body & soul
Saying Goodbye
art of the responsibility of the health and wellness of our pets is knowing when it is time to say goodbye. I wrote in the November issue about my lab Mollie and how Reiki helped with pain in her hips. Since initially using Reiki on her in September she has been like a new dog…until two days into the new year. I came home to find her struggling to walk. When she tried to lay down, it was even worse. After giving her pain meds for the first time in over 3 months and not seeing any relief, I knew the time had come.
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Because my dogs have cared for me through their love and attention when I am sick, injured, or feeling blue; I have always felt that my love for them includes being there with them for the transition from this life. It isn’t easy and I bawl my eyes out. But it is part of my own healing process to know I was there at the last. It also gives me the opportunity to help my other dogs through their loss. When I get home, I allow the other dogs to smell my clothes as long as they want to. By having the scent of their pack mate’s death on me, I believe it helps them to understand there is no returning for the one who just left. The process of grieving for a pet isn’t limited to the human members of the pack. Many times the other animal members of the family know that the end is near much sooner than we humans. For my little pack, Abby’s behavior changed over the past few days and, on the last 20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Jan Davidson, Elegant Hippy
day, she was paying more attention to Mollie…even laying with her on the cough (a huge change in behavior for her). By helping our surviving pets through their mourning process – whatever that might be – also helps us through ours. This process isn’t for everyone but it is what works for me and my dogs. We all still mourn together. It is never easy saying goodbye but it is a necessary part of having a pet. Remember, taking a holistic view of the care of our pets includes body, mind, and spirit. In memory of Mollie Fudge Face Brown, 20022013. Beloved companion, faithful friend. Jan Davidson is a certified natural products manufacturer, aromatherapist, holistic health consultant, and Reiki master. She is part owner of Elegant Hippy (www.eleganthippy.com).