Coping with Grief: Day 3 - Why Me?

Most people don’t know I’ve been on my own since the age of 16. As a single person with only a canine family, 71% of whom have perished between puppyhood and middle age, it’s easy to ask….why me? Why does God above regularly obliterate the only family I have? When Lady Gaga became my 5th out of seven dogs to make an early departure, the guttural “why me?” echoed off my tongue.

I sat in church today reflecting on how different my life’s circumstances are since warming the pew one week ago. I have friends that have lost young dogs as well, and most are also single, many without human children or family. What gives? Why us?? After some introspection, I have come to terms with a potential answer.

I believe these fleeting souls are placed in our charge, because in the short time they are on earth they are our primary focus. Every loving pet parent is a gift to their animals. I doubt I love my dogs any more or less than the rest of the phenomenal handlers, trainers and owners within our extraordinary dog community. However, I do arguably have more time on my hands without the demands of a partner, spouse, children or extended family; that time “goes to the dogs” as they say. It doesn’t make me a better pet parent, but perhaps it makes me better suited to care for souls that are shooting stars.

Whether or not my theory is divine solace in grieving, or complete hog wash, it always helps me to believe there is a reason for everything. Some of the worst sorrow in my life has yielded tremendous gifts in learning, healing and growth. What I know for certain is that I am eternally grateful for the brief, but brilliant time I had the privilege of sharing with Lisa, Rusty, Jovi, Devo and Lady Gaga. In the short time they lived, they really lived, packing a lifetime into a blink. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.

Why me? I am glad it was me.

As a tribute to all of those that have passed young, but lived each day to the fullest:

OneRepublic - 'I Lived'