Losing a dog
Today marks the 5th year when I lost my buddy. After nearly 12 years of loyal love from my dog, her heart gave out. It was the hardest time in my life to watch her go from a healthy little ball of energy to making the decision to end her suffering when breathing became a serious issue for her. She was my companion when I was alone at times and the one who brought me joy to a hard day. This day will always be hard for me and not many people around me will understand.
I had no idea how difficult it would be to go through life without her. Those whom never experienced the love from a pet wouldn't understand. It's this constant loyal love that never changes. They depend on you for everything and it's worth the ups and downs of being an owner. Losing her at the start of the long pandemic was difficult, she would have been amazing support through that hard time.
I changed as a person these past few years and have become more introverted. I have gone through depression and mental health situations that the people around me wouldn't even care to ask how I'm doing. Someone from our Generation is supposed to just "toughin' up" and "deal with it", so I understand if no one bothered to check in on me. Everyone is going through their own thing and I understand that too. A dog helps some of us go through life easier than being alone. I'm sure those with pets living now in this horrible state of the world are in a better position than us without pets.
Every year on this day will be tough and though it gets easier to continue moving on each year, it will be a reminder of joy and sadness. One day I can see getting a new dog, but I'll let it happen naturally. I wanted to grieve for as long as I needed to and not be concerned what the people around me thought about it.
Shelby, I hope you're running around and happy up in heaven and one day we will reconnect once again.