Loss of a Dog

9 min readMar 16, 2026

I will endure a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you.— Unknown

— Leslie R. Dye, MD, treasurer, NGWPR

I am crying just writing the first line of this blog. This is the most difficult topic since I wrote about Doc. I always thought that my feelings about animals might be bordering on pathological. If I see a dead animal as I leave home to run an errand, I often take an alternate route to return home. This is the way it has always been, and I don’t think I will ever change. At the beginning of December 2025, I lost what I have called my “forever, soul, or heart” dog, Neko, and I still cry most days missing him.

What is a forever dog?

When I ask AI what the definition is it tells me, “A ‘Forever Dog’ is a domesticated canine that lives a long, vibrant life, free from premature degenerative disease, enabled by proactive, science-backed care, diet, and lifestyle choices made by their owner.” Another AI search yields the definition: “a dog you plan to keep for its entire life.” And people are worried that AI will replace humans; I think not! I guess the fact that some people don’t plan to keep a dog for its entire life explains why rescue exists!

I can’t find a standard definition because I believe it cannot be easily defined or it could be described many ways. It is a term that is difficult to put into words; it is more about vague yet intense feelings. To me, it is the dog that comes into our lives that changes us forever. It is the dog that truly seems to understand our words, feelings, and everything about us. It is not related to longevity or any medical conditions. After my mother died (years after my father), I realized Neko was the only one on earth who would literally risk his life for me. Neko looked at me like no living entity ever has, and he did from the day I rescued him. He seemed to look directly into my soul.

When I meditate, on the inhale I ask that my idea of a spiritual being comes into my heart and soul. On the exhale, I ask that I can bring to the world what Neko brought to me. No judgement or anger, but serenity, peace, and actions that help others.

Losing a forever dog is a painful, deep ache that only seems to lessen some over time, but never goes away. Losing any pet is traumatic and sad, but the impact is never the same. Fortunately, I am surrounded by “dog people,” many through the NGWP Rescue, and others who understand that help me withstand the pain. When I was able, I also wrote a memorial post on Facebook for Neko.

Information overload

There are many resources available to deal with pet loss. There are pet grief coaches, grief counselors, support groups and more. Just post about the loss of a pet on Facebook and you will start getting targeted ads.

The website, “Veterinary Partner®, a website created by veterinarians, has a list of pet loss hotlines and other groups. They emphasize that speaking to another person can make a huge difference. Those on the list are free for the cost of the call. Some have toll-free numbers, and if you call after hours, most will call back collect. Some are listed at the end of this piece.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine describes the experience of grieving:

Physical: crying, nausea, fatigue, body aches, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, sleeping more or difficulty sleeping, feeling tense or jittery

Intellectual: Difficulty focusing or performing usual tasks of daily life or work, denial, sense of unreality, feeling preoccupied by the loss.

Emotional: Anxiety, sadness, anger, frustration, guilt, numbness, loneliness, embarrassment, hopelessness, or helplessness

Social: Feeling withdrawn, difficulty engaging with your usual activities of interest, wanting to spend more or less time with friends and family, feeling isolated in your grief, seeking distraction from your emotions

Spiritual: Bargaining with or feeling anger toward your higher power, questioning your religious or spiritual beliefs, searching for meaning in this loss, questioning the afterlife

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

According to the AVMA, by physically showing our grief, we actively mourn the loss. Like any grief, there is no set way it should be done. They suggest considering the following:

Acknowledge the reality of the death — Acknowledging the full reality of your loss may take weeks or months, and will happen in a time that’s right for you. Be kind to yourself as you adjust to life without your beloved pet. Just as it took time to build the relationship with your pet, it will take time to get used to them not being there.
Move toward the pain — Experiencing your emotions following the death of a pet is difficult, but important. A healthier grief journey may come from taking your time to work through your feelings rather than trying to push them away or ignoring them.
Continue your relationship through memories — Your memories allow your pets to live on in you. Embracing these memories, both happy and sad, can be a very slow and, at times, painful process that occurs in small steps. For example, take some time to look at past photos, write a tribute to your pet, or write your pet a letter recalling your time together.
Adjust your self-identity — Part of your self-identity might come from being a pet owner. Others may also think of you in relation to your pet. You may be “the person who always walked the big black dog around the neighborhood” or “the friend whose cat always jumped on laps.” Adjusting to this change is a central need of mourning.
Search for meaning — When a pet dies, it’s natural to question the meaning and purpose of pets in your life. Coming to terms with these questions is another need you must meet during your grief journey. Know that it’s the asking, not the finding of concrete answers, that is important.
Accept support from others — You need the love and support of others because you never “get over” grief. Talking or being with other pet owners who have experienced the death of a pet can be one important way to meet this need.

