Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Dog

The loss of a dog can be a devastating experience. Dogs are more than just pets; they are members of our families. They offer us unconditional love and companionship, and they can be a source of great comfort and support. When a dog dies, it can feel like we have lost a part of ourselves.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a dog. Everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no set timeline for healing. Some people may feel intense sadness and grief immediately after their dog's death, while others may not feel the full impact of their loss for several weeks or even months.

Here are some tips for coping with the loss of your dog:

• Allow yourself to grieve. It is important to acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to grieve in your own way. There is no need to pretend that you are not hurting or to try to bottle up your emotions.

• Talk to someone you trust. Talking about your feelings can help you to process your grief and feel less alone. Talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or pet loss support group member.

• Take care of yourself. It is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally during this difficult time. Make sure you are eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drug abuse.

• Create a memorial for your dog. This could be something as simple as planting a tree in their memory or creating a photo album of their life. Creating a memorial can help you to honor your dog's memory and find comfort in their passing.

She walked into our lives 10 years ago. My sister called and told me that her friends had this puppy who was found on the side of the street abandoned in Homestead, and they couldn't keep her because one of them was allergic. We were already having conversations about adopting a dog, so we said to bring her on over! My oldest son, seven at the time, started thinking about names, most of which were superhero related, except one–Hannah. When they dropped her off, they mentioned that the lady that found her was calling her…guess what? HANNAH…because she was found on Hannes Street or something like that…it was meant to be! She was about 3 months old and was a crazy little thing. My youngest son who was 4 years old, was terrified of her because she would dart straight to nibble at his ankles; he would have to crawl via the top of our sofas to get around the house so she couldn’t reach him! Little did we know the unbreakable bond they would form over the years. As she matured, Hannah naturally became part of the fabric of our home and family.

She was diagnosed with lymphoma October 2022, underwent a successful chemotherapy regimen with Dr. Villamil and Pet Cancer Group and was in clinical remission for almost a year, of which we are so grateful for. In August 2023 she started showing symptoms again, leading to her decline. We are heartbroken but will cherish the memories of our time together, always and forever. The house feels so empty without her. I swear I can still hear her footsteps wandering about, and expect to see her cuddled on the sofa, curled on the rug by the front door or sunbathing on our pool deck, as she so often did. We hope that time will heal our pain and love will heal our hearts.

Special thanks to our Vet, Dr. Duenas at Sunset Animal Clinic, who always took such special care of her and our family.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. Grieving the loss of a dog is a normal and healthy process. Interestingly enough, our family has bonded over this experience. With time and support, you will be able to heal and move forward.

Rest In Peace Hannah girl.