you can move forward. There will come a time, beyond the sorrow, when remembering the love and joy becomes a comfort. You will know when the time is right to open your heart and adopt a new pet. SEMO Pets and other rescue shelters are wonderful places to give a homeless pet the chance of being a part of a loving home.
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