Harley's Mission: Coping with the loss of a FRIEND

The relationship between us and our non-human companion signifies a profound and dynamic bond that many people may not understand. For many of us, we do not want to even consider the possible loss of such a dear friend. However, it's important to discuss this topic because it illustrates the validity of these relationships and their importance to our family and everyday lives.

There is a very special bond between humans and animals. A bond that is pure, honest and free from politics and prejudices. Humans and animals do not share the same language, ways of learning or rules and therefore it is complicated to communicate. However when we do finally understand each other it truly is beautiful.

To many of us our canine companions are more than just a dog, but they are our best friends, our children, our brother/sister or our everything. Our companion walks with us through life, each day, as we purposively take care of their every need with love and responsibility. Our late Max was just that, he was my best friend and was a profound cornerstone to my childhood and adulthood. It is challenging for us to face the loss of such a beloved companion and friend, but this loss necessitates a conversation about friendship, loss and grief.

When our beloved Max was dying, we were lucky enough to have a vet that was experienced and compassionate and who guided our preceding closure with Max. There is a lot of information on dealing with this topic and the grieving process.

When it was time for us to say good-bye to Max, there were no questions or doubt that this was not the best decision for him and for us. Afterwards, I was incredibly heartbroken, sad and cried endlessly. There will always be an empty space in my heart for Max. Although it was so difficult, we felt that we must get another dog. Many people believe if you get a dog after your former dog passes, you are "replacing" them. But for us, Max could NEVER be replaced, but we needed a dog in our lives to make us feel whole - with or without Max. If Max could have talked or understood I know that he would have wanted to us to adopt another dog to carry on his legacy by adopting another one again and again. With that being said we adopted Harley two weeks after Max's passing. It was fate.

Although it is always a personal decision about whether you and your family feel you are ready to adopt another dog, there is an additional component to this conversation. It is our responsibility as human beings to care for animals (dictated by religion, spirituality, faith or whatever you believe in). MILLIONS of dogs [and cats] are killed across the nation [and world] due to overpopulation and therefore it is our responsibility to adopt or rescue a dog for the betterment of "canine-kind" and society. These are two ruling factors that governed our decision on when it was acceptable to adopt after Max's passing. Of course this is always a personal decision and must be the right time and right place to extend one's family and heart.

10 TIPS ON COPING WITH PET LOSS
Points to consider when assessing your pet's quality of life:

1. Pain or serious discomfort when walking or moving

2. Drastic loss of appetite

3. Difficulty in breathing

4. Incontinence or other serious problems with urination or defecation

5. Capacity to see and hear properly

6. Unresponsive, unmanageable or dangerous behavior

This posting is dedicated to dearest Brittany. A special girl who always knew what her mother was thinking and had a lifelong friendship with her sister. Brittany will always be in our heart.