When people say, “It’s just a dog (or cat, or horse, etc.)” following pet loss, it cuts deeper than they realize. Find out why those minimizing comments sting so badly and how to weather them graceful
My fur baby was recently diagnosed with cancer, immediately after her surgery. I couldn't stop crying for days, thinking the end is near but now the vet is saying that she may live up to 4-5 years with it, which would put her right around her natural time to go. So when I saw how she's recovering from her surgery, how playful she is, how much appetite she has, how much she's enjoying her daily walks, and most importantly, how she has no idea of what's happening to her, this has given me lots of consolation. I prefer to be happy with her on her happy days and not worry too much about what's to come. The end is inevitable. I just don't know if I'll have it in me to get another dog. This one is too special to me from the moment she was born and I knew it I first saw her. Pet love is hard to explain to someone who doesn't get it. And I've met people like that, so I no longer want to talk about this with them.
Great article. I also believe those who say things like that have never owned an animal or owned an animal I just can’t take the heartbreak when that animal passes. My dogs are my kids. I do have a daughter but she’s an adult now. My dog travels with me pretty much everywhere I go. She is my support dog, not officially, but she’s here for me. She knows when I’m anxious and she knows when I don’t feel good. Love her so.
“Will you get another (dog/cat)?” Or… “you’ll get another one”. My answer: “Well, probably. But this pet is not replaceable. He was an individual.” It’s not like a car! My pets are like children for me because I don’t have children. Each one is special and unique.
My fur baby was recently diagnosed with cancer, immediately after her surgery. I couldn't stop crying for days, thinking the end is near but now the vet is saying that she may live up to 4-5 years with it, which would put her right around her natural time to go. So when I saw how she's recovering from her surgery, how playful she is, how much appetite she has, how much she's enjoying her daily walks, and most importantly, how she has no idea of what's happening to her, this has given me lots of consolation. I prefer to be happy with her on her happy days and not worry too much about what's to come. The end is inevitable. I just don't know if I'll have it in me to get another dog. This one is too special to me from the moment she was born and I knew it I first saw her. Pet love is hard to explain to someone who doesn't get it. And I've met people like that, so I no longer want to talk about this with them.
Great article. I also believe those who say things like that have never owned an animal or owned an animal I just can’t take the heartbreak when that animal passes. My dogs are my kids. I do have a daughter but she’s an adult now. My dog travels with me pretty much everywhere I go. She is my support dog, not officially, but she’s here for me. She knows when I’m anxious and she knows when I don’t feel good. Love her so.
https://cygnusx1.substack.com/p/its-just-a-dog?r=3bfges
I had similar thoughts
“Will you get another (dog/cat)?” Or… “you’ll get another one”. My answer: “Well, probably. But this pet is not replaceable. He was an individual.” It’s not like a car! My pets are like children for me because I don’t have children. Each one is special and unique.