I Walk Alone: Reflections of a Veterinarian

A few years ago a radio announcer asked me, "Do you think the majority of people in the real and everyday world really care that much about pet loss and grief?" At the time I was idealistic and replied, "Yes." But then I realized that most of my world, as a veterinarian, evolves around people that care about their animals. Sadly enough, when I started to look outside of that world, I discovered that most people and religion as well probably don't get the true feeling of the sorrow that accompanies the death of an animal companion. "Get over it, it's just an animal, go buy another one to replace the dead one," are all too common phrases returned. The psychologists label it disenfranchised grief meaning it doesn't belong, it isn't normal. At times it seems that I walk alone with these feelings. But along the way many people have managed to lift my spirits and to give me strength. This book contains a few examples that help me to realize the importance of the human and animal bond. And I now realize that it is an important bond of pure love that can never be broken or cast aside. And in some sense I am also comforted to know that I don't always walk alone.