Lessons I Learnt From My Aging Pets

One of the sad, scary and depressing things pet owners have to face is the slow ageing and eventual death of their pets. It’s never easy saying goodbye to your loved ones be it humans or pets cause the bond we make with them lasts for more than a lifetime.

I still have the fondest memories of all my pets and get teary-eyed just remembering them, they are and will always be a part of me and we can never be separate.

My old man, Nawab is getting very old and slowing down, no longer do I see the excitement of going for a walk, eating, chasing etc, his movements have slowed down but one thing which hasn’t changed over the years is the twinkle and love in his eyes and gentle wagging of his tail.

 

I know he is teaching me about acceptance but somehow I am not ready for it and I don’t want to accept that I will soon have to let him go.

I see all around me my friends, and colleagues losing their near and dear ones, most of our parents are in their last 80s and the constant Scare and worry are written on their faces. We all seem to be in the same boat and in the same turmoil.

Seeing my baby getting weaker day by day, eyesight declining due to old age, eating reduced etc showing the same symptoms as humans when they near their end… a sign we all want to ignore and close our eyes to.

I am trying my best to learn what my old man is trying to tell or teach me that I must begin to accept that his end is inevitable. But how can I accept the fact that my companion, soul mate for these 18 years is going to leave me soon?

We have had such a lovely journey, shared ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and comforted each other when needed. We have had so many journeys, explored so many new places, and discovered so many secrets, my constant shadow and now all I see is a frail, skinny tired shadow and every day is a struggle for both of us.

 

The lesson that our pets teach us is that our time with them is priceless and precious. We should appreciate it and not take it for granted, we should thank the ones who have given us so much and deal with the sadness we feel when it’s time to say goodbye.

Eventually, we know we will deal with it as every pet owner does somehow or the other and we will grieve our losses and go on in life.

All I ask is to be with them in their last moments, however hard it may be, hold their paws, kiss their forehead, hug them, speak to them, and let them know how much you love them.. that’s all they asking for in their last moments and when it’s time to say the final good-bye do it with dignity, grace and love.