Bittersweet

[piplover]

My sister, brother-in-law, and I drove down to my Mom's house on Christmas eve, and had a wonderful time watching movies and listening to Christmas music, and wrapping last minute gifts.  It was only later that night, as we were watching A Christmas Carol, when I found out the news.  My brother's seven month old puppy, a beautiful, sweet, loving dog, was killed the day before I got there.  He escaped his kennel and was killed by a pack of coyotes. 

Although there are many more horrible things in this world going on right now, and perhaps it is selfish of me, I cannot help but feel a terrible sadness, and admit I cried for a good long time Christmas eve.  We did not tell my mom, and in fact, they had not meant for me to find out, not wanting to ruin my time home with my family.

I will miss Jack with a very large part of my heart.  I was there the day my brother got him and brought him into our lives, helped to housetrain him, and spent countless hours holding him and snuggling next to him.  He was a sweety, and I will always remember him.  I only got to spend 30 days with him, but those days were wonderful.

I still had a wonderful Christmas with my family, and enjoyed my time thoroughly with everyone.  But, perhaps to remind us all of the sacrifices taking place in this world, and all the sorrow that still fills it, I cannot help but think that Jack truly was a special animal sent to my family in a time of great stress.  He helped my brother through a tremendous change in his life, and was there for my mom when she needed a loving, unjudging friend.

Maybe it is silly of me to be so sad over the loss of an animal when there are so many suffering since Sunday, but I can't help but think that the loss of an innocent being is a tradgedy all its own.

Jack, Sweety, you shall be missed by all those you touched.

 

Comments

[shirebound]

Oh Pip, I'm so sorry to hear about Jack. (You know how I feel about puppies!) Grief is grief, and there's nothing "silly" about it.

*hugs and loves you*

[dreamflower]

Grieving for thousands of people you don't know is numbing. You get to the point where you *can't* feel anything. You just stare and emotions are stark.
Grieving for someone you know is personal--and just as much so for a sweet puppy as for any other family member.

[primsong.livejournal.com]

Never, never discount the validity and importance of your grief. Jack was a part of your heart, if only for short season of your life, and it is the price we pay for loving the dear little furry people in our lives... I am so sorry for your loss, and especially that it had to add that taste of sorrow to your holiday time. Grieve as your heart needs to, dear Pip...and remember him well.