Faith In Fur: Coping With The Loss Of A Pet

Coping With The Loss Of A Pet

Anyone who knows our family, knows that at any time, you can walk into my house and find an animal to gaze at, cuddle with, talk to and maybe even scream over (of course my son would have a love for exotic animals ~ think snakes, iguanas, tortoises, lizards, frogs the size of dinner plates, hedgehogs ~ each specie has made themselves at home within these walls). As I type, I’m watching 2 baby ducks splashing, child-like, in a cage as Easter needed some element of surprise…… Why not baby ducks?

Just about 14 years ago to the day, I searched for the perfect 4 legged, fluffy, light blonde golden retriever puppy high and low. One that would snuggle, smother all of us with puppy kisses, follow my boys, lay next to my baby girl, run after frisbees and catch pop fly balls. God always has a plan and sometimes those plans look a bit different than mine as our family was led to a 6 month old golden (not the puppy envisioned in my head) who was being sold by a breeder who wanted to use him for show. But he belonged to us, giving him the most unique zigzag colic in the middle of his forehead and legs that were too short for show quality so off we went to bring home what our family deemed “the clearance puppy” since the price tag attached to him was far less than Westminster’s high market price!

This breeder, only looking for perfection of surface quality, named this beautiful puppy Dennis. Who names a dog Dennis? It definitely was not going to jive with our family. On our drive home with Dennis sandwiched between both boys in the far back seat, we all shouted out names. We were told if we changed his name, it should end in the same sound as his original name. That was not leaving us with much to choose from. Here came God again….. sneaking a name right through the radio speakers (if you slow down long enough you actually can hear God speak). “Next up to bat, Curtis Granderson……. Here’s the pitch, the swing, it’s a pop fly ball to center field…… it’s going…..going… HOMERUN by Curtis Granderson.” There it was, Dennis was meant to be Curtis, Curtis Granderson, our canine baseball boy. We already had 2 boys who loved being on the field and a Dad who loved to coach. Curtis learned to run in the infield and catch pop flys. He fit right in with our baseball loving family! And BONUS ~ when he ate the garbage, a shoe, anything leather or found his way to the food on the kitchen table, yelling “Curtis Granderson!” was kinda fun. 

The Unconditional Love Of A Dog

Curtis Granderson filled this house with an abundance of love, friendship that never left your side and lots of fur that rolled like dust bunnies across the tile floor. His dark brown eyes would look deep into yours; speaking a language that each of us understood in different ways. A language of “It’s okay buddy, you’ll win the next game.” or “That girlfriend was not worth it, you got me anyway.” and “Your Barbie was so fun to chew, do you still love me?”.  He chased bunnies in the yard and gently brought them back to the door. His gentle soul would never hurt anything or anyone. He was here to LOVE unconditionally, unselfishly with slobber kisses, breath that outdid the aroma of a strong onion with a sprinkle of garlic, couch cuddles that warmed your body and permanent paw prints on the path we walked repeatedly as he kept me in shape or lifted my spirits on the toughest days. 

Over the last few years Curtis began to have trouble walking, his hips gave in to all the playing he did with his tiny humans that grew to be young adults with him. He sat at the door window watching 2 boys leave our home to start their own life. He waited patiently for their return curling his golden brown body to fit on the tiny “bless this house” mat. I wanted to curl there with him because both our hearts hurt at this life changing season we obviously were not ready for. We, instead, curled up together on the couch. Curtis slowly crept up next to me filling the spot each boy would sit to tell me all about their day before going to bed. Curtis and I did not have to share words, just gazes and closeness. He knew exactly what my heart was feeling and he was doing his best to fill it!

How A Pet Heals You

He continued to have health challenges pop up and so did I. His walks began to get slower but he was not going to give in, helping me work to gain strength after my stroke. Stride by stride, house by house, we both worked ourselves up to 1 mile then 2. I did not see it then but reflecting on his life now, I see how much he took care of me. Days that I would come home from the hospital, he was the first to greet me at the door, tail swishing back and forth with excitement. I’d sit on the floor and let him hug me. Sleepless nights and days drained of all energy were spent together on the couch. We shared pretzels, anything I ate he wanted too and I gladly broke pieces off for him to savor. He filled Covid quarantine days with simple games of tug of war, watching movies side by side and countless walks to his cookie jar. 

Saying Goodbye To A Pet …… Find Faith

Before I was ever ready to let go, I found myself  sitting on the vet office floor with him, his head on my lap, locking his eyes with mine, my husband delicately, softly speaking “He kept going for you Nikki. He sees you are getting stronger. It’s his time to go run pain free now.” The water works rain steadily down my face like a sprinkler hitting a window. Selfishly, I wanted to carry him back into my home, my safe zone that he gifted me with hope and faith to heal myself. 

Find faith in fur…….. my beautiful, fluffy, golden brown, soft, gentle boy taught me faith. Faith to trust in humans. Faith to believe in healing. Faith over fear of the unknown. Faith that you’re not alone. Faith that love can fill a soul. Faith that a cookie can fix anything. FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS: Matthew 17:20-21. We moved mountains together, Curtis and I. He moved mountains for my entire family. Have you found faith in fur? Give it a try, no mountain could ever be too tall for the bond created between a dog and his family.

Quotes About Losing A Pet

Quotes to Comfort

When coping with the loss of a pet, finding the right words can provide a sense of comfort and peace. Quotes about pets can articulate feelings that are often hard to express in times of grief.

Celebrating Life

• “Pets leave paw prints on our hearts that last a lifetime. They may no longer be by our side, but the joy they brought remains forever cherished.” This sentiment reflects the lasting impact a pet has on an individual’s life.
• Highlighting the timeless nature of the bond between pets and their owners, the quote, Pets are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole, demonstrates that the value of a pet’s companionship is immeasurable.

Reflecting on Loss

• The pain felt from the loss of a pet is profound because it signifies the loss of more than a pet; it signifies the loss of a friend and family member. It’s difficult to lose a friend with whom one has shared so many memories.
• As Rita Mae Brown poignantly noted, Sorrow is how we learn to love. Each tear is a testament to the depth of the bond shared with a pet.

Finding Solace

• In the depths of grief, it is often comforting to reflect on the happiness shared with a pet. The pain of loss is also the recognition of a love so deep that it forever changes a person’s heart.
• Pawprints on my heart, forever cherished, these words offer a sense of peace and acceptance, acknowledging that the love for a pet is eternal and life-changing.

Words of Sympathy

When a beloved pet passes away, words can offer comfort and acknowledgement of a significant loss. Conveying sympathy through carefully chosen words can help express support and understanding.

Sympathy Card Phrases

• “May the memories of your precious companion bring you solace during this time.”
• “Thinking of you as you celebrate [pet’s name]’s wonderful life.”

Condolence Messages

• “[Pet’s name] will always be remembered for the joy and love they brought to your life.“
• “May [pet’s name]’s love always surround you.”