I recently saw a sign that read, “The only time in a dog’s life that they hurt us is when they leave us.” As fur parents can attest, no truer words have ever been spoken. That’s because our cherished animals are so much more than pets.
Although it can be challenging for people who have not had a constant companion to understand, those who have loved and lost do. This is why, after saying goodbye to her soul dog, one mom decided to help others navigate their way through this profound grief.
Listen to her healing words in this video shared on February 22:
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@jackiepajan/video/7338571119865138475" data-video-id="7338571119865138475" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@jackiepajan" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jackiepajan?refer=embed">@jackiepajan</a> There are so many layers. Go easy on yourself. You are NOT taking too long, being too sensitive, or staying stuck, sweet friend. You are grieving and grieving takes time.♥️ <a title="petlossgrief" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/petlossgrief?refer=embed">#petlossgrief</a> <a title="griefafterpetloss" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/griefafterpetloss?refer=embed">#griefafterpetloss</a> <a title="rainbowbridgesupport" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/rainbowbridgesupport?refer=embed">#rainbowbridgesupport</a> <a title="petlosssupport" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/petlosssupport?refer=embed">#petlosssupport</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Rainbow Bridge Raina" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7338571160843897643?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Rainbow Bridge Raina</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
No animal lover wants to think about losing their beloved friend. However, it’s an unfortunate reality we will face at some point. When we do, Jackie (@jackiepajan) has some comforting words to help us better manage this grief.
Life After the Loss of a Pet
Jackie describes, “You are not grieving the loss of your pet. You are grieving so much more.” She illustrates that we grieve the loss of self and who we are. We have now lost the way of life we have known for years, which she says is far more than a routine. She reports, “You are not just grieving the physical loss of their companionship by your side; you are grieving the loss of the best friendship you have ever known.” She advises we stop thinking things like, “I have been grieving for X amount of time, and I am still grieving.” She points out that this implies that we are taking too long or doing something wrong and are not. That’s because we are grieving the loss of life and friendship and part of who we are. So, although she wants to assure us that there were many beautiful days to look forward to, it’s alright if we take some time to get there.
When I lost one of my soul dogs 5 years ago, I wasn’t sure how to move on. Instead of the unbearable pain of picturing my life without her, I focused on being grateful for every beautiful moment we shared. I felt this helped honor her life of love and brought me more peace than I expected, but I can still cry about her today. Jackie speaks the truth when she tells us it takes time to find out who we are without them.
People found this beautiful message relatable. Viewer @Janet responded, “Grieving does not stop because the love does not stop. Grieving is the price we pay for loving, yet we would not want to have loved them less.” That’s accurate. Another member responded, “So much is true. They take a part of us with them.” That they do.
Animals have a way of teaching us who we are. Even if they eventually break our hearts when they leave us, their love, loyalty, and compassion remain and help to make us better people than the ones we were before.
By Mandi Jacewicz for ParadePets.