This was written to a friend that lost a fur baby:
Loving a pet is a wonderful thing. They give us companionship, affection, and many times, just a gentle ear to listen to us while petting them. Most importantly, WHILE PETTING THEM ;). In return for all of the love and joy they bring, they also bring a tremendous downside: the fact that they do not live as long as we do. We will, at some point, be forced to say goodbye. When that time comes, it is gut-wrenching. I’ve lost many pets and I have 3 now that I know I will have to say goodbye to at some point.
There is nothing that can be said that will take away the pain. All we can do is to take solace in the fact that, for the time they are with us, we have given them love and a good home. Many of them will not know anything but the life that we have given them. For those, although they are in our life for only a very short time, we are in theirs for the majority of it.
So, this being said, grieve, mourn, cry, and remember them. But then please find another animal, maybe one that doesn’t know how loving a human can be, and give them all of the love and companionship you gave to your furry loved one. I can think of no greater “pet legacy” than this.
5 replies on “For anyone grieving the loss of a furry family member.”
Great post David. My children are grown and have their own families, When they were growing up we always had pets. Dog’s, cats (usually 2 or 3 at a time), a rat, hamsters. When we have family gatherings the kids are always quick to say they loved having all the pets growing up. Extremely hard when they die but to pass up the unconditional love and companionship they bring into your life is to pass up a truly special gift from God.
Thanks for the post. I just lost my beloved cat last Sunday as well. He was 19. Though Tarzan can never be replaced, I’m happy to say I found a new cat in a local rescue that I hope I’m approved to bring home tomorrow.
I can only believe that Tarzan would want you to show another animal just how loving you are. God bless
Very well said. It is certainly very hard to say good bye to our furry family members. However, it’s only temporary. We can be comforted to know that when we approach the heavenly gate, we will see them on the other side anxiously waiting to greet us.
Thank you