Honoring Your Dog

In today’s hectic world, pets provide companionship and unconditional love. Though they give us headaches sometimes, they give us smiles more of the time. We form such strong bonds with our pets, that when they do pass away, we mourn them as we would any other family member. Over the holiday, I reunited with family, many who have lost their precious dogs in the last few years. I was surprised to learn the different ways they are keeping the memories of their beloved friends alive. Just as pets are unique to us in life, we choose to remember them in equally unique ways.

When my cousin Christy and her husband Stephen lost their dog, Rusty, a few years ago, they chose to have her cremated. They preserve her ashes in a box, which they keep in their bedroom. Even though Rusty may be gone from this world, her spirit lives on within the family. Christy, Stephen, and their two daughters still speak fondly of Rusty, and were soon ready to open their hearts to another dog, Velvet. Just as Rusty will never be forgotten, Velvet is making her own mark in the family.

My Aunt JoAnn and Uncle Skip lost their dog, Jingles, just a few months ago. They have designated a special corner of a room for Jingles where they have hung her picture, along with a poem, leashes and other reminders of their best friend. My aunt still gets choked up when speaking of Jingles, but her special tribute brings a smile to her face, as she remembers the good times they shared.

Also this past year, my immediate family and I lost our Black Labrador/German Shepard, Kirby Rose. My family has kept Kirby’s belongings, toys, dishes and such, which we share with my sister’s cat and visiting dogs, just as Kirby would have. We also keep a portrait of Kirby, drawn by my sister, in the dining room. Kirby was quite possibly the kindest, most loving animal I have ever encountered, never expressing a mean action towards anyone. We all miss her dearly, and know that she is truly irreplaceable. However, I am certain that she showed us just how powerfully a dog can fit into a family, and eventually we will invite another dog into our lives.