Guest Blogger: Joe Dwyer
https://www.proclaiming-treasures.com/
Our society has a tendency to dodge the issue of death and when it is a beloved companion animal it happens with even more frequency because the loss is usually disenfranchised.
On June 21, 2012 our beloved Rommel passed away after a two year battle with Cushing’s disease. We did not call a funeral home and have guests come to pay respects, Rommel’s name was not featured in the local obituaries and at least to date no flowers or fruit baskets have arrived to our home. However since I was with him, I can tell you that he did die on that somber afternoon.
All that I listed which did not take place can at times have an affect on us by which we can actually “deny” the loss in our minds.
This is precisely the reason it is the most important time to take control. When asked about the loss, call it what it is. “Rommel died on June 21, 2012 and we miss him terribly”. Make absolutely sure that you respect your own feelings and do not succumb to a society’s vision.
On July 1st we conducted a memorial service for Rommel. Just a few of us gathered to laugh and to cry but we took control and stayed in the moment we needed to be in.
Rommel’s cremains are in a prominent place in our home and each one of us visits him often. We talk to him and we still laugh and cry because he died on June 21, 2012.
When I am asked how many dogs I have, I say that we still have five. Rommel is still a part of us and always will be. The importance here is to talk about him and continue to acknowledge his life.
What it comes down to is that so much like a diet, a habit, or anything that involves our self, we can and in this case must take control of what it is to us. Take to no shame in dictating a conversation to express how you feel and how the animal’s life and death really matters.
Upcoming Webinar:
Pet Loss & Grief Companioning … Helping A Family In A Healthy Grief Journey
Where: Online
When: November 13, 2012
Live Lecture: November 13, 2012
7:30-9:00 PM EST; 10:30 PM GMT
(will be recorded for OnDemand purchase after the Live lecture)