Resources

There is an organization called the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) that was founded in 1999. They offer a course to gain a certificate as a Pet Loss Grief Specialist. If you are interested, it is $850 for the 8 week program. You can become a member or can access some services (like entering a chat room) just by registering. I could not spend too much time on the site without getting sad, but it seems like a good resource. They have a page devoted to pet loss support with the following topics:

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine also offers suggestions for memorializing your pet

Scatter their ashes in a meaningful place.
Place an engraved or painted rock in your pet’s favorite part of the yard.
Keep their urn in special place and put a favorite photo of them and any other special items (collar, ID tag, toy) nearby.
Have a key chain, jewelry, ornament or other keepsake made that can hold some of your pets ashes, hair or whiskers.
Plant a flower or tree where you choose to scatter or bury their ashes, or in their favorite part of the yard.
Write down memories of your pet. Ask others to share their favorite memories of your pet.
Make a scrapbook of photos of your pet, including some favorite memories.
Write a letter to your pet, sharing your emotions with them and anything you felt was left unsaid.
Put your pet’s ID tag in a special place to you: your wallet, key chain, etc.
Make a donation in memory of your pet to a cause that is special to you.
Volunteer time at a shelter, barn or rescue.
Create art or music to honor your pet’s life.

Pet Loss Support & Online Resources through the Ohio State University(OSU)

OSU Pet Loss Support and Online Resources

OSU also offers a list of references on the same site:

Wings — Pet Loss Support Group — Founded in 2001

Wings hosts a Zoom Meeting on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:30–9:00 pm.

Instructions for joining a Wings Zoom Meeting:

Email Dr. Linda Harper at: linda@drlindaharper.com by 6:00 pm on the same night of the Zoom Wings meeting to receive an invitation and instructions on how to enter the meeting.

ZOOM website: http://www.zoom.us/

Pet Loss Support Group Meeting at Michigan State University

Meets remotely the second and fourth Thursdays of every month from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Does not meet during the fourth weeks of November and December.
There is no charge for this service.
Open to anyone who has lost a pet — your pet did not have to be a patient at MSU’s Veterinary Medical Center for you to attend our group.

We will be using a Zoom link that people can call into via phone or computer. This format of the meeting will be used until further notice.

Lap of Love

In addition to offering pet hospice, in home euthanasia, and other services, they Lap of Love provides pet loss support with free support groups and more specialized paid sessions. They were scheduled to come to our home, but Neko passed before the appointment. They sent a very nice condolence card.

Tufts University

They offer a pet support helpline and resources for grieving.

Worth the Pain

When I rescued Neko in Tennessee (he was about 18 months old), I was not only struck by his personality and eyes, but also the fact that he was a very large GWP. I prayed that he would make it to 11 years old. He had some serious health issues that we were able to address, yet still lived to be 13. The 10 plus years I spent with him was well worth the pain of his loss, although there are days when I wonder. I definitely plan to have his ashes mixed with mine when that day comes.

After we rescued our first GWP, I started to follow the NGWPR page on Facebook and made donations. I was so impressed with the organization that I wanted to be more involved, so when they needed a treasurer, I volunteered. Working with NGWPR is my way of honoring all of the amazing GWP’s we have owned, but especially Neko.

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard — Winnie the Pooh

About Us

National GWP Rescue is a nationwide rescue program whose volunteers work tirelessly to provide funding, foster homes, medical care and training for GWPs found in shelters, animal control facilities and to those GWPs whose current owners are unable to provide a suitable situation.

Working hand- in-hand with governmental and local shelters, NGWPR provides a safe and responsible home for GWP’s in need. Placed with an experienced GWPCA member, fostered GWPs that have been neglected, untrained or have medical issues quickly blossom as they are readied for their “forever” homes.

Prior to releasing our rescued GWPs for adoption, volunteers provide obedience, manners, and house training. We hold to the philosophy that a mannerly dog has a better chance of fitting into a new household.

NGWPR believes that Wires were designed to hunt and unlike some other rescue programs, we are happy to place dogs with field experience or bird instinct with potential owners who enjoy hunting behind a Wire. However, NGWPR insists that any rescue dog first be a house dog and companion, then a weekend hunting partner.

Please go to our website to learn more.