Our Old Yeller (And How to Deal With Pet Loss)

Pet loss results in a variety of emotions called grief.

He was five months old when he entered our home.

Bama, a Shih Tzu/Terrier, was a Christmas present to our children, or should I say, they were a Christmas present to him.

He lived a good life, warming our hearts for over 14 years.

But on January 1, 2022, a day when resolutions are made to better the year, we reluctantly agreed with the merciful recommendation of our veterinarian and friend, Dr. Tim Hammond, to let Bama cross over the rainbow bridge.

It was raining that day, and each raindrop marked the washing away of our sweet Bama’s agonizing pain. 

After we said our goodbyes, I stayed in the room with Dr. Hammond.

I didn’t want Bama to face the valley of death alone.

I wanted him to know that his dad was with him right to the end.

And he did know.

It was one of the hardest things that I’ve ever had to do.

You see, he was more than a dog.

He was a member of our family.

And when a family member passes away, we grieve.

We grieve a lot. 

The drive home that day was eerily quiet.

Frequent sobs pelted the thick silence.

Our home no longer had Bama.

He was gone. 

In 1957, in the classic movie Old Yeller, a young boy had to make a man’s decision to end the suffering of his dog. 

I suppose we all have had an “Old Yeller” in our lives.

While Old Yeller was a stray, Bama was a rescue dog.

But it’s more accurate to say that Bama rescued us.

He rescued our kids from never knowing the joy of having their own dog.

Our “best friend” rescued us from the stress of everyday life by his calm, relaxed demeanor.

Bama may be gone, but he’s never far from our hearts.

Softening the Blow of Grief

Is there anything we can do to soften the blow of grief?

Well, here are a few suggestions.

First, Remember That the Depth of Our Grief is Tied to How Much We Love Our Dogs.

So, when you cry weeks or years after Bama or Rover or Fido departs, don’t think it’s unnatural. 

Just remember, every tear represents how much you loved him.

When you walk past where his crate used to sit and a lump lodges in your throat, that’s a testament of your love.

And that’s comforting!

Create a Memorial of Your Doggie

It may be a framed picture of your canine loved one to remind you of all the marvelous times you enjoyed together.

By the way, Amazon provides an awesome selection of picture frames. Click here to check it out. 

You May Want to Have Your Pup Cremated

Knowing that your dog isn’t buried in the “backyard” in an unprotected place will give you peace of mind.

Your veterinarian will hand you a box comparable to a small match box with your dog’s ashes.

You’ll find some relief knowing that your pup’s remains are safe and that he is near you.

Start a Journal

Writing your feelings in a journal will provide you with an outlet for grieving.

Putting pen to paper causes us to aptly describe the look of “man’s best friend,” or the disposition of our pup (was he laid back or excitable).

The words we choose come from our innermost thoughts and expresses how we wish to remember our doggie.

Writing also allows us to express our feelings toward our departed canine friend (sad, depressed, angry, etc).

Donate to a Pet Charity to Honor Your Puppy

“The Spruce Pets” website offers a variety of pet charities worthy of your support.

What a tremendous way to honor the memory of your dog who made such an impact on your life!

Give Time to an Animal Shelter

Your pup spent a lot of time making you smile and giving you humorous moments to remember for a lifetime.

You can return the favor by spending time at an animal shelter, caring for animals who have been rescued from off the street.

Work to place them into loving homes where they can have a splendid life like your pup did.

Plant a Tree In His Memory

Plant a tree in your dog’s memory if your pet was an outside dog like a lab, collie, or sheepdog.

What a fitting tribute to your canine loved one who enjoyed rolling in the grass and romping across the yard.

You may even want to name the tree after your pooch!

Keep a Favorite Toy or Blanket That Your Dog Adored

It may take a while before you’re able to caress his favorite blanket or toy without tears staining your face.

But the day will come when these items will bring smiles and laughter as you recall special times in the life of your pup.

Write a Melody to Honor Your Best Friend

Are you good at penning songs? 

Then write a melody to honor your “best friend.” 

Make sure it is upbeat and not sad and gloomy.

Write about the good times you shared together. 

Make a Memory Box

Place his dog tag, collar, your favorite picture of him, a lock of his fur, and his favorite toy in a memory box that you can open from time to time. 

Watch Stored Digital Videos of Your Puppy

It’ll bring him “back to life,” allowing you to relive the moments you both created.

Conclusion

Old Yeller is an all-time classic of a boy and his dog.

Your story of “Old Yeller” is also a classic!

As days turn into weeks and weeks turn into years, our pets age and take on health decline.

We’re never ready when the time comes for them to cross over the rainbow bridge.

A part of our hearts is shattered, broken, and gone. 

But our little canine family members leave behind a trail of inanimate objects, reminding us of the sheer joy they brought to our lives. 

Grief.

It doesn’t have to be bad.

Turn it into good grief.

And the way to do it is by remembering our dogs.

They’ll live on as long as we let them.

Footnote: It took a while for Travis in Old Yeller to welcome another dog into his life. At first Travis didn’t want the pup that’d been fathered by Old Yeller. But after seeing him imitate a habit that Old Yeller had, he welcomed the little dog into his heart. While Bama can never be replaced and while it took a little while for us to be ready to be dog owners again, we’re so blessed to have Opie, our little Cavapoo pup to love and pet!

Disclaimer

The suggestions made in this article are not a substitute for psychological, veterinarian, or medical care. I am not a medical doctor, psychologist, or veterinarian. Therefore, the information in the above article is not intended to supersede, or substitute that of a physician, mental healthcare professional, or veterinarian. If you have a medical problem, see your physician or other licensed practitioners in your area.