Losing our pets is one of the most painful experiences many of us go through. Part of the pain is having to make the decision to let them go. How do we ever know when the right time is? And how do we not question that decision after it is made? Robyn Arouty a photographer has recently gotten a lot of press. She did a photo essay on the last day of life for a friend’s dog. Called “I Died Today” it is a beautiful tribute to one families’ love for their pet. One of the most touching aspects of this story is that this family adopted Dukey knowing he was sick. They had him for 3 years. Be warned reading it will cause numerous tears!
Robyn herself lost three animals in the last few years so she is no stranger to the grief of losing your pet. She has another post where she talks about that.
But I am going to quote it here because I think there is comfort in these words for anyone going through this experience. And I know people are starved to connect about this because Robyn’s site crashed because of all the visitors. Thank you to her for sharing her experience.
Her words on what she learned from her loss.
Dog Death, Dying, & GriefWhat I know about doggie death, dying, & grief:
1. The time spent worrying about them leaving steals from the time you give them while they are here.
2. They leave when their mission is complete.
3. You can love again & again.
4. Experiencing death with your heart makes you stronger. You can overcome your fears. I’m living proof.
5. Letting them go when it’s time is the most selfless thing you can do.
6. Your soul is in your pet. Just look in their eyes & you will see it.
7. Loving hard means you will lose hard too.
8. Grief is only temporary.
9. They do come back. But you have to let them go first.
10. Animal lovers are a super special breed. Accept the love & support when you really need it. It’s ok.
– See more at: http://www.robynarouty.com/blog/#sthash.DUKIQCmE.dpuf
1. The time spent worrying about them leaving steals from the time you give them while they are here.
2. They leave when their mission is complete.
3. You can love again & again.
4. Experiencing death with your heart makes you stronger. You can overcome your fears. I’m living proof.
5. Letting them go when it’s time is the most selfless thing you can do.
6. Your soul is in your pet. Just look in their eyes & you will see it.
7. Loving hard means you will lose hard too.
8. Grief is only temporary.
9. They do come back. But you have to let them go first.
10. Animal lovers are a super special breed. Accept the love & support when you really need it. It’s ok.
What I know about doggie death, dying, & grief:
1. The time spent worrying about them leaving steals from the time you give them while they are here.
2. They leave when their mission is complete.
3. You can love again & again.
4. Experiencing death with your heart makes you stronger. You can overcome your fears. I’m living proof.
5. Letting them go when it’s time is the most selfless thing you can do.
6. Your soul is in your pet. Just look in their eyes & you will see it.
7. Loving hard means you will lose hard too.
8. Grief is only temporary.
9. They do come back. But you have to let them go first.
10. Animal lovers are a super special breed. Accept the love & support when you really need it. It’s ok.
– See more at: http://www.robynarouty.com/blog/#sthash.DUKIQCmE.dpuf
Meant so much to me for you to share this. I think you understand why. Thank you. XO
Wow Robyn, thank you so much. I can’t believe you took the time to come over and comment. It made my day. And I was happy to share your words. It is something every pet owner experiences and it helps to hear from others how they coped. And the Dukey story was amazing.