Losing a pet feels just like losing family. As I see it, pets are family too. They have their own personalities, they bring us joy and happiness, they chew or scratch on things that they shouldn’t, but we still love them anyway.
Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of my dog’s death. His name was Max and on June 14, 2021; he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He was a short-haired, Red, Dachshund. It is hard to believe that he is gone, and it still hurts. Max was a senior dog and he developed health problems as he got older.
People say that he was just an animal. Well, anyone who has lost a dog, cat or other pet knows different. He was more than just an animal he was family. Max brought me many years of happiness and companionship. He made me smile and laugh. At times, he was messy and I would get upset, but I would take care of him all over again!
Max used to dance with me. When he was younger, he would lay on his back and wait for his belly to be rubbed. That was one of his favorite things. He also liked to “kill” the squeaker out of his toys. It would take him under 10 minutes to get the squeaker out of his toys. He loved that and I enjoyed watching him. He was so intense. Max also loved to snuggle under his blankets.
Dachshunds are small dogs but they are brave. Max was never afraid of dogs that were 2-3 times his size. He was a great protector too. He protected his people and his home. Also, if you know about his breed of dog, they are very vocal. Dachshunds will make themselves known and if anyone walked up to the door, they knew he was there. His bark sounded like he was a big dog and people would be surprised to see that he was so little.
Max and His Extended Family
Max also had neighbors, Mister and Celie; they were Dachshunds too. The three of them would talk to each other by the fence in the backyard. Max would go over to the fence looking for either Mister or Celie. Sadly, they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge too. I understand what their family is feeling during this time of loss. Listen to them during one of their “talks” at the fence.
Saying Goodbye
It is very hard to say goodbye to the fur babies in our lives. They enrich our lives in so many ways. We also help them and make their lives better too. Max is definitely missed but I know that he is no longer in pain. I focus on all the good times we had together to get over him not being here.
6 replies on “Losing a Pet is Losing Family”
You’re going to make me cry. Max was a good boy, gave us so many happy memories and will always be with us.
Yes, Max was a good boy! He will always be in our hearts! He loved you just as much as you loved him! Thank you, Nicole!
I ve only know Max for 2 years and change and he will always have a place in my heart. I Will miss the afternoon walks we had and him sleeping on my side of the room when he felt something was wrong with me RIP Max and great blog on Max Onika
Yes, he can tell when something was wrong and he would stay close to you. He loved those afternoon walks and he loved you too. Thank you, Louis!
My deepest sentiment. In my early days our family were pet lovers. I understand what it feels like to loose a family pet. Max will always be in our hearts.
Thank you, Sandy! In my younger years I wasn’t really a pet person, but I am now.