By
Dr. Debra McCoskey-Reisert
Captain Hamburger McCoskey, a Mastiff-St. Bernard mix, died of
old age last week in New Albany, Indiana. Captain brought happiness to
the world throughout his years. He made a lasting impression on everyone
he met because he was 180 pounds and usually a bit stinky. Captain
enjoyed a career as a watch dog and his hobbies included chewing bones,
heavy-breathing, and laying in the backyard. He is survived by his
master, George McCoskey, an aunt, uncles, and cousins. Captain was
cremated and no memorial service has been planned. Captain will be
missed dearly and his family hopes he is running around heaven
slobbering on the angels.
The above obituary describes the love and loss of a dog. George had Captain for about ten years and enjoyed showing him off to people. Captain was sweet and really a big baby who thought he was a lap dog. However, he would scare the living daylights out of anyone who came near the fence. He protected his family, but never had to bite anyone. One loud bark and only a crazy person would attempt to gain access to their home.
A relationship with a dog includes a mutual unconditional love that is extraordinary. Some people do not understand why pet owners get so upset when an animal dies. I used to be one of those people because of my own unawareness of that type of love. After owning dogs, I realized once you fall in love with an animal, it is a special bond that cannot be broken. Pets become beloved family members that cannot be replaced.
If you have never loved or owned a pet, it is important to understand the loss. Many people grieve the loss of the pet in the same way as they do a friend or relative. The best thing you can do to help someone who is suffering the loss of a much-loved pet it to understand they are grieving. Allow them to go through the grieving process and be sensitive. Do not say "it was just a dog". Captain was not just a dog; he was George's best friend.
We all live and die; it is a part of life that we really do not want to accept. It will take time, but eventually we will come to terms with our loss. However, we will never forget the years of love we had for Captain and he had for us. He will always be in our hearts.
Captain's family hopes that you will consider adopting a pet that needs a home. Visit a local animal shelter or humane society and maybe you will fall in love with a dog that will bring your family years of happiness. If adopting a pet is not an option, perhaps you could find it in your heart to make a donation to a shelter in need. Shelters can use monetary donations as well as pet supplies. If you choose to make a donation, please make it in Captain's memory so that his spirit of love continues.
The above obituary describes the love and loss of a dog. George had Captain for about ten years and enjoyed showing him off to people. Captain was sweet and really a big baby who thought he was a lap dog. However, he would scare the living daylights out of anyone who came near the fence. He protected his family, but never had to bite anyone. One loud bark and only a crazy person would attempt to gain access to their home.
A relationship with a dog includes a mutual unconditional love that is extraordinary. Some people do not understand why pet owners get so upset when an animal dies. I used to be one of those people because of my own unawareness of that type of love. After owning dogs, I realized once you fall in love with an animal, it is a special bond that cannot be broken. Pets become beloved family members that cannot be replaced.
If you have never loved or owned a pet, it is important to understand the loss. Many people grieve the loss of the pet in the same way as they do a friend or relative. The best thing you can do to help someone who is suffering the loss of a much-loved pet it to understand they are grieving. Allow them to go through the grieving process and be sensitive. Do not say "it was just a dog". Captain was not just a dog; he was George's best friend.
We all live and die; it is a part of life that we really do not want to accept. It will take time, but eventually we will come to terms with our loss. However, we will never forget the years of love we had for Captain and he had for us. He will always be in our hearts.
Captain's family hopes that you will consider adopting a pet that needs a home. Visit a local animal shelter or humane society and maybe you will fall in love with a dog that will bring your family years of happiness. If adopting a pet is not an option, perhaps you could find it in your heart to make a donation to a shelter in need. Shelters can use monetary donations as well as pet supplies. If you choose to make a donation, please make it in Captain's memory so that his spirit of love continues.
Dr. Debra McCoskey-Reisert is an Assistant Professor at Ashford University.
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