Recently I experienced the biggest heartbreak that I have ever had to endure. Putting down my beloved dog, Sugar.
She looked at me with her big brown eyes as she slowly took her last breath. It took me back to all of the happy memories I have had with her and how she was such a huge comfort throughout my life.
Now I completely understand that people tend to categorize pet owners that are mourning the loss of their pet as overdramatic, I mean, come on, it’s “Just a dog.” However, if you’ve ever owned a four-legged furry friend you know that they were not “Just a dog.” They are not called “Man’s best friend” for just any reason.
At times, Sugar was honestly my best friend. She was there to comfort my tears when I had my first real heart break. She was there when those girls at school were being down right mean. She was there as I got ready for prom and as my family and friends gathered to help celebrate my graduation. She was there to greet me as soon as I walked in the door coming back from Winthrop. Whether it be that I was sick, crying, mad, laughing she was always there with her tail wagging making sure that I was okay.
She was always so happy, regardless of how great or how bad my day had been there she sat right by the chair in the corner of our living room where she always liked to stay. She’d pop right up and run to the door to say hello and offer unconditional love.
See that’s what makes losing your pet that much harder. They did no wrong, they just wanted to love and be loved. You change your schedules around for them they just become a part of your life. All you ever want is for them to just stay the happiest fur balls at all cost. They can be such a comfort to what’s going on in your life. A small relief to this world that can be so dark and cruel at times. Sometimes they can be the only thing that can make you smile when nothing seems to be going right.
If you have ever experienced this type of loss just know that things will be okay.
They are running around up there in heaven worry and pain free, suffering no more. If you have a friend experiencing this type of loss make sure to be a comfort and just hear them out. Give them love and support. This is not an easy pill to swallow and is honestly one of the hardest losses. Take a deep breath and let your emotions out in whichever way you see fit.
It’s okay to not be okay after this.