Although typically associated with human beings, the emotion of grief is not alien to dogs. An account from the life of a 13 years old hound named Sadie exemplifies this well, weaving together a narrative both heartbreaking and heartening.
A Border Collie, Dalmatian, and Shepherd mix, Sadie was left bereft after the untimely demise of her doting owner, Andy Beaulieu. He had suffered a sudden heart attack, causing a void in Sadie’s life who had been with him since she was a pup.
The absence of her master led Sadie into a state of mourning which was visible in her subsequent behavior. Jeremy May, President of Elements Cremation, narrated how Sadie reacted to Andy’s passing, indicating her grief: “She was putting her head on his hand and tried to nuzzle him.”
With her daily routine disrupted—accompanying Andy to his workplace, Sadie found the ten days between Beaulieu’s death and his funeral profoundly unsettling. Waiting at the window, refusing to eat or sleep alone, she lost a significant amount of weight. Julia Beaulieu, Andy’s wife, found it crucial for Sadie to gain closure. She decided to have Sadie attend the funeral.
During the visitation, Sadie, led by Julia, ventured near the casket. She tenderly placed her front paws on the coffin, took a moment, and then disengaged. It was a moving spectacle for everyone present, prompting Jeremy May to remark: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
Post her solemn goodbye, Sadie seemed to regain a sense of normalcy at home, resuming her eating habits, and slowly realigning with her routine. This poignant incident highlighted an emerging trend in the field of funeral planning—the incorporation of pets in the services.
“More people are choosing to include their pets or other personalized elements in their services,” elaborates May. Elements often collaborates with families to observe these specific requests.
Though Sadie’s attendance was not pre-planned, May suggests those who intend to involve pets in their funeral services document these wishes. Such gestures can aid both family and pets in finding solace together, honoring the strong emotional ties people forge with their beloved animals.
This remarkable tale stems from profound love and deep-seated bond between a man and his dog. It serves as a testament to the depth of feelings our pets are capable of. And, hopefully, it provokes some thought in you, our dear readers.
