No, It Was Not Just a Dog

Identity crisis after losing my dog

Mango (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) the globetrotter — picture by Niki Tisza

I lost my dog, Mango.

I was heartbroken.

She was not just a dog.

She was love.

Pet love is real love

Losing a pet is as painful as losing someone we love. I know because both happened to me. But,

• Why do I still feel embarrassed talking about the death of my beloved pet?
• Why does society treat losing a pet with a lack of empathy?
• Am I conditioned by society to carry on as if nothing happened?
• Why taking bereavement days after losing a pet isn’t acceptable?
• Why do I feel the need to justify and explain my pain to people?
• Why does society belittle loving & losing a pet?
• Why are there no support groups for people grieving pets?

I couldn’t just pretend her passing didn’t happen. I don’t care if people don’t understand my attachment to her. Because one thing I know about love is that love is irrational.

I cancelled events because I was grieving.

I wasn’t ready to mingle and show my usual cheerful self to people.