Just a super-short post today: My family is mourning the sudden loss of my sister’s husband, Dean. Yes, this is the family with three noisy little dogs, who have been Otto’s go-to dog-sitters since they moved to my town about five years ago. Otto loved and is going to miss his time on the sofa with Dean, enjoying hours of TV-watching and distracted petting.
Our hearts break for Dean’s loss, but our grief is nothing compared to my sister’s. She and Dean were a match, 28 years married (no kids) and still passionate about each other.
While all three of her dogs are barky and I find two of them to be whiny and neurotic, always clinging to my sister’s skirts, at the moment, I am just so thankful for their clinginess. She needs all the love (and even the distraction of barking) that they have to offer right now. She reports that they are all very lost, looking for their Dad, and in their confusion, are spending all their time underfoot or, when in bed, under the covers with her. She can’t even roll over without moving their little bodies first; they all want to be touching her right now.
I never anticipated saying this, but at the moment I am grateful that they are so demanding. They BARK when they want food and BARK for play and BARK to go for a walk. These demands will help my sister get out of bed and get outside. I hope she will eat when she feeds them. That’s enough to expect for now.
I spent days at the hospital with Dean and was with him when he passed. When I got home, I needed (and a week later, continue to need) to spend long moments with my face buried in Otto’s grass-scented, scruffy mane, feeling his tail gently wagging. And when yet another kind comment on Dean’s death announcement online makes me start crying again, Woody always seems to notice and gets up to shove his nose under my elbow, insistent with concern.
I don’t know what any of us would do without dog love.
Dear Nancy,
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your family’s loss, and my heart breaks for your sister Pam. I wish I had words that would bring any comfort. I’m not sure words exist that could help in this situation. I hope you’ll all be there for each other, as your dogs will be for all of you. May Dean rest in peace and may time and memories ease your pain in the future.
Dear Nancy,
Like others have said, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved brother-in-law. I hope all these thoughtful comments help you and your sister along with the dogs who know just what to do.
This just heartbreaking, Nancy. Any loss is difficult but when it’s sudden and it’s someone you love’s soulmate, I imagine you feel helpless to really console her. What a true blessing that she has you and her three fur-babies to help get her through this awful time. And so glad that you have Otto and Woody. It’s uncanny how dogs are so connected with us that they just know when we need them during emotionally stressful times. So very true that life would be much harder at times like these without our four-legged friends. Prayers and healing vibes being sent to your sister and to you.
Dear Nancy, Condolences on this profound loss. May your sister, you and the rest of your family find comfort with your furry family. May they give you moments of joy to soothe you in the midst of your grief. Much love, Allee
Nancy. I am so sorry for you and your family of the loss of Dean. May Otto and all other fur babies give you and you sister the comfort and love that is needed at this time. May God be with you all at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss and for your sister and her fur babies. To loose a loved one is no fun. But I’m glad you have Otto and other love ones to get you through this rough time. I’m also glad your sister has her fur babies to help her through too.
May God be with yiu.
Dear Nancy, may you, your sister, and all who mourn Dean’s loss including all your precious dogs find comfort and peace that can only come from our Lord at times like this. The saying “dog is man’s best friend” is so true as we dog lovers can testify. Our Good Lord gave them to us. In the book of Genesis 2:7 God tells us that He breathed life into Adam. In Genesis 6:17 the animals that entered into the ark also had the breath of life. We who believe in Christ Jesus will certainly be reunited with them in Heaven. They are all playing with each other and waiting for us at the same time. When my loving 13 year old dog passed a few years ago, I sat crying and praying. God gave me a vision of my Toddy as a puppy romping happily in a gorgeous green field with trees. I was assured that she was happy and she will be with me once again as will all of my other faithful companions. God bless you all and peace be with you.
My heart aches for you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
I am so very sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you and your sister and your families.