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A Dog’s (Cat’s) Last Will and Testament

I hear all to often as pet owners deal with the pain of the final moments of their pets’ lives, pet owners proclaim that they will never have another pet again.  Their beloved dogs and cats have become such a fabric of their home and everyday life, that losing them can be one of the most grief filled moments of their lives.  I know, I have been there myself many times.  But pet owners experience the end of life of a beloved pet and can be so overcome with grief that they will tell me that they will never adopt another again, for the pain of losing them is far too much.

While I can certainly understand why people would feel this way in the midst of their grief, let us try to take a look at this from two perspectives.  First, let us look at the side of the consequences when a loving, dedicated pet owner or pet owning family takes their loving home out of the pool for a final destination for an seemingly endless number of homeless dogs and cats.  I recently saw a post on Facebook called “A Dog’s Last Will and Testament.”  The author is listed as unknown everywhere I have seen this, but this short statement is so moving, it sums up my point better that anything I would write.  Substitute the word cat for dog, and it applies to any beloved feline just the same:

Before humans die, they write their last Will & Testament, give their home and all they have, to those they leave behind. If with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask…

To a poor and lonely stray I’d give:

 

-My happy home.

-My bowl and cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys.

-The lap, which I loved so much.

-The hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice which spoke my name.

 

I’d Will to the sad, scared shelter dog, the place I had in my

human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.

 

So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a

pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand.”

 

Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has

held no joy or hope and give MY place to HIM.

This is the only thing I can give…

The love I left behind.

The other important perspective to consider when making a such a proclamation is to take stock of one’s life and be realistic about endeavoring to save oneself the pain of future loss by sacrificing unconditional love and joy in the present.  Where does one draw the line?  Do we not nurture friendships because one day our friends may move away or die?  Do we not marry because one day we may have to endure the pain of divorce or death of a spouse one day?  Do we not have children because they will one day have to face the death of their parents, or because we fear what could happen to them in a dangerous and unpredictable world?

Living in fear of loss is not living at all.  While losing my beloved pets have been some of the lowest moments of my life, I would rather face the pain of loss than deny myself the many years of joy I spend with them in between.  No household nor family is complete without the sound of paws in the floor, the wonderful greeting one gets as one returns from work, the endless snuggle time on the couch, the unconditional love that means so much when the stresses of life rear their ugly head.

Our pets are one of the greatest blessings of humanity.  Do not deny yourself that blessing for fear of loss.

Dr. Roger Welton is the President of Maybeck Animal Hospital in West Melbourne, FL and founder/CEO of Web-DVM.net.

19 thoughts on “A Dog’s (Cat’s) Last Will and Testament

  1. Terry says:

    This made me cry. I am taken this as a sign.i am scheduled to see a resue dog today.

  2. Carolyn Keene says:

    Thank you for this

  3. Cathy McWilliams says:

    I said those very words not too long ago, but two weeks ago, with my heart in pieces at my feet, I said goodbye to my beloved fur-baby Morgan after 8 years of love and laughter and so many doggy kisses. Then yesterday, when I saw the face of a rescue Chihuahua mix, I felt the first signs of healing that broken heart. She & I decided it was destiny, so she came home with me yesterday, and now Morgan’s unconditional love will live on…

    • Dr. Roger says:

      Cathy,

      Thank you for sharing your story. I am very sorry for you loss. Your new Chihuahua will not replace Morgan, but find his own place in your heart nestled up right next to Morgan’s spot. Best of luck with your new fur baby…you may have rescued him, but I assure you, he will rescue you right back.

      Best regards,

      Dr. Roger

  4. Janet says:

    I lost my Emma less than a week ago to cancer. It was so sudden. We had been together for 12 years and I miss her so much. I had no plans on getting another pet any time soon. I already have 3 cats. Yesterday, a baby kitten was almost hit by a car and I jumped out and got her. Took her to the vet to have her checked out. She seems fine..will take her back in a few days. I feel guilty for keeping her so soon after the loss of Emma. She cannot replace my Emma, but she does help fill a space that seemed empty. I hope I am doing the right thing.

    • Dr. Roger says:

      You are absolutely doing the right thing. Animals do not come into our lives by chance…you were meant to save that kitty, just as she was meant to be your new companion. She will not replace Emma, but will fill a whole new space in your heart. Good luck and thank you for your heart felt comments.

      Dr. Roger

  5. Terri says:

    I lost my Nick about a week ago after 13 years. I feel like I could never let another fur friend so close. I hope one day I can have another one!!

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