The touching poem "Owner, Dearest Friend" focuses on one of the saddest things in life: Saying goodbye to our pets.
As pet owners, we are blessed with some of the most genuine love in the world. We have great times with our pets and if we're lucky, we spend years with them in our lives. But then, at some point, we have to let them go. "Owner, Dearest Friend" touches on that final act of letting go, and the pain that pet owners are left with.
Truth is, we love our pets; They're family members. We care for them day in and day out, and we devote large parts of our lives to them. Our pets shape our lives in many ways, and when it's time for them to go, they leave big holes that are difficult to fill.
This video sets the poem, "Owner, Dearest Friend" by Vivienne Mathews, to music. Take a look (and get your tissues ready).
"Owner, Dearest Friend" Poem
Letting go of a pet is one of the most difficult things that we will ever have to do. When you have to say goodbye to your pet, it's important to allow yourself to grieve. You've lost a family member and an incredibly important part of your life. Expect that you will feel sad and that you'll miss your pet terribly. It's normal, and it's part of the grieving process.
It may help to find ways to memorialize and remember your pet. Consider planting a tree or bush in their honor. You may want to put some of their meaningful items, like a collar or favorite toy in a shadowbox. Maybe you can make a donation to a rescue or shelter in your pet's name. You might also want to find an artist who can make a drawing or painting from a photo of your pet.
Everyone grieves in different ways, and with time, you will find what works for you. If mourning your pet starts to take over your life or only gets worse, it's a good idea to see a grief counselor, who can give you additional advice on the grieving process and how to get through it.
Remember: one day you will feel better, and maybe you'll even be ready to get another pet again. You've given your pet an excellent life, and he or she is surely grateful for that.
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This article was originally published October 20, 2016.
