Losing our furry family members is awful and we mourn them for a long time, yes, but I take solace in giving another animal a chance at a loving home. I’ve had many dogs over the years (and now, a cat ) and a part of me isn’t complete without one (or two, lol) in my life. I think it honours their memory to provide much-needed homes for pets if we are privileged enough to be able to do so.
It’s true... I never thought I’d be the same after losing my beloved cat in a sudden tragic accident (related PTSD mixed in didn’t help). When my husband talked me into adopting another cat, I swore I wasn’t ready. But Wow. Within the week I fell head over heels. And it was just like the Khalil Gibran poem “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” My new love was like a salve that healed the open wounds. The scars are still there. It’s been six years and I’ll still get shocked by old pain from out of nowhere. But I’m so grateful for an opportunity to love that deeply again. Caroline, I echo your words: “I wish everyone could know this feeling. May we all experience a love like that.” The two-sided coin of love and grief, joy and sorrow, these are honestly the only way we can embody our fullest capacity to be human. It’s so absolutely painful and joyful and, with practice and vigilance.... worth it.
As someone who loved my mother dearly and lost her suddenly, I can finally confirm, losing a beloved pet is the SAME. Losing someone/something you love deeply is paradigm shifting, the world is never the same. But it’s also very comforting to know, truly know deep in your bones, that you loved them with your whole heart.
10 years later, I still love
My mom and my beloved dog Simon with similar love. One was with me for 30 years and gave so much of herself. The other was only with me for his last year and yet he gave me every last ounce of his love.
My dog Cleo is my soulmate. I remember when we first got her, I didn’t sleep for two weeks and I, defeated and in uncontrollable sobbing, told my (human) partner, “Can we take her back?” I’m so so so grateful he told me that the tough times would pass because, like everything, they do.
I love Cleo like I haven’t loved anyone or anything before. It sounds weird, but sometimes I want her to be like an extra arm or leg or head, I want her to physically be attached to me forever. The most rewarding thing, though, is how much she loves me. Even when I accidentally step on her paw and I yelp, “I’m so sorry!” she’s the one who is trying to lick my face to comfort me. She doesn’t judge; she’s extremely smart; and I understand her like I understand Spanish (my native language). At 6 years old now, I know that we’re about halfway through her life, and I think about it more than I’d like to. My heart is literally in pain just thinking about it now.
Thank you for sharing this and sharing a bit of Mia with us. I once heard that if we do our jobs right, our pets won’t know a life without us -- that brings me joy, even if I know I’ll 100% experience the pain of her loss when it’s time. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than knowing that I am her safe space forever.
I just watched the episode in the first season of Gilmore girls where they have a full blown funeral for the neighbors cat. Great episode that has tender, real and funny moments about recognizing pet loss & grief. These animals are angels that come to us for a short time 🫶🏻 so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing!
I had a dog partner --Steven, the most beautiful greyhound who ever existed-- and lost him almost 4 years ago. I now have two cats, and love them very much, but I still sometimes think of Steven. There’s some sadness, but mostly gratitude. You will always remember. And there is joy in that.
Thank you so much for sharing this. This line was beautiful and resonated: “I now know it is possible to love someone so much that against all logic they continue to bring you joy, even in grief.” The fulfilling, joyful memories you remember are reciprocated, I’m sure.
I love your insights on the interpretation of the cards. This one is especially wise! I’d love to see a compendium of your thoughts, insights, and reflections about all the cards in the tarot. That would be amazing!!
Thank you SO much for this! I am a cardiologist as well as a dog lover. I have had a handful of patients diagnosed with "broken heart syndrome" (a real medical condition) following the loss of their pet. They were too "embarrassed" to tell other health professionals that that is what triggered it...and were so grateful when i understood.
My dog is now 11 years old...he is healthy, but I know the time will come. In my magical thinking...I hope he will live as long as the oldest living dog in the world who recently passed at 31. I have lost both my parents far too soon...but I know I will be most devastated by the loss of my dog. He means the world to me and your essay is something I know I will come back to. So thank you 🙏
Losing a pet is absolutely the same heartbreak as losing a human...they are part of our family, our world, our hearts. I love how you shared Mia with us! When I lost my dog I’m not sure why, but listening to Chris Stapleton’s song “Maggie” on repeat was the balm I needed.
Sending so much love. I can sense Mia’s charming, comforting sass through your photos. What you wrote about the gift of knowing a love like that moved me to tears. Dogs are the greatest gift to us all. May her memory continue to be a beautiful blessing.
Last year, I lost both my dog and my mom. And I’ve had the thought at times, like your friend, that I missed my dog more. I felt crazy, and like I was betraying my mom’s memory to even think it. But people are complicated, and dogs are all love, for as long as you have them - and after that. Thank you for sharing a little about your love of Mia with us ❤️
I am so sorry for your losses. You make such an excellent point: people are complicated. Both the people we grieve, and us, in grieving them. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Losing our furry family members is awful and we mourn them for a long time, yes, but I take solace in giving another animal a chance at a loving home. I’ve had many dogs over the years (and now, a cat ) and a part of me isn’t complete without one (or two, lol) in my life. I think it honours their memory to provide much-needed homes for pets if we are privileged enough to be able to do so.
