One of the worst things you will ever have to do in your life is say goodbye to your beloved pet. If you’ve had pets before, you know what I am talking about. In Sept. 2007, when Rocky, our beloved golden retriever and inspiration for my business had just turned nine years old, he suddenly became ill and was diagnosed with spleen cancer. Although it had probably been developing for some time, the symptoms came on very suddenly. Immediately after the diagnosis and learning he had only a couple of days left to live, we chose to end his pain and suffering that day by putting him down. While no one can ever be prepared, we were shocked at what seemed like a sudden onset, and were completely devastated over losing him.

A caring friend recommended a book for me to read to try to help me overcome the grief I was experiencing. I don’t remember the name of the book now, but the one thing I remember in particular that the book recommended was to keep a journal beginning with the day your dog passes away. I did that. I wrote every day to Rocky for a month or so. In the beginning, I cried uncontrollably as I wrote each entry, but as some time passed, I cried less often. Finally, as time healed the huge hole in my heart, I stopped writing the journal altogether.

As of the writing of this blog article, it’s been almost 4 years since Rocky passed away. We’re now blessed to share our lives with Rocky’s nephew Yankee, a spunky, loving 3 year old. I still think of Rocky often; although now, it’s not with sadness as much as it’s with joy in celebrating his life and what he brought to mine. Just recently as I was cleaning out some files on my computer, I ran across the journal tribute I wrote to Rocky. I haven’t read it since I wrote it, because it was always too painful, but I did that day. The tears streamed down my face as I read and reflected on our life with such a special being. I’m so grateful that I took the book’s advice and wrote the journal. Writing it helped me tremendously as I worked to overcome the loss I felt with his passing. Looking at it today as time has passed, I treasure the journal and will keep it always as a remembrance of our special boy.

Dealing with the loss of a pet is different for everyone, but after reading and cherishing the journal I wrote over three years ago, I encourage everyone who faces the loss of anyone beloved to do the same thing. If you do, I hope it helps and is as much of a gift to you as it is to me.

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Rocky's Retreat | 2826 Shader Rd. Orlando FL 32808 | info@rockysretreat.com | (407) 295-3888