Gigi was our first family pet. My kids have no memories of life without her. I picked her out of a litter of flashy fawn Boxers and we never once regretted our decision. Her Boxer head tilts were legendary. The Christmas that she consumed my daughter’s giant Hershey Kiss was comical. She went missing for a week a few years ago (as chronicled here) and many joyous tears were shed on the day of her return.
Last Wednesday, tears were also shed. We had to have her euthanized. She gave us 11 amazing years. She was smart, loyal, loving, a proud mother of 14. Her pup - 9 year old Laila - is still with us and if it weren’t for the fun-loving, always ready to play 2 year old stray pit mix that we adopted only a few short weeks ago, I think our home would feel like a tomb.
I’ve had grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends pass away, but I’ve never felt a loss like this. And I feel ridiculous for saying that, but it’s true. There is a definite hole in my heart - in the heart of this home. I know that time only will lead us on and I look forward to talking about her without completely breaking down. RIP, Mama.
I know what you mean; a really good dog somehow ties a family together.
I’ve said this before, but it’s true – we only get to keep dogs a short time, except for inside of us. I will always be slightly different – measurably better – because of the dogs I have loved.
Think about it: not every person you love or are close to is with you most of the time (except maybe immediate family members), but you share a whole lot of your life with a pet.
I am so sorry. She sounds like she was a wonderful girl. The pets we share our lives with touch us so deeply.
And I agree. The emptiness you are feeling, I understand 100%. Even when my parents passed, the hole in my heart wasn’t nearly as deep as the one left by my horses & dogs.
I think the difference is that, with the deaths of your family members you aren’t required to take them to the office and tell the doctors to kill them. It really places a burden on you, and is a gift you give your pet.
Atlantic, that’s because you probably don’t interact with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, & friends everyday, first thing when you wake up, during the middle of the day, & then the last thing before going to bed. Depending upon your arrangements, maybe even during the night too.
I did the same thing six weeks ago & can tell you it really sux for a while but does get easier with time.
The following verse is from Rudyard Kipling’s poem The Power of the Dog. I always tear up when I read it.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit hat answered your every mood
Is gone – wherever it goes – for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It may not seem possible, but someday you will be able to remember her and laugh, even when you still feel the loss.
