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.
sorry for your families loss and bless the dogs foe knowing what is needed
So very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your sister.
I am so sorry for your sister’s loss of her husband, your loss of a friend and Otto’s loss of a loving companion. My 2 pups know when I’m feeling sad or hurt and they cling tight. It doesn’t take away the grief and sadness, but it does help so much.
Nancy- my sincere condolences to your family- May Dean’s love and smiles forever hold a place in your heart.
So sad for your loss; but glad you have the wonderful pups to help your sister and your family go through the days ahead. Sending thoughts and prayers.
There Is nothing to compare with the love and comfort of our dear dogs in time of loss. When my husband died, I am certain that I would never gotten out of bed if not for them. They have sustained and comforted me through much grief and loss.
You are so right about your sister having her dog pack to help her through this terrible time. My husband died rather suddenly close to 2 years ago after 49 years together. We also had no kids and only our dog. As expected, I was devastated and somewhat lost but if I hadn’t had my dog Brix by my side, I would have been a basket case. After everyone left, she was all I had and was crucial in keeping me moving and sane. She still is my number one go to and I worry about her well-being and the what if’s when she will eventually leave me (she is 7 years old with some knee problems that I am dealing with) I hope for many more years with her. For the time being, I just appreciate that I have her around and am grateful for her presence and and constant companionship.
I’m so sorry for you an d your sisters lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our dogs truly know our souls and feel our loss, just as we know and feel theirs.
No one better to help us through such hard times and hopefully better times to come.
A big supportive hug to you and your family, furry ones included.
I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words that would offer you comfort right now so I’m not going to try. They say time heals. From my own experience I would tell you that the pain never goes away but time allows you to find coping mechanisms which help you move forward with your loved one in your heart and memory bank. God bless you and your family as you face the difficult days ahead 💔