Saying Goodbye To A Pet

A little over a month ago, Nate and I had to say goodbye to our beloved dog Oscar. And every pet owner who has gone through this experience knows the immediate hole that appears in your heart. The tender muscle memories created from living with a pet are the toughest moments- the greeting at the door, mealtimes, barking, sleeping in the crook of your leg and giving treats instantly are gone and replaced with tears running down your cheeks.

These wonderful animals that we bring into our world ask only to be loved- you wonder if they have any idea how large and far reaching their impact is on our hearts. They come in all sizes and shapes-it doesn’t change the infinite endearment you feel.

Our Oscar, a Shih Tzu, was only about 11 pounds and such a sweetie. Nate and I got him when both girls were in college and thought he was just the cutest little thing. He was a very good dog- said every dog owner ever– but he really was. He has seen graduations, milestone birthdays, weddings, holidays and all sorts of parties. He has seen new babies and pets that came into our life and has seen others walk away. He has been there for the happiest of times and the saddest- always there with a wagging tail and just wanted to sit by your side. After passing the therapy dog class certification, Oscar would visit a memory care facility with his dog friends Charlie and Izzy, to cheer up the residents there. The fact that they ate up all the dropped food on the floor may have added to their enjoyment. He also sat on my father’s hospital bed during the last months of my father’s life.

For the last year and a half at least, while Val and I have worked at each other’s homes, we started to have Oscar and Val’s dog Brutus work with us. After dear Bella- Val’s other Shih Tzu passed on- it helped to have both of the dogs together. Now Brutus is probably thinking-what happened here!

In closing, as tough as it is to say Goodbye to a Beloved Pet- the incredible amount of love, joy, humility and happiness these precious creatures bring to our life is the ultimate proof that loving unconditionally is a gift.

I’m not sure who said this but it is so true!

“Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, never had a dog.”

Always,

Bev