Cavapoos can make your grief better: (1) by giving you something to live for; (2) by keeping you busy; (3) by protecting you from danger; (4) by providing entertainment to you; (5) by providing company for you; and (6) by connecting you socially through Cavapoo groups on social media.
The adage that “Dogs are man’s best friend,” is a powerful and true statement.
Cavapoos are known for their loyalty to their owners.
They stick to their humans like glue. While this is correct in everyday life, it’s even more true when you’re warring with grief.
Grief is a part of life and, if you’re not careful, you can let it choke out your life.
I’m sure you’ve heard about Elisabeth Kubler Ross’ five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
When death intrudes your home, you’ll experience some or all of the five stages (but not necessarily in the above order).
Some may become angry before they deny that their family member has died. Others may place the step of bargaining first. So, there’s no hard and fast rule that any of these stages must occur in order.
But, if there was something that you could do to lighten your load of grief, wouldn’t you want to do it?
Well, that “something” is a Cavapoo.
Cavapoos are that breed of dog resulting from the union of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
They’re a designer dog with so many admirable qualities-one of which is loving their owner and staying by his side through thick and thin.
I did a Facebook survey and asked the question “In what ways has your Cavapoo helped you to adjust after the passing of a loved one?”
Now, keep in mind that “a loved one” can cover a broad territory ranging from a pet to a family member.
Here are some responses from participants in that survey. Note: Names are withheld for privacy issues. Only comments are given.
Comments From Facebook Survey
“I lost my first dog last June 6th (a bichon/pom mix) and a good friend of mine 2 weeks later. Got my Chloe 3 weeks later. She helped my grieving very much!”
“I just lost my dad less than a week after getting Pippin. In fact, the last thing we talked about was her. I sent him pictures of her. She has helped me so much through this process whether it’s keeping me busy, keep me company, making me laugh from being silly, and snuggling as much as possible. I plan to have her trained as an emotional support/therapy dog and bring her to work with me! I’m a school social worker and feel she would bring so much joy and comfort to my students and also my staff.”
“I had just lost my husband to brain cancer after being his sole caregiver for 9 months. I didn’t want to get out of bed, I was suicidal, I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I was a mess. My Cavapoo made me smile, laugh, and a reason to get up in the morning. She’s been a miracle to me. I wouldn’t be here without her.”
“I specifically got Penny so I would have a reason to get up in the morning. It was 3 weeks after my husband died from Alzheimer’s. Best decision ever!”
“My dog loves to be held and snuggled. It helped me during that first week of losing my mom.”
“Well, he’s kept me so busy that there’s not a lot of room for thinking and dwelling. But the biggest thing I think is that he’s kept me consistently outside. Fresh air and being in nature is a great medicine for me-I’ve found it’s made a significant difference to my mental health.”
“After my sister passed, I was just sad and really didn’t find much joy anymore. I lived with my sister and her husband at the time. After I moved out of their house, I got my boy. He is the joy I was missing. Now I share him with my brother-in-law. He brings both of us so much joy. We both have a lot of love for our little guy.”
“I lost my mom in 2020, my dad in 2021, and I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2022. Needless to say, it’s been a rough few years. At the time of getting our first Cavapoo we had my dad’s senior greyhound with us, whom I loved, but he would always’ be my dad’s dog. I told my husband that I wanted a puppy to try and perk up the greyhound (his sister died earlier that year) and to make it easier on my teenage daughters when he passed. Turns out I was the one who didn’t know how much I needed my Maverick, and later little Oaklee. They have brought so much joy and laughter back to my soul. And strangely enough, purpose too. My love language is acts of service and as my husband said, “all that love that I used to put towards my parents needed to go somewhere” and these pups have filled that need. Their quirky personalities and unconditional love have stretched my heart, so the void doesn’t seem so large. I often find myself thinking how much my mom would have loved them, or how my dad would probably laugh at me and call me a crazy dog lady, and I feel closer to them. And when I’m having a rough day, whether it’s a physical or emotional one, these 2 raise my spirits and give me another reason to push through it. Never did I think I needed dogs in my life until I had these two and now I can’t imagine life without them.”
There’s no doubt that Cavapoos are the medicine you need when grief tries to rob you of the happiness and joy of living.
These comments from real people prove this to be true!
But what can Cavapoos offer you when you’re grief stricken?
How can they make life better for you?
They’ll Give You Something to Live For!
When someone you love dies, your world is turned upside down.
It doesn’t matter whether your loss is a pet, a spouse, child, brother or sister, or any family member.
Life comes screeching to a halt.
The meaning of life becomes cloudy and vague.
