‘Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened’. – Anatole France
“For Bobby”
A lick good morning on the face hands or feet, three-quarters of the bed less than you should have at night. Snoring, slobbering, or a fury neck scarf in 35-degree weather. Special gifts (of the deceased kind) left on the kitchen floor or bathroom mat, or perhaps an early morning stomp all over you, (NOW GET UP AND FEED ME!!!), greeting.
ANIMALS …
Where would we be without them?
For as long as I can recall, I have been the custodian and servant of many creatures great and small. From fish to reptiles; dogs to cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, and all those in between. At one time or another, I have had them all. Like many, I simply couldn’t imagine life without them.
Domestication of companion animals began some 15,000 years ago and according to a 2023 RSPCA study; it is estimated that approximately 69% of Australian families own pets. That’s something like 28.7 million pets in Australia, which is one of the highest rates of animal companionship in the world.
Animals aren’t ‘just’ our companions though. For many people, they play an integral part in medical matters of life and death.
For people who are hearing and sight-impaired or suffer serious medical conditions (epilepsy/diabetes) etc, service animals have been trained to detect navigate and act; to ensure their person is always ok and safe. For sufferers of mental illness and physical disability, companion animals are also used as aids to assist with the development of better health and well-being.
In our governments and private industry sectors, animals regularly carry out duties of active service.
Whatever they do, their incredible focus, loyalty and love for humanity remain unwavering and as humans, we certainly owe a lot to them.
As our animals age and are unable to verbally express what they want or need, we are often left to the opinions and guidance of experienced specialist to ensure all their needs are being met. Sadly sometimes, when an animal is in pain or suffering, we must make the heartbreaking decision to let them rest.
Recently, as a family, we had to make this heartbreaking decision ourselves, so I know firsthand the pain associated with losing a beloved pet.
At the time of our elderly dog’s passing, acknowledging the huge part he had played in our pup’s life, we felt that it was vital for her to come with us to the veterinary appointment and for her to gain the understanding that he was gone.
In the days following his passing, our pup did show signs of what we could only assume was her grieving for the loss of her companion. She slept more, became disinterested in her food and became needy and clingy towards us. Whilst her behaviour did return to what we considered normal; we were also aware that at any time that could change.
When it comes to grief, there simply is no rulebook and therefore it is so important to allow it to unfold at its and your own pace.
If you have other pets in your home, it’s important to keep up their routines as normal.
If you have young children, be considerate and understanding of their feelings, as the loss of a pet may be their first experience with death. It is hard enough being an adult and trying to deal with the developmental capabilities of processing grief. For children, the process is made that much harder as they don’t always have the tools necessary to process and understand what happened. The child may act out their pain by blaming you for the animal’s death or they may feel scared that you or other pets will pass away too. Whichever the case, It’s important to talk about what the child is feeling, and assist them through their grief process as positively and gently as possible.
When it comes to honouring your pet’s memory, there are so many different ways to memorialise them available. For us, we chose to have our little man’s fur made into memorial beads, but other options are certainly available.
Some people make a plaque to display in their favourite part of the garden, others have their beloved pets’ tags framed and displayed. There are memorial tattoos designed specifically with pets in mind and memorial urns and jewellery available to store your pet’s cremains.
Whatever the choice you make, and no matter if it is paws, claws or feet… the prints left upon our hearts by them, are imbedded there … for always.
‘The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man’ – Charles Darwin
Bec Campbell, Our Expert (Former)
Bec Campbell writes our regular column, The Goodness in Grief, and is a medium, funeral Director and author. With over thirty years working with spirit, Bec now uses her extensive skill set to help others heal from Grief.
- Bec Campbell, Our Expert (Former)
- Bec Campbell, Our Expert (Former)
- Bec Campbell, Our Expert (Former)
- Bec Campbell, Our Expert (Former)
