Thanksgiving is always an important holiday in our house. It’s the day of cooking, more cooking, enjoying our cooking and clean-up. My sister and I usually roast a smallish turkey, make dressing (we call it stuffing), make cranberry relish (we call it sauce), and enjoy a salad with our meal. Or we make brussels sprouts – they were outrageously expensive this year, but I splurged and bought a pound. We don’t usually express our gratitude for everything out loud, but know that it’s there, every day, our gratitude is in everything we do.
This year it’s a little different. My dog of 16-plus years, Tango, is gone. He told us it was time a couple of weeks ago. Because he was old doesn’t make it easier. You know. Tango was my project dog, and then my team member, doing all kinds of dog sports. We went on road trips together and had a ball. And, after his retirement, Tango was my companion dog. I still start to make his meals before the other dogs’. I look for him, watching that I don’t step on him walking through the house. He wasn’t a lap dog, but he had to be where I was. So, it’s different. I miss him.
The experts say that the stress of losing a loved pet can deplete your energy and emotional reserves. And that you should look after yourself. Let yourself grieve – and that takes its own path for everyone who experiences it. Continue your usual routines, especially if you have other pets. I’m doing that. The other dogs haven’t really looked for Tango. But perhaps they’re missing him in their own way.
By maintaining the usual routines, we’re making sure that our life goes on. Yes, I miss my dog. But I’m still functioning – after a fashion. It will get easier, I’m sure, as I do the normal things every day. And I’ll feel resilient again, having gone through something hard and survived.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for having known Tango. He taught me more about dog training and psychology of dogs – and people than any course could have. I became a good trainer and learned how to be a good teacher. I’m grateful for everything he taught me. And I’m grateful that I was able to share Tango and our journey.
