I just finished reading, Going Home: Finding Peace When A Pet Dies. It is a profound and much needed book. As I read the first few pages, I found myself feeling peace about pets that I have lost in the past. As Jon talks about in the book, there is much guilt in when our pet dies, or when we have to make that very hard decision of helping them go.
Watching and listening to this book trailer makes me cry each and every time. The pain can still feel so fresh of those pets I loved so dearly and are now gone, and those that will eventually move on… but at the same time it makes me feel good. Good to know I loved so deeply and was lucky enough to have such special animals in my life.
I especially love this passage in the book: “Pain defines love, gives it meaning. Without pain, love is nothing. Grieving hurts, but it cleanses and purifies us and brushes against our souls. It whispers to us that we received the great gift of unconditional love, and that does not ever die.”
In the video when Jon says, “We were never meant to share all of your life, but instead mark it’s passages” I find myself smiling. My dogs have so marked the passages of time for me… and with each dog, I find myself enjoying life even more because each one has taught me some amazing lessons.
Cassie Jo who passed away in 2005 helped me live with more meaning and joy.
Jon also says this about dogs, “I supported your life, was your witness, and your testiment.” How lucky we human beings are to have these creatures do all of this for us… no judgement… just pure love. It is no wonder we grieve them so deeply.
Even though I shed many tears reading this book, I’m so glad I read it. And I’m even more glad that I love animals as deeply as I do… how different and flat my life would be if I didn’t. I shudder to even think of that. So when the pain comes again when I have to say goodbye I’ll try hard to remember all that Jon shares in this book… but if I don’t remember, I’ll remind myself that I am human and it is good to grieve. It is nothing to be ashamed of. I think if we can find the courage to openly share that grief, it will pave the way for others to do so also.