Grieving the Loss of My Beloved Dog Solomon

Solomon's Farewell

On January 15, 2017, I bid farewell to my beloved dog, Solomon, who had been a cherished member of our family for five years. Although his age and a heart condition had prepared us for his departure, the suddenness of his demise left me in a state of shock and disbelief.

The x-rays revealed a devastating truth: Solomon's lungs were riddled with cancer. His rapid decline over the next few days left Mike and me with no choice but to make the heart-wrenching decision for in-home euthanasia.

The Aftermath: A Void in Our Lives

Solomon's absence left an immeasurable void in our hearts. While I recognized our fortune in having shared his life for as long as we did, the emotional pain of his departure was overwhelming.

Friends and family expressed sympathy, but it felt inadequate to address the profound grief I was experiencing. The lack of a funeral or formal mourning ritual amplified the sense of isolation and stigmatization.

The Loneliness of Grief

My doctoral graduation, which was just a week away, had been eagerly anticipated, but now it seemed unbearable without Solomon by my side. My classmates' silence regarding his passing compounded my sorrow.

The pressure to move on and the judgment from those who deemed my grief excessive only intensified my feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Finding Solace in a New Companion

A year later, we welcomed Jitsu, a shy and nervous former stray, into our home. His unconditional love and companionship provided much-needed solace and helped me heal from Solomon's loss.

Breaking the Stigma

My experience highlights the need for cultural acceptance and normalization of grief over the loss of a beloved pet. Society needs to recognize the profound emotional impact of such a loss and provide support to those who are grieving.

Offering condolences beyond the initial days of bereavement, acknowledging the legitimacy of our emotions, and fostering open conversations about pet loss can help alleviate the stigma and loneliness associated with it.

Honoring Solomon's Memory

Solomon's life may have been short compared to ours, but the love and joy he brought into our home were immeasurable. While his physical presence is gone, his spirit remains forever etched in our hearts.

His passing has taught me the importance of cherishing every moment with our animal companions and recognizing the deep bond we share with them. Solomon's life and memory will continue to inspire me to be a better person and to show compassion and kindness to all living creatures.