National Pet Memorial Day: Love Never Leaves

Today is National Pet Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember the beloved animals who once shared our homes, our lives, and our hearts.

For those of us who have loved an animal deeply, we know they are never “just pets.” They are family. They greet us when we come home, comfort us when we are sad, make us laugh when we need it most, and somehow seem to understand feelings we have never spoken aloud. They ask for remarkably little in return, yet give us a lifetime of unconditional love.

Today, I remember all the dogs who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, especially my own babies: Teddy, Brandy, Candy, and our little leader of the pack, Mr. Scrappy.

Each was different. Each had a personality all their own. Each occupied a special place in our family. And each left footprints on my heart that time will never erase.

My beautiful Teddy was my soul dog. Losing him far too soon taught me just how enormous the absence of one beloved dog can become. But Teddy also reminded me of something else. The depth of our grief is connected to the depth of the love we were fortunate enough to experience. I would never trade that love to avoid the pain of saying goodbye. Brandy, Candy, and Mr. Scrappy were part of other chapters in our family’s life, and looking at their photographs brings those chapters rushing back. I can see their faces and remember their personalities. I remember the happiness, companionship, silliness, loyalty, and love they brought into our home.

And I know that millions of other people are remembering their own beloved companions today. Different names. Different faces. Different stories. But the same extraordinary bond.

So today I honor Teddy, Brandy, Candy, Mr. Scrappy, and every cherished animal who is no longer physically beside the person who loved them.

They may leave our arms, but they never really leave our lives. They remain in photographs, stories, memories, and sometimes in the smallest moments when something suddenly makes us think of them again.

Most of all, they remain in our hearts.

 

Until we meet again, my babies. You were loved then. You are loved now. And you will be loved forever.