As humans, we all have the need to feel loved and connected to another living being. Sometimes, that love and connectedness comes to us in the form of a special beloved pet.
Some refer to these four-legged, furry or finned family members as their “kids” and call themselves “mommy or daddy.”
I know I had such a pet friend – he was our family golden retriever and yes, I was his “mommy.”
Quite a while ago, my friend owned a ranch that people could come to and rent horses by the hour. This friend had a natural way with these huge and powerful animals and it was a joy to watch.
It was apparent to all who knew her and all who saw her, that she loved and respected the horses and they, in turn, loved her.
She had one “old guy” that was most special of all and anyone who came to the ranch quickly became a fan. He had a sort of aura that just let you trust him. He was mellow and patient, never bucked or bit and was great for first time or nervous riders.
All who rode him loved him by the end of their ride and he began to develop a little following.
When he died, my friend felt that one of the best ways to let us all know of the death, and to honour this special animal, was to write an obituary and publish it in the local paper to announce his passing.
The outpouring of condolences was astounding but some other people didn’t think this was appropriate.
They wrote letters to the editor complaining the obituary section was only for people who had lost people and to degrade it by publishing a notice for a lowly beast was beyond reason!.
A short debate broke out for a couple of weeks and then, as most things eventually do, just faded away.
Loving and bonding with a pet over a period of years brings familiarity, security, comfort and a whole host of other wonderful experiences.
When they die, we are bereft and go through a time of grieving. Coming home at the end of the day and entering an empty house is not a good feeling.
In the days following the death, some of us imagine we hear them moving around the house. We may find a clump of hair or a toy when we move the couch to vacuum and that feeling of pain and loss comes back full-force.
We may not grieve our furry, feathered or finned friends the exact same way we grieve the loss of a loved family member or friend, but we do grieve and sometimes, deeply.
Very few of us feel the need to publish a notice of passing for our pet but do let members of your human family know your feelings – your companion was an important connection and bond in your life and you will miss them.
Google ‘Rainbow Bridge’ - some say William N. Britton is the author but many sites say author unknown - it doesn’t matter, it’s beautiful.
It will make you cry, but it will also help you heal and best of all, it gives hope we will someday see them again on the “other side.”
Barbara Bleiler is a certified funeral celebrant and advertising rep for the Grand Forks Gazette.