Losing a Dog

In May I lost my wonderful Black Labrador 'Baggy'. He was the first dog that I had from an eight week old puppy apart from the various dogs we had in our family when I was growing up. For such a long time, the house seemed much quieter, not just in sound, but in spirit. Baggy, with his wagging tail and soulful eyes, filled every corner of our lives with joy, mischief, and warmth. His absence felt like a shadow cast over everything where familiar routines now feel empty, walks feel pointless, and silence has a heaviness I never noticed before.

Grief doesn't feel "small" just because he is a dog. In fact, it feels enormous. He was my constant companion through the last 11.5 years of highs and lows. He sensed my sadness before I could speak it and celebrated my happiness as if it were his own. I still hear phantom paws on the floor, as I finish a meal when he would saunter into the kitchen for any plates to “prewash.” I still reach for his lead, still expect to see him waiting by the door even if I have only been out for just 20 minutes! His bowl is empty, but my heart is full of memories, of love, and of a pain that only a deep connection can leave behind.

Some people say, "he was just a dog", but he wasn’t just a dog. He was my, confidante and a member of our family. The pain is easing because life continues, and time is as they say, “a good healer.” So, whilst Baggy is no longer walking by my side, he is forever in my heart.

I am starting to find joy again, and in time there will be a new addition to the fur family, but for now, thank you for all your messages, cards and gifts. I have found these very comforting, and my heart goes out to anyone in a similar situation.