I have very recently observed that there should be a period of bereavement allowed for those that lose a pet. Not just for work, but school as well.
This past Sunday, we lost our sweet little boy, Toby Jay. It was sudden, and we had to make the hardest decision to put him to rest. Toby was a not so lovable, mostly toothless, t-shirt wearing, 7 pound old man, also known as a Chihuahua. He came to us 2 years ago, when my mother-in-law was passing from cancer. She made my daughter (then 15) promise to take care of her babies, Dolly and Toby. Toby was mouthy, had lots of things to say, and honestly, didn’t like many people.
Except my family. We took them in, and he easily fell into a routine, liked getting dressed in the mornings, humored us when we bundled him in hats, scarves and leg warmers in the winter, costumes for the holidays [yes we did]. He eagerly greeted us when we walked in the room, wagging his tail in anticipation as to who was going to walk through the door, hoping it was “his girl”.
Toby fell in love with my daughter. He followed her everywhere. He protected her from boys he didn’t like. He slept with her, and looked forward to the days that she would lay in bed with him, him under the covers curled up as tight as he could next to her, while she watched TV. He grunted and growled when you took the covers off of him, I’ve never met a dog that loved blankets so much.
On Sunday, Toby had a ruptured muscle, and a hernia created by his intestines and colon. We immediately rushed him to the Animal Er where they took great care of our boy. The vet came in, and told us what we already knew in our heads, that this little body of his, along with his heart murmur, wouldn’t have great odds to survive a surgery, that mind you would cost about $3,000, in addition to staying in ICU for a few days.
Now we have to find a new normal. A new morning routine that is only one dog going outside, as Dolly turns to look to see where Toby is, and he never comes. Only feeding one dog, does Dolly get the whole can of food now? Who is going to lay on me under the covers when I’m sick? Who is going to wear the “Your Girlfriend Thinks I’m Cute” t-shirt? I have to cancel his groomers appointment, now it’s just for one.
I stayed home from work on Monday, thankfully schools were closed so my daughter was able to stay home. But today was no easier than yesterday. I went to get my things together for work, and pulled his t-shirt he was wearing out of my purse. Que the sobbing. My daughter hasn’t slept, he’s a snorer and she said its too quiet now. She woke up with swollen eyes, no school today for her. But on my way into work, still crying, knowing I was going to have to face my co-workers and live the pain all over. He was a family member, you don’t just get over that.
I know, just like other rules and regulations, people would take advantage. But I believe there should be a time that family should be allowed to take from work and school to help them with the mourning process of losing a family member. So, here’s to all the family members heaven has gained, and crossed over Rainbow Bridge, and the family that continues to go on without their beloved pets. Forever and Always, we love you.
My Journey to Wellness 