Dear Judy
What is it with you? I’ve been trying your SEARCH function on thecheckoutline.org, and there’s almost nothing about a person’s grief when an animal dies.
Our poodle died in July. He was 14, and I can’t remember when I’ve ever felt this distressed. I couldn’t eat and hardly slept. My companion felt much the same, even though Rudi was my dog initially and I essentially brought him into the “marriage.”
For 8 years, before I met the man I now live with that dog was my best friend, my confidant, and there wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for me. He woke me in the morning so I wouldn’t be late for work. He waited for me — sometimes all night if I was having a good time — patiently by the door.
I will never find anyone as faithful and good as Rudi was. I think you should acknowledge the relationship between pets and their so-called “owners” on your website.
Ralph
Dear Ralph,
I know what you mean about animals. I have a cat I value (although I am pretty much alone in my affections for the creature; my kids think the cat is pathetic).
And I have referenced dead dogs in previous months.
But at the moment I have my hands full with the million -and-one issues that arise when a human is told of a terminal illness. When (If!) I run out of these, I’ll turn back to pets.
Meanwhile, I’m so sorry about Rudi’s death. But glad you have a companion who might be, to borrow your words, “as faithful and good” as your late poodle.
Thank you for writing
Judy
Anyone who thinks a dog is a good confidante should try an orchid. They are much more reliable. And cost less to keep. Honestly, Judy, have you no limits?
Imagine being in a relationship while knowing that your partner feels this way about a dog!
I personally do not keep pets, but I find the cynical attiude of the previous comments rude and uncaring.
While I do not place the same value on pets as I do on humans I will have to admit my heart will break and I will miss Miss Scarlett O’Hara (dog) when she passes on. She is loyal, cute, snores like a sailor and is quite the diva. She also has the good sense to never, ever chew my shoes
PS: grieving has no playbook, a loss is a loss and we all grieve as an individual. .