Chalupita from Castillo
May, 2023
By Liliana Castillo, Staff Reporter
Dogs have been an everyday part of humanity’s life for as long as we can recall. They provide us with so many things such as company on lonely days, entertainment for when we’re bored, and happy memories we cherish for a lifetime. Although there is a language barrier, dogs have been shown to fully understand a human’s intent, emotions, imbalances in our body and even certain words that allow us to communicate with each other!
However, this happiness does, in fact, not last for a lifetime. Dogs, along with many other common household pets, have a much shorter lifespan than humans. We will eventually have to say goodbye to the ones who care for us limitlessly. This factor is the one least talked about when it comes to pets because of its somber nature, and as a result, leaves many people unprepared for their inevitable death.
It’s never easy saying goodbye to our pets, especially when they have been a part of our lives for so long. When they leave, you start remembering the little things that made your pet unique, like how they would seek comfort during thunderstorms, cuddle up to you for an afternoon nap, or beg for scraps of food when cooking in the kitchen. Suddenly you start feeling empty as you return home and there’s no one to greet you at the door with their immense happiness, and it’s devastating, to say the least. You start feeling alone despite the number of people actually present, start feeling angry at people for no inherent reason, and start longing for your pet, like calling out their name, knowing there will be no response.
Top Left and Middle – Luna and Princess from Centeno, Bottom Left – Groot from Chalambaga, Top Right – Finch from Blanco, Bottom Right – Louie from Welin)
Still, these intense feelings will not last forever. You’ll continue to love your pet even after they have passed, but eventually, these feelings will simmer and you’ll realize they will eternally rest for as long as you live. You can be happy that you had the chance to meet them in this lifetime and cherish the memories you created together. Both of you enriched each other’s lives, and for pets, that’s more than enough.
One should realize that animals’ lives are much shorter, so spend time with them while you can. You might be tired but walk them anyway. Your pet might be on a diet, but give them that slice of sausage anyway. The couch might be dirty, but let them nap with you anyway. It’s the little moments that can make their entire day and love you even more.
In spite of the aftermath, one does not have to wallow in the sadness the death has brought upon them. Reflect back and realize it’s not the end of the world, but rather the beginning of a new life without pain. The feeling might be daunting at first, but remember to be thankful that although your pet is no longer here, you did everything you could, and that your pet passed knowing the love was mutual. You can take into account that they are no longer suffering, and whether you believe in the afterlife or not, it’s nice to think about the idea that “all pets go to heaven.”
Top Left and Right – Monroe and Spaghetti from Grey, Bottom Left and Right – Smokey and Otis from Strong
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