Don’t underestimate the grief of losing a pet — they are part of the family.
Seven years ago in May, my precious dog Peanut literally saved my life. This is my pet loss story about love, loyalty, and grief.
I had collapsed on the floor at home. She tried to wake me by licking my face, tugging my hair, and whimpering. If it wasn’t for her reaction and distress, I wouldn’t have called an ambulance.
I later learned that I had a massive clot blocking the blood flow in my lungs. Without quick action and rapid treatment, I had about 15 minutes to live.
Along with the paramedics and hospital staff, I truly owe my life to my gorgeous doggy.
Peanut’s Health Declined With Age
Fast forward to last year — Peanut was 13 and starting to get short of breath. Her vet started her on medication because her heart wasn’t pumping as efficiently as it used to.
It was a valve issue common in small dogs. Her vision and hearing also began to fail.
(The small upside was that she no longer got scared of thunder.)
But she still enjoyed her walks, and her tail wagged happily at breakfast and dinner.
Slowly, her health declined. Her back legs weakened, and she could no longer jump on the couch or even use her doggy ramp. She would trip over often. Her wellbeing consumed my thoughts, and I wanted to make sure she received the best care.
But ageing is a thief.
The Day Everything Changed
One day in May — exactly seven years since she saved me — I heard a plaintive cry from the lounge. Peanut had wedged herself between the chair and the wall and couldn’t get out.
She was distressed, but she calmed down once I lifted her out and held her.
That evening she didn’t want to eat or drink. Later, she developed more episodes of crying and couldn’t seem to settle.
Around midnight, worried she might be in pain, I took her to the emergency vet hospital. Thankfully, they confirmed she didn’t have physical pain — it was neurological. They gave her something to help her settle and handed me a pamphlet about in-home pet euthanasia services.
We went home at 3 a.m. Peanut lay on her favourite doggy bed. I lay beside her. I must have dozed off around 4 a.m.
When I woke at 6:30 a.m., Peanut had passed away peacefully.
Coping With Grief in a Pet Loss Story
We often underestimate the effect sickness or the loss of a pet has on us.
This grief can feel just as strong as losing a human family member — and it’s absolutely OK to seek help.
There are grief counsellors who specialise in pet loss.
Be kind to friends, family, or colleagues who lose a pet.
Be kind to yourself, too. Your grief is legitimate.
As I write this, it seems my eyes are leaking — but that’s okay.
By Dr Sally Cockburn
Taken from The House of Wellness Magazine
Preserving Memories: Portraits for Your Pet Loss Story
Losing a beloved pet like Peanut reminds us of how precious our time together really is. Preserving these moments is an important part of any pet loss story, capturing the bond between senior dogs and their humans.
Portrait Club offers complimentary sessions for senior dogs, and for human with their dogs, to help preserve these heartfelt connections. A portrait isn’t just a photo — it’s a memory frozen in time, a way to honor the love and joy they bring into our lives.
These sessions are designed to celebrate both the pet and their human companion, ensuring that the bond you cherish is remembered forever.
For more information about complimentary portrait sessions for senior dogs and women with their dogs, visit www.myportraitclub.com today. Preserve the memories that matter most.
