Our beloved German Shepherd, ‘Kia’, and my inspiration and motivation for working with dogs passed away suddenly this week.

 

My grief is a very personal thing, but what I wanted to share was the gratitude I have for such a beautiful soul sharing her life with us and for being my constant companion through life’s ups and downs over the last 13 plus years.

As I write this, I have just received an e-mail from a lady I met at a ‘Dogs Day Out’ event recently.  Her beloved dog was put to sleep yesterday and she says no more dogs anymore as it hurts too much when you lose them.

What I feel and what I shared with her through my own pain and grief was that despite the great pain of losing our companion, the years of love and joy they give us makes it so worth it every time.

My beautiful Kia has been one of my greatest teachers throughout my life. She showed me what it was to love unconditionally and ask for nothing in return, an act rarely seen in humans.

She was always there when I was down and needed an ear, and always lifted my spirits and brought immense joy into my life and my family’s.

Our dogs I believe help show us how to enjoy life in the moment, and embrace each encounter with fresh eyes and openness to all possibilities.

They can help bring a family together when life and stress causes a fracture, they help heal our wounds mentally and physically, and a life spent with dogs can only make it a better life.

All I can offer is to say please make the most of every day you have with your special companion in your life and give them all the time and love you can, then when that day comes where you have to part, there can’t be any regrets or guilt. Just a lifetime of beautiful memories and a deep sense of gratitude for what you shared together.

Mimi, my partner, came across this short piece about losing these beautiful souls.

I hope it helps you make your bond with your dog stronger and for those who are where I am today having just lost a special soul, it may give some comfort.

Saying goodbye to Kia has given me greater inspiration and motivation to help more dogs live a happier, healthier life through my work at ‘Both Ends of the Lead’ and a tribute to the most special dog I have ever known.

 

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the milk
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.
“It’s possible for me to be so near you every day
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled; I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
And say “good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out… then come home to be with me.

 ~Author Unknown~