Losing a Pet

Part 1: The animals we love

On August 15, 2020, I wrote the following post on Facebook. I thought I’d share with you today, because it’s still relevant. I still miss Luna. A couple of years after she died, I commemorated her by officially adopting my dog Joey, after fostering him for a year. I felt Luna would appreciate me rescuing a dog – she wasn’t a fan of other cats.

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5 years ago

A year ago tonight, I got home late, and Luna had escaped outside and wouldn’t come back when called. It was a full moon, and she was in her element. In the morning, I found her body. I knew all night that she was dead. All night. I kept telling myself not to be stupid – that she was a cat, doing what cats do. But I knew, because I had a deep, profound connection to her, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I knew, because a piece of my soul had been ripped away during the night and I could feel that even before I found her body. My body vibrated with her transition all night long. At dawn, I went to find her, knowing I would, and I did. I’m reluctant to write all this, because I know how woo woo it sounds, but I knew she’d passed, because we humans can connect to animals in ways we are yet to fully comprehend.

The death of an animal can bring you to your knees, and yet you constantly have to apologise for your grief. After all, she was only a cat.

Luna wasn’t just a cat. She was a soul mate, my witches familiar, my precious friend, my healer, my teacher and a piece of my heart. I know some of you understand that, but some humans still don’t get it.

Finding her was traumatic and losing her was utterly heartbreaking. But throughout the months of ugly crying, I knew I’d be okay because I’m fortunate that I’m surrounded by love. Not everyone is as blessed as I am.

I write this tonight to remind everyone to spare a thought for the countless elderly people who walk into vet clinics with their best friends and companions and leave alone. Or who are put into nursing homes without their long-term pets (who are then often surrendered to rescue groups) And I’m asking you all to check in on those friends who’ve lost pets. I promise you, they aren’t just "feeling sad"… They might actually be lying on the floor sobbing.

I still cry for Luna, usually under a full moon like the ole witch that I am. But that doesn’t make me a crazy cat lady, nor will I apologise for it. We humans have so much to learn from animals. I had a beautiful, irreplaceable connection to this magical sentient being. She truly was one of the most special relationships of my life. I’ll always be grateful for that.

Let's not diminish the love we share with the animals in our lives. Let's not diminish them.

My precious Luna

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Now let’s celebrate my larger than life, big hearted dog. Next I’ll write about his rescue story, but today, in memory of my lovely Luna – Happy Gotcha Day Joey. He seems happy with his new collar.