But introducing a Cavapoo into your grief-wrapped life can be a great help.
While you’ll never get over the loss of a loved one, welcoming a Cavapoo into your life will resuscitate your spirit.
Cavapoos are the epitome of life!
They zoom around the house, jump into your lap, invite you to play with them, snuggle up to you, and then go to sleep in your lap.
They remind you that you have something to live for!
Your life is back!
They’ll Keep You Busy!
Unlike rescue dogs that may be adopted at an older age, Cavapoos generally enter a home as a puppy around 10 weeks old.
And being a puppy, there are many things that you must do for him such as: training him to be housebroken; teaching him to sleep in a crate; ensuring that he has the proper kind of food to eat (puppy food with nutrients to develop his bones, etc.); and working to socialize him (get along with people and pets).
Then, as your new friend grows, you’ll find that he’ll make even more demands on your time.
You’ll want to teach him tricks. And he’ll want to show you what he’s learned.
Remember, Cavapoos are born entertainers!
They thrive on attention.
And, when you get tired of throwing a ball or running after him to get your shoes, just remember…he’s a blessing in disguise!
They’ll Protect You!
Grief can break you down.
It can cause you to ignore your surroundings.
You may feel as though you’re in a fog-that your mind is muddled.
As you battle grief, it can be so easy to let your guard down and leave yourself open to danger from swindlers and thieves just waiting for opportunities to capitalize from your sorrow.
But your Cavapoo is on the ball, watching out for you.
Dogs are terrific judges of character. They can sense a fake easily.
Also, if an intruder tries to break into your home, your Cavapoo is right there, sending a vocal warning by his piercing bark.
The old saying that his “bark is worse than his bite” may be true when it comes to Cavapoos.
Generally, Cavapoos are loving, friendly dogs.
But they can make a burglar rethink his mission and go back where he came from by merely barking!
And don’t worry about your pup sleeping on the job either!
Cavapoos are studious! It’s almost as if their eyes patrol the house, following everything that’s going on.
Because your Cavapoo is on the job, you’ll feel secure and protected.
You need that as you face the pangs of grief.
They’ll Entertain You!
Cavapoos are excellent entertainers!
If you’re grieving over the death of a loved one, your Cavapoo will cheer you up!
His routine of zoomies or catching balls, or even sitting or rolling over for a treat will warm your heart!
There will be many dark and gloomy days as you travel the grief road.
You may not be able to muster a smile while talking with friends, co-workers, or family.
In fact, the probability is that you’ll want to become a recluse, going into hiding and refusing to talk to anyone you know.
But there’s something about your Cavapoo that’ll get your facial muscles arching into a smile and perhaps even into a laugh.
How important is laughter?
Well, laughter plays a valuable role in your grief healing process.
And your Cavapoo is the mode of transportation that’ll bring a chuckle back to you.
Enjoy the time you spend with your precious Cavapoo.
Value each second.
Because he’s helping you to return to a happier lifestyle.
They’ll Keep You Company!
Grief and isolation are bad partners.
If you’ve recently lost your spouse (especially if you were married for a long time and you’re an empty nester), a Cavapoo can provide the association that you need.
Going home after a funeral to an empty house is extremely difficult.
Silence can be deafening.
It can drain you emotionally.
You have a need to communicate and to care for others.
A primary attribute of Cavapoos is love and devotion.
A Cavapoo will spend a lot of time in your lap where he feels comfortable and safe.
He’ll become your shadow, following behind you every step of the way.
Silence and loneliness are powerful features of grief.
But they’re no match for a Cavapoo puppy!
Talk to your Cavapoo!
Tell him how grief makes you feel sad and lonely.
Then let him know how happy you are that you have him to talk to.
He’ll pivot his head as you talk, adding to the conversation in his own way.
And as he looks at you with those puppy-dog eyes and licks your face, you’ll find an immediate detour from grief on your road to recovery.
They’ll Help You Socially!
As a Cavapoo owner, you share an affinity with others who have Cavapoos.
Social media groups allow you the opportunity to share pictures and posts with other members.
You can ask questions relative to Cavapoos.
While gaining information and sharing pictures are important, the connection you have with other owners may be more valuable.
After all, you’re making friends!
The mental stimulation you receive from Cavapoo groups can absorb your grief (like a sponge), allowing you to feel much better.
Conclusion
Grief is tough!
But, thankfully, Cavapoos can make a positive difference in your grief recovery.
By giving you something to live for, keeping you busy, protecting you, providing entertainment and company, and helping you socially through social media groups you’ll be able to go forward and enjoy life again!
-Howell Bigham
