Pets give the gift of unconditional love
It’s said that pets come into our lives to teach us about love. The unconditional, undying kind of love. We open our homes and hearts to them and they become cherished members of our families. They show us the wonder that comes from making a loving connection to another living being — the greatest gift one soul can give another. For a brief time on this Earth, we have a loyal friend who never doubts or judges us ... a caring, devoted spirit who delights in pleasing us … a faithful soul who never wants to leave us.
But leave us they must, and when they do, it’s devastating, even though we know in our minds that their passing is inevitable. Even though we know in our hearts that their time is short, we need to find the courage and strength to let them go, out of kindness and love. The pain of saying goodbye cuts deep, but it’s an inescapable part of loving. And while the joy they brought has vanished, the love they gave us never dies; it becomes a part of us forever.
We need to give ourselves time to mourn the loss of our precious pets. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, no set time. Some of us are afraid that opening our hearts to another pet means that eventually, we’ll experience immense sorrow again. But the greatest honour we can pay to our deceased pets is to reach out to another animal in need of a good home and let the gift of love they brought us live on.
Maureena Brussard shared a story with me about the gift of undying love she received from her dog Kobi. Adopted as a puppy, Kobi quickly became her best friend and constant sidekick. Hiking through woods, barking at waves and non-stop cuddling were on Kobi’s list of favourite things. After 15 years together, Brussard noticed that Kobi was getting weak and was in pain. One day, she couldn’t get up. Brussard knew then it was time to help
Kobi cross the rainbow bridge.
“It was the most difficult decision I ever made in my life, but it was the right one,” said Brussard.
“Kobi was my baby. I was devastated and depressed from losing her. I felt an incredible weight when I came home to an empty house each day.” Her good friend Helen was a blessing since she understood everything Brussard was feeling, having lost beloved pets herself.
Brussard knew that someday, she would adopt a dog again. “I didn’t set a time limit for myself; my heart would tell me when the time was right.” In June, she saw a photo of an adorable, adoptable dog named Kaia from the Nova Scotia SPCA. “The minute I met Kaia, I knew we were meant for each other. I needed her as much as she needed me,” said Brussard. Kaia has gifted Brussard with companionship, comfort and unconditional love just as Kobi did. “I’m sure my little angel Kobi sent Kaia to me. I miss her every day, but Kobi will forever be in my heart and I’ll carry her with me always.”