17. (TW: Pet Loss) What is a Good Death? Saying Goodbye to Gretel with Compassion

After an amazing camping weekend, and the the best life I could have given her, I had to let Gretel go to on to her next adventure without me. My whole live has been punctuated by loss and grief. I think it's something that needs to be talked about more openly - especially pet loss when so many people don't understand that pets are family. Sometimes, the loss of them hurts even more.

In this episode, I read a letter I wrote while I was still reeling from the loss. I also discuss what giving your pet a good death means, because I truly believe giving them the best life includes what happens at the end. That stepping out of your own despair to do what is best for your dog is the last, best, most compassionate gift you can give them.

Gretel is the reason that I started our blog back in 2010, when blogs were the social media of the day. That blog, and Gretel, totally changed my life. This is the end of a 14 year chapter for me. Near the end of this episode, I also discuss ways I am considering to keep Gretel's memory alive so she can continue to help improve Dachshund's life forever.

When I had to let my first Dachshund Chester go due to advanced dementia, I wrote this letter to him the same morning. I mention it in this episode and it will give further insight into how I view saying goodbye to a pet in the most compassionate way... and the negative thoughts that I struggle with.

Love and Loss: Letting Go of My Dog With Dementia

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