It’s true... I never thought I’d be the same after losing my beloved cat in a sudden tragic accident (related PTSD mixed in didn’t help). When my husband talked me into adopting another cat, I swore I wasn’t ready. But Wow. Within the week I fell head over heels. And it was just like the Khalil Gibran poem “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” My new love was like a salve that healed the open wounds. The scars are still there. It’s been six years and I’ll still get shocked by old pain from out of nowhere. But I’m so grateful for an opportunity to love that deeply again. Caroline, I echo your words: “I wish everyone could know this feeling. May we all experience a love like that.” The two-sided coin of love and grief, joy and sorrow, these are honestly the only way we can embody our fullest capacity to be human. It’s so absolutely painful and joyful and, with practice and vigilance.... worth it.
Love this mindset and absolutely agree. It is an honor and privilege to be able to provide a safe and loving home to more animals in need
As someone who loved my mother dearly and lost her suddenly, I can finally confirm, losing a beloved pet is the SAME. Losing someone/something you love deeply is paradigm shifting, the world is never the same. But it’s also very comforting to know, truly know deep in your bones, that you loved them with your whole heart.
10 years later, I still love
My mom and my beloved dog Simon with similar love. One was with me for 30 years and gave so much of herself. The other was only with me for his last year and yet he gave me every last ounce of his love.
My dog Cleo is my soulmate. I remember when we first got her, I didn’t sleep for two weeks and I, defeated and in uncontrollable sobbing, told my (human) partner, “Can we take her back?” I’m so so so grateful he told me that the tough times would pass because, like everything, they do.
I love Cleo like I haven’t loved anyone or anything before. It sounds weird, but sometimes I want her to be like an extra arm or leg or head, I want her to physically be attached to me forever. The most rewarding thing, though, is how much she loves me. Even when I accidentally step on her paw and I yelp, “I’m so sorry!” she’s the one who is trying to lick my face to comfort me. She doesn’t judge; she’s extremely smart; and I understand her like I understand Spanish (my native language). At 6 years old now, I know that we’re about halfway through her life, and I think about it more than I’d like to. My heart is literally in pain just thinking about it now.
Thank you for sharing this and sharing a bit of Mia with us. I once heard that if we do our jobs right, our pets won’t know a life without us -- that brings me joy, even if I know I’ll 100% experience the pain of her loss when it’s time. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than knowing that I am her safe space forever.
I just watched the episode in the first season of Gilmore girls where they have a full blown funeral for the neighbors cat. Great episode that has tender, real and funny moments about recognizing pet loss & grief. These animals are angels that come to us for a short time 🫶🏻 so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing!
I had a dog partner --Steven, the most beautiful greyhound who ever existed-- and lost him almost 4 years ago. I now have two cats, and love them very much, but I still sometimes think of Steven. There’s some sadness, but mostly gratitude. You will always remember. And there is joy in that.
Thank you so much for sharing this. This line was beautiful and resonated: “I now know it is possible to love someone so much that against all logic they continue to bring you joy, even in grief.” The fulfilling, joyful memories you remember are reciprocated, I’m sure.
❤️ Thank you, Maki
I love your insights on the interpretation of the cards. This one is especially wise! I’d love to see a compendium of your thoughts, insights, and reflections about all the cards in the tarot. That would be amazing!!
Thank you! I am (slowly) working on one and hope to have something to share soon!
Great news! Excited to hear this.
Thank you SO much for this! I am a cardiologist as well as a dog lover. I have had a handful of patients diagnosed with "broken heart syndrome" (a real medical condition) following the loss of their pet. They were too "embarrassed" to tell other health professionals that that is what triggered it...and were so grateful when i understood.
My dog is now 11 years old...he is healthy, but I know the time will come. In my magical thinking...I hope he will live as long as the oldest living dog in the world who recently passed at 31. I have lost both my parents far too soon...but I know I will be most devastated by the loss of my dog. He means the world to me and your essay is something I know I will come back to. So thank you 🙏
Losing a pet is absolutely the same heartbreak as losing a human...they are part of our family, our world, our hearts. I love how you shared Mia with us! When I lost my dog I’m not sure why, but listening to Chris Stapleton’s song “Maggie” on repeat was the balm I needed.
Oops, it called “Maggie’s Song”. 🤍🐶
Sending so much love. I can sense Mia’s charming, comforting sass through your photos. What you wrote about the gift of knowing a love like that moved me to tears. Dogs are the greatest gift to us all. May her memory continue to be a beautiful blessing.
Thank you, Gena ❤️
Last year, I lost both my dog and my mom. And I’ve had the thought at times, like your friend, that I missed my dog more. I felt crazy, and like I was betraying my mom’s memory to even think it. But people are complicated, and dogs are all love, for as long as you have them - and after that. Thank you for sharing a little about your love of Mia with us ❤️
I am so sorry for your losses. You make such an excellent point: people are complicated. Both the people we grieve, and us, in grieving them. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
What a beautiful post about love and grief. The volume of the grief wanes, in time, but the love is always there.
What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your love for Mia with us.
I think you wrote this post for me, my love. Thank you. x
❤️
Beautiful words to honor a beautiful relationship, Caroline. Sending ❤️!
Thank you, Jillian ❤️
Yes, we can be happy with the happiness and joy we've had. 💫