May 18 1989 —- Dec. 16 1997
Cocker Spaniel
Death travels beside us everyday. The experience is universal.
Everything that lives will ultimately die. The bereavement that
ultimately follows is not a unique phenomenon it comes to all of us.
However when the loss is recent the experience seems new only to us.
It is then helpful to realize that since time began millions have lived
through the experience…and emerged victorious. However it is
important to remember that lessening of grief does not mean that
bereavement will cease to be.
Feelings of loss may always be will us…It is how we deal with the
feelings that determines the end result. I know this all to well.
My precious Molly was my shadow–my very best friend.
She was like a child to me. She was only eight years old when
the relentless disease that had stricken her in a matter of only hours
proved victorious after ten long days and nights.
However the thousands of dollars and endless days and nights
that I spent at the University Veterinary Clinic were not in vain.
Like many other pet owners there I took comfort in knowing that
I was doing all that I could to ensure my pet’s odds of survival.
As I surveyed that grim waiting room I began to realize how many
others there shared my fears. All of those vigilant
owners felt as I–stricken with helplessness and threatened with the
possibility of loosing a significant part of themselves.
When the inevitable was near Molly and I were escorted to a
private room to spend our last moments together.
As I held her fragile body in my arms for the last time and gazed
into her big chocolate-drop eyes the words stuck in my throat
“MaMa loves you Molly,” I whispered with tears streaming down
my cheeks “You are a good girl.”
Then with a few final desperate gasps she reluctantly surrendered
to the unrelenting disease. I continued to hold her for what seemed
like only seconds but in reality was hours.
She was gone and I had to let her go….
The emptiness and pain that I felt then and the void in my life now,
convinces me of the strength and depth of the human-animal bond.
Is the grief suffered from the death of a cherished pet as deep as that
from a beloved human’s?
Absolutely at least as much….For no human’s death
could ever leave such a hole in my heart…..
I Love You Molly,
MaMa
| Molly |