Losing a pet means losing a member of the family, often one who has been a beloved fixture in our lives for years. From the cuddliest dog to the most fiercely independent cat, we develop unbreakable bonds with our furry friends that make saying goodbye one of the most heart-wrenching experiences imaginable.
The unfortunate reality is that we tend to outlive our pets, but the memories of the unconditional love they offer can last long after they leave us. The bond between a pet and their caretaker is a special one: Our animal companions are frequently a source of joy and comfort on a daily basis, and their loss is felt acutely when the time comes. For anyone going through this difficult time, here are 15 bits of helpful guidance to keep in mind.
The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this Earth can ever be.Konrad Lorenz, zoologist
No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch.Leo Dworken, author
It’s amazing how much love and laughter [pets] bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.John Grogan, author
Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart.Erica Jong, novelist
The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master.Ben Hur Lampman, poet
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.Anatole France, poet
Dogs die. But dogs live, too. Right up until they die, they live. They live brave, beautiful lives. They protect their families. And love us. And make our lives a little brighter. And they don’t waste time being afraid of tomorrow.Dan Gemeinhart, author
If there is a heaven, it’s certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them.Pam Brown, poet
I guess you don’t really own a dog, you rent them, and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease.Joe Garagiola, baseball player
Your pets will never judge you for helping them leave a body that has failed them. To them it is the ultimate gift of love.Karen Anderson, author
If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.Will Rogers, actor
There are friends and faces that may be forgotten, but there are horses that never will be.Andy Adams, author
No one can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes.Gene Hill, author
Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it.Amy Sedaris, comedian
A good dog never dies. He always stays.Mary Carolyn Davies, poet
Photo credit: Kerkez/ iStock
