Grieving a Cat or Dog...

Thought and Poem – March 17, 2015

For many people their pets are like family…perhaps “family members” who have been more loyal to them then their own flesh and blood. Dogs and cats have long been known for their loyalty to their masters and we can know that we can count on them to be there when we have a moment where we need a little attention and licks.

Unlike children, we can pick out the cat or dog that we will feel will be just right for us…a good match. We can sense most time almost immediately when we find the right one to take home to be our pet.

There were many times in my life when I knew I could depend on our cats and dogs to give me the support I needed when life was a little difficult for me. Petting the soft fur, hearing the meows and purrs or barks, their understanding eyes, their wagging tails, the rubbing of their bodies against our legs all these have a way of bringing us back around as they beg us in their own little ways to allow them to comfort us.

It takes another pet lover to know the loss when our loyal friends pass away. We expect to see them and they are not there. We cry, we talk about the funny things they did and we allow the memories to help heal our hearts while we grieve. I have been there and I know the feeling of losing a best friend.

What about you? What do you do that helps you in the moments you are mourning your pet friend? Share your thoughts with us…Jeanne Claire Probst

Grieving a Cat or Dog…

I held you in my hands, when you were so small,

I watched you grow into the wonderful friend I came to know,

I knew you before you had a chance to belong to someone else

I chose you from my heart; there was an instant attraction we both felt.

You followed me around in my every day’s

You loyally listened, and obeyed,

You comforted my tears when I did not feel okay

You were always there and by my side you did stay.

With sorrow I will grieve, there will be tears in my eyes

I feel your loss…deep inside

I will mourn you for the good friend you have been

There was love, there was friendship…and I will miss you forever my friend.

Jeanne Claire Probst