Words That Fail Us

By Pragya Khanna

The dog who came bounding and leaping to me, on hearing his name would come no more.

Trying to comprehend an unfathomable loss, I feel so empty as if a part of me died with him and I wonder, if the heartache will ever end. I think, maybe talking about the death of your beloved pet, seems to bring it closer. It sort of feels that if we keep expressing our feelings about it, they will stay with us longer. Many people might not get this and although pet bereavement and loss are different for everyone, it is singularly the most profound experience of love and loss, that anyone can go through.

The loss of a pet who was like family is perhaps so painful because we are losing a little life that we were responsible for, and that life was also a source of unconditional love and companionship. Every single facet of life is part of the loss.

I remember bringing him home, falling in love with his innocence and unique beauty instantly. It breaks my heart to not have him here anymore, for I placed him in my heart and have never been able to let go, ever since. As days flew by, he filled our lives with immeasurable joy and love that few have brought such richness to our days. Every little step he took, has left paw prints all over my heart. 

He’s no more but those deep brown eyes will follow me forever, for they are the eyes of a friend, who trusts and loves, they are the eyes of a friend that warm my soul and make me whole.

It is said, dogs come into our lives to teach us pure selfless love and when they depart, they teach us what soul shattering loss is. 

Somewhere between hello and goodbye, there was pure, unconditional, and endless love. They perhaps have the maximum love to give in the least amount of our time together. The time we had together will never be enough, for there can be no one like you, ever again.

To you, my dearest, I say,

“You loved me your whole life,

I’ll miss you the rest of mine.

Your life was a blessing to me,

Your memory is a treasure for me.

You are loved beyond words,

You are missed beyond measure.

I will always love you.”

By Pragya Khanna