This is not a fun muttering to write. But, if it's a reality for myself and my family, it is, or has been a reality for many families before me. Losing a family pet.
Now, many folks will tell you "it's just a dog, or a cat". But pets are so much more than "just". They become a member of your family. In many cases, the member that has no judgement, and is happy to see you no matter what happened during your day.
Myself and my wife Amanda got our dog Rio over 16 years ago. She has been a part of just about every single significant moment, good or bad, in our household. When you have a family pet that has been around for that long, and in many cases experienced that many things with you, they are more than 'just a pet.' Then when you add 3 children into the mix, the significance and importance of that pet becomes immeasurable.
But so does the challenge of navigating forward without her.
Rio crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday after being in our household since she was 8 weeks old. Never mind grieving on our own as adults. We also have the difficult responsibility of explaining to our children that "Rio isn't coming home." Which, at the various ages they are (10, 7 and 4) you get the understanding of that and tears, confusion as to what you mean, and the assumption of 'oh she'll be home tomorrow.' It's our responsibility as parents to navigate each one of those feelings with compassion, but it also doubles down on our own grief as we answer to the best of our ability.
If you have a pet, no matter what anyone may say, it absolutely is a significant part of your family. They bring you a level of love and compassion that you can't measure. The grief is a real thing that YOU ARE ALLOWED to feel. We are. There's a hole in our family that can't be filled. But memories and pictures do wonders to remember the love that she brought into our home. And we'll hold on to that forever.
We love you Rio. You'll always be a part of our family.
Keep up to date with Country 94.1, follow us on social media!
Facebook: @country94one
Instagram: @country94one
X(formerly Twitter): @country94one
Listen to Country 94.1 LIVE and stay updated of the happenings in the Southwest, click here!