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.
The loss of a loved one is so incredibly difficult. I am so very grateful for Brody as he helps me navigate this time of illness and loss in my own life. Much love and compassion to you and your family during this very difficult time. 🤗🤗
So sorry for your loss. You, your sister and all of your family are in my prayers.
So very sorry for your loss. I hope your sister is comforted by the time they had together and the love they shared.
Nancy, so dearly sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law Dean, loving condolences to you all.
As you are, I’m certain that her dogs will help your sister navigate her grief. So sorry for your family’s loss!
So very sorry for your loss. I pray that God gives your sister and your whole family the strength needed at this most difficult time. Dogs are the best companions in the best of times and the worst of times. Unsurpassed love, understanding and compassion. She is lucky to have three little loves and a caring family who share her pain and help her heal.
Nancy, so very sorry for your loss. Am glad your sister has you and her dogs to comfort her. Dogs are the greatest in life’s difficult situations large and small and surely support us as we support them.
I am praying for your sister and you and your family. So very sorry for your loss.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I don’t know what I’d do without the love and connection of our dogs. They have saved me in times of grief, and continue to do so, daily. My heart goes out to you and your sister.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother in law. Glad you and your sister have your dogs to help you get through this. Our dogs helped me and my daughter go through the loss of husband and father many years ago so I know they are a great comfort (and distraction) for your family.