Grief is the price we pay for love

Goodbyes are always the last thing we want to think about. However, death is an unavoidable fact of life and our pets’ lives are often much shorter than we would like. In the case of my beloved Booni, 13 years of life was already a record-breaking feat, yet it wasn’t nearly enough when he eventually passed.

As comedian and fellow rabbit parent Amy Sedaris once said, “Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it.” Please note that the subtle shade rings true – it’s funny that it’s the reality for many humans caring for animals, and it makes me smile.

I myself am grieving as I write this: It’s only been about two weeks since Booni left for the Rainbow Bridge. I know that while grief differs from person to person, the things I am about to share here might help anyone coping with the death of an animal companion.

Write a tribute. Plant a tree. Commission an artwork.

I was lucky because Booni changed my life to the point that I became a pet photographer in the process of loving him. What’s been keeping me sane these days is archiving his pictures properly and preparing a cloud backup.

Every picture or video, even those on your mobile phone, can remind you of all the good times you’ve spent together. It brings you back to a space of joy during the grieving process as you find yourself overcome by sheer cuteness. Being grateful for these memories acts as a soothing balm.

Booni expanded the size of my heart so much that I now have 16 cats to care for. If you have other living companion animals, maintain your routines with them as they may also be experiencing loss. They may even get affected by your sorrow.

Our routines allow us to have structure and a sense of normalcy. While the first few weeks may be hard and painful at times, the discomfort will eventually go away bit by bit. Continuing to give love will be beneficial for both you and your beloved animals.

And if you are thinking about adopting another animal, do not rush into it. No new companion can replace the one you lost. When your heart is ready, you will know. And when you finally are, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue organization to find your new best friend.

Perhaps the bulk of our grief stems from the regret that they will no longer be a part of our future – that life will not be the same without them.

I like to think that we inherit an animal companion’s resilience when they pass, that we somehow become endowed with greater appreciation for life. Just like Helen Keller said, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

I will carry Booni’s legacy of love in my heart through infinity. He will always be with me, and that is a fact I will treasure wholeheartedly for the rest of my life.

Booni was my muse. He basically taught me pet photography.

His favorite vet remarked that he was big for his size and blessed with great health.

Booni was very sociable and enjoyed spending time with us.

He became the baby of the family, and he became the glue that held us together via photoshoots and get-togethers.

I am comforted by the thought that he gets to play constantly now and is far from the pain of being mortal.

I hope the cabin at the Rainbow Bridge is furnished with the biggest bed with sheets of the highest thread count, and that the temperature is always perfect for cuddling.