This week, we’re looking at something that some trivialise: the loss of a pet. Several commentators on Geeks Vs Loneliness last December mentioned how hard the loss of a pet had struck them, including myself. We lost our beautiful old mutt early December. Sally, a collie cross mix-up of brains, brawn and willful determination, came into our lives in 2003, a former stray, skinny, wary of strangers and an instant lover of fish and chips. Sally knew she was home the moment she stepped over the back thresh into the kitchen. We knew she was home. And her being there made a couple a family. She became entwined in every facet of our world – our work, study and play all revolving around her wellbeing and happiness. Routines were established, and she loved us with a gentle unwavering regard that seemed to grow year on year, until a world without her became unthinkable. We are not alone in how we feel. I know there are others of you reading this who have their own Sallys, their own losses to deal with. There is no shame in grieving for a pet – let us celebrate them instead. Remember their quirky ways, the little white socks on their paws. Their ability to give comfort and companionship at the loneliest of times. Sue Perkins summed up the unequivocal love of a pet beautifully in her letter to her dog Pickles (you will need tissues if you read the full letter): It’s that love I hold onto as I walk through an empty house without her. The chair in my study where she would sit glowering at my back while I worked is now devoid of purpose. I can’t look at it. Sally wasn’t human. She was a demanding diva of a dog. But she was stitched into the fabric of our existence. When she died that fabric became torn: a little more fragile. Time will help to mend the rip but for now – to paraphrase Neil Gaiman on losing his dog Cabal – I’m so glad I knew her. I’m so glad we found each other. I wish dogs lived longer. There are support services out there for those struggling to cope with the loss of a pet. The Blue Cross charity have a bereavement support service you can contact in the UK on 0800 096 6606 or you can leave an online memorial to your pet on their website. Living with Pet Bereavement offers online guidance both pre and post losing your pet. Or you can always comment below. And thanks so much for reading.
