Loss and Saying Goodbye to My Pet and Friend (Thumper)

Thumper was a loyal and good dog!

It is never easy to lose someone or a pet that you love. It’s a sad aspect of life that when we become close to another living being, it eventually comes to an end. In the back of our minds, we all know that we’re mortal and that time is limited; however, we approach each day as if that’s not the case. We like to think that things will go on forever. However, the reality is that all things are finite, including relationships. My dog, Thumper, passed away today.

The gift of spending time with another individual or a pet is, in fact, just that— a gift. It’s comforting to know that there are people or animals to help smooth out the bumps in our journey. The wonderful thing about pets, unlike humans, is that their love is unconditional. I know that some skeptics out there don’t believe pets are capable of love. I disagree with them. Over the years, I have formed connections with my dogs that can only be explained by love.

Everything in life has a beginning, middle, and end. We know that. Occasionally, we lose sight of this fact as we labor through our work and our responsibilities. We can take others for granted. We assume that because they’ve always been there, they will still always be there. Ultimately, we find out that it is not the case. I try to live my life with as few regrets as possible. I’m not always successful. I’m sure there are many dog owners in life that I’d like to have as friends, if given the opportunity. What’s most important to me is the strength of the connections I form with other people and my dogs. Sometimes, I think I am better at the dog part.

I lost a dear friend this morning. Thumper entered my life at a time when I needed him the most. We rescued each other. Little did I know how much of an impact that small, proud, overly handsome, sometimes aloof, but always hungry dog would have on my life. I felt like I was always under his gaze. He always wanted to know what I was doing and how I was doing it. He was on the constant lookout for any opportunity to solicit and receive my affection. Sadly, those opportunities no longer exist. Today, I wish I had petted and loved him more.

I know that there are many of you out there who aren’t interested in having pets. I respect that. Pets are a big responsibility. Like children, you shouldn’t have pets unless you are willing to make the necessary sacrifices and do the work. But we all strive to have loving, supportive, and meaningful relationships in our lives. Love is an incredibly unique and specific thing. Cherish it when it happens.

I hope your loved ones, including pets, get the love, respect, and attention they deserve. We never know when we’ll have the opportunity to welcome another meaningful relationship into our lives. I rescued my dog, Thumper, ten years ago from a shelter where he had been for almost a year. When I picked him up, the staff stood in line and clapped as we left. I will never forget that. I will also never forget the countless times he lay at my feet when I had a difficult day or when I wasn’t feeling well. It was evident that he just wanted to make sure I was okay. I hope you have that in your life. And, more importantly, I hope you appreciate it when you have it.

Loss is a powerful thing. Everyone in our life will leave us at some point until we make the final act of departure ourselves. We experience life moment by moment. It’s the small interactions. It’s the small gestures of love and kindness that make the difference. I will be forever grateful for the time I spent with Thumper. I do not doubt that his loyalty, attention, and affection made me a better person. I also do not doubt that his reaction to me during a period of transition in my own life was something I sorely needed and was a divine blessing from above. All we have left when someone or a pet leaves our lives are our memories. Please do your best to cherish the experiences here and now, so when the time comes, you can reflect without regrets and with gratitude for the gift you’ve received.

I wish you strong, supportive, and loving relationships in your life. I also wish you the wisdom to understand when and where they happen. Don’t take loyalty, love, or friendship for granted when you find it. It is one of the special treasures in this world. And, it should be treated as such. 

I hope you get to experience your own Thumper in life.

Related Article:

• 5 Proven Tips for Coping When Your Dog Dies (hound101.com)
• Coping with Losing A Pet (helpguide.org)
• Why Losing A Pet Hurts So Much (psychologytoday.com)
• End of Life Care for Pets (bettertpet.com)