In the film, The Year of the Dog, Molly Shannon delivers a courageous performance as, Peggy, who loses her beloved Beagle. In the process, she discovers that her love for animals is the strongest, most complete love she has in her life.
Many pet owners feel the same way about the deep bond they have with their dog, cat, bird, reptile or otherwise. In the movie, Peggy's life revolves around her dog. In the wake of her loss, she picks other companions that are all inadequate substitutes for "Pencil" including an aggressive German Shepherd who literally bites the hand that feeds him. Peggy's rush to fill her hole of grief leads to stealing from her boss, which eventually sets her life on a course back to her love for animals.
The movie is an imaginative and deeply touching story of how loss can throw our lives off center for a time, but eventually open our hearts to an even more meaningful experience of life. If you have lost a pet recently or know someone who has, here are few things to keep in mind in this emotional transition time.
There is no rule about time
Don't let anyone tell you how long you should grieve for a pet. People who have not experienced this type of loss may not understand how grieving a pet can be just as devastating and painful as losing a parent or good friend. Grief is an emotion with waves. You may feel you are "over it" one day and then find yourself crying the next. It's a process with its own timeline. Allow yourself the freedom to take all the time that you need, not what anyone else thinks is "appropriate."
Reach out to others affected by the loss
In Year of the Dog, Peggy has people around her, but no one truly connects with her inner heart. This compounds her sadness because she must walk it alone. It can be hard to reach out and ask for support from those around you, but it's crucial for your emotional health. If you live with a partner, children or other pets, the passing of an animal is a loss for the entire family. Children often have many questions. Answer their questions honestly and encourage them to talk about their feelings. A creative project such as writing the pet a poem or drawing a picture of a favorite memory can help the children, and you, honor this important part of the family.
If you have other pets, they will also grieve. Giving them extra attention can help you focus on the love that is present in your life.
Don't rush to get a new pet before you're ready
Peggy learned, painfully, that taking a new animal into your home should not be an impulsive action to avoid your feelings. The decision to get a new pet often seems like "proof" that you have moved on. Taking a new creature into your home and family too soon can be confusing. On one hand, you want to bond with the new pet, but at the same time you may feel disloyal to your old one.
Lastly, the love you had for your pet is still with you
Rejoice in knowing that it was your love that grew and that love is with you always. Knowing that you have the capacity to care for another animal in this universe will carry you to the next creature in your life. A psychic reading can give you peace around your loss and you can ask about what is next for your loving heart.
For Peggy, she chooses to follow her love of animals for the rest of her life. Loss is transformational and, though it's perhaps the most painful part of the human experience, it can lead to an expansion of consciousness and to the capacity to love even more.
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