09/07/2026
I often have a hard time posting. We’ve taken in two pets this morning with two very different scenarios. One was an older cat who lived a long life, and the other was a young adult dog who was lost unexpectedly.
Both families are grieving.
Each family will miss their beloved pet.
Over the weekend, pets were lost to similar situations, and their respective families are grieving their loss, however that loss happened.
When I woke up this morning, I was greeted by my 95 lb, 11 year old ball of fluff needing attention. She is getting older but still has a puppy-like demeanor. On mornings like this, she seems sad as she closes her eyes to soak in the muzzle scratches. On mornings like this, I do my best to give her all I can, because I realize that I have no idea how long I have left with her.
We are guaranteed to lose our pets at some time. Unfortunately, we cannot avoid this reality. It doesn’t matter if it’s a holiday or a mundane Tuesday evening. It’s going to happen at some point.
I know that, like the families I met with this morning, I, too, will grieve the loss of my pets. It will hurt. I will cry. I will wonder what I could have done differently to have just one more week, one more day. But I will gladly accept the grief to have the memories of 11+ years of unconditional love.
Hug your pets. Grieve their loss when it is time, but always remember the happiness you gave each other during their lives and realize that it was worth the sadness that you feel now.
To all the families who have felt this loss, especially the two this morning, please know that we, too, have felt a little of what you’re feeling as we have lost pets recently and we share in your grief.
Please do not hesitate to reach out when you need us, holiday or not. We’re here for you.
Pictured is my big fluffball, Xena.