Grief

Animals bring us a significant amount of love, laughter and compassion throughout their lives. They provide companionship, responsibility and a forever friend but it’s not always easy.

When I was three years old, I was determined to become a veterinarian. I was in awe at the power of animals and I knew I wanted nothing more than to help. For most of my childhood I was on the road to become a vet, until I found out I can’t deal with blood or math. So my career path took a different turn but regardless I knew animals would play a huge role in my life.

At four years old, I got my first pet. A cat named Spooky. Spooky was the love of my life, he was a grey tabby cat and he was playful, trouble making and mischievous. He and I had a true love-hate relationship and he would turn on me instantly, but as we both grew older he became more and more loving. One week ago I was faced with the incredibly difficult decision to put my beloved cat down. He was now 19 years old and had lived a magnificent life, but the decision wasn’t an easy one. His health took a turn for the worst last week and his quality of life plummeted. It was time.

Animals give so much throughout their short life, and as humans we often wonder why they have to die so young. It doesn’t seem fair. I’ve battled with many thoughts during this last week, similar to the feelings I was faced with when my dog Sahara passed away in 2015. Grief is a funny thing, you are often left confused, sad and a little bitter. Losing Spooky was incredibly challenging, more so than I ever would have thought. But at the end of the day, I’ve been left with a full heart from his love, a box of pictures and memories that will last a lifetime.

Lesson of the Week: Animals give us so much love throughout their short lives, take time to appreciate every single day with them. Take lots of pictures and remember to laugh when things are hard, it won’t last forever. So live each day with a heart full of love, appreciation and gratitude and keep your camera close by, for the little moments that come your way.

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