Dealing with loss of a 4-legged family member
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Believe it or not, but I am on vacation, traveling across the U.S. to a family reunion. It sure took a lot of planning to be sure my animals would be well cared for and now I “get it”. I totally understand the difficulty in finding someone you can trust to care for your critters; I have wonderful family and friends’ helping me but it was still very hard to leave them. I felt like I was abandoning them, unable to explain to them that I would be back. My mind has been racing, what if something happens to one of them while I am gone, and what if they miss me and run away trying to find me. Well I can tell you, so far so good. Everyone is very content with the arrangements I have made. But don’t be fooled, it takes a lot of planning even if you only own one pet.
The recent grief of a friend/fellow board member over the tragic loss of her dog has brought to the surface more emotions for me. When I was told of the loss of Ruby, the beloved dog who had recently led our Paws for the Cause walk, I was so upset, and after speaking to Ruby’s “person” it hit me hard, close to home. I am not the only one; there are so many others out there who love their critters as much as I do and grieve with the same passion and devotion.
Speaking to Ruby’s person brought back that sickening feeling of a very deep grief, of a loss unexplainable and devastating. She described it as having her legs taken out from under her. I remember that grief all too well and I struggled to find the words that might take her pain away, but there are none. It is a pain that comes from loving and being loved unconditionally, different than the love of a child, yet very similar. How do you overcome the grief? We each have our own ways of dealing with the loss of a pet, but to me, the most important thing you can do is to give yourself permission to grieve and cry, to let your emotions flood your being because if you love your pets, this grief is real and accepting it is the first step in getting through it. It is very important to surround yourself with friends and family who care and are supportive.
Here is a poem that I have found helpful.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Good Bye Ruby, you are sadly missed.
CAHS was recently contacted and asked to house a baby moose whose mother had been hit by a car and killed; we agreed and this new baby has amazed Betsy and staff. This isn’t something we do on a regular basis; actually, in the 13 years I have been on the board, this is a first that I can remember. I unfortunately won’t be back in time to meet little moose, but I have seen pictures and this is a cute little baby! (yes all babies are cute! Even moose) Moose will be transported to a “moosie” rehab where he will be cared for and hopefully returned to the wild.
I was invited to visit a grief support group last Wednesday and was so pleased to do so. They asked me to bring animals to visit with the children and adults. I brought my boxer mix Rusty, my hound mix Tommy, my pug and Mama Kitty. It was amazing to watch my animals, at first they were scared, unsure, but by the end of the meeting Mama Kitty was lying on the carpet beside Rusty and enjoying all the attention.
I was so pleased that this group recognized animals for being natural healers; just the touch of their fur can be therapeutic. Monthly the Humane Society takes animals to visit the local nursing homes, and watching the residents loving the dogs and cats we bring is truly amazing. This is our way of giving back to the community who support us, by sharing our animals.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society, we are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
This is Courtney Millard, from Blaine. She had saved her money to go buy supplies for the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle. She recently brought in dog and cat food, as well as dog and cat treats.
