Episode Summary

One of the common human experiences that links many of us is the death of a pet. This episode explores the very real grief that pet owners often feel when the animal they have loved deeply dies.

Episode Notes

For some there is a lingering guilt or embarrassment at the intensity of human grief for an animal. We may have the feeling that such feelings should be reserved for the death of human loved ones. I affirm this grief and defend the spiritual integrity of grieving the death of a pet. 

I believe that the intensity of felt grief is directly proportional to the intensity of bestowed love. That is the deepest truth of grief and love I know. The level of grief we feel at the passing of a beloved animal or human being is directly proportional to the level of love we bestowed upon them. Great grief comes from great love. Small love produces small grief. It is always so. 

There is the issue of why it is easier for many people to easily and fully love a pet, but not so easily love other human beings. Betty and I have raised several guide dogs for the blind and have lived through the death of many of them. This episode takes up the story of the death of Miles, a devoted Weimaraner, who was bestowed on me by my son Max. The story of the death of Miles is not only the occasion for accepting and affirming our love of animals, but also a reflection on the many forms grief can take as the repayment for love. The episode takes the form of a thank you letter I wrote to Miles’ veterinarian who euthanized Miles after a long painful illness.