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This is the last photo of Jules, sunning himself in our yard, as he loved to do.
Dr. Jules, my first canine co-therapist, has passed away.
By one estimate, he may have been 18 years old. He had been blind for the last 9 years of his life. I adopted him, already elderly and blind, because I thought no one else would. To my surprise, he turned out to be a sensitive and gifted “co-therapist,” coming to work with me and calming people’s fears, helping people to get out of their own perspective and relax enough to see things in a new way. He brought healing with him, wherever he went. I’ve written about Jules’ story in my book, Healing Circles: Grieving, Healing and Bonding with Our Animal Companions.
About a year ago, Jules went into retirement, and enjoyed many naps, numerous walks, and his favorite delicious treats: frozen peas!
On May 13, we said good-bye to Jules. Dr. Lisa McIntyre of the Welcome Waggin’ Mobile Veterinary Services, came to our home and with great kindness and sensitivity, brought Jules the blessed escape from his pain. He went to sleep peacefully in my lap: a good send off for a very, very good dog.
He is buried in our yard, where he loved to lie in the sun’s rays. We love you, Jules.
Healing Circles: How We Heal and Are Healed by Animals 
It’s so hard to lose them. Thinking of you .
Jill
Thank you, Jill.
Your tribute to your dog is lovely. It has been 5 days since my dog died, and I am struggling.
I am wondering how you are doing? Does it feel any less raw than the first week?
Dear Paula,
I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, I know you will find it does get “less raw,” as you say. It’s a process–grief is–that takes its own time with us. I think there are things you can do that can help, such as memorializing and also talking to people who truly understand. I go into detail about these things in my book. That grief is a measure of love, and the soul’s protest when we lose a loved one. Thank you, Paula, for your very kind comment.
We lost our sweet Abby Saturday. I was searching for help because I have 9 year old twins and one of them accepted our loss but the other is crying, not eating and bargaining with God. He has been hit hard. I wanted to comment on your photo. I love that picture. What character. You were lucky to have known him.
Dear Kim,
I am so sorry about Abby. There are some good pet grief books available for kids. The one I wrote is for grown-ups. You might do a search on the internet or on pet-loss.net and find something that would be helpful for your son. Thank you for your message.
Just came across your web site as our dearest Winston passed away two weeks ago and I have been doing some reading to help through this terrible time. We shared fourteen amazing years together and now are missing the piece of us that made us whole. I’m so sorry to see your sad news on Dr. Jules. He sounds so special and you were lucky to have found each other and shared your love. They are all so special and unfortunately, never here with us long enough
Michele, I am so sorry for your loss of Winston. You might find my book helpful as you are doing some reading now. You are in the “raw” period of grief right now, where it is fresh and most painful. You are right, it feels they are not with us long enough. We are fortunate to be able to love deeply; the price is to eventually grieve deeply, it seems.
HI… Jules and his humans who miss hima is parallel to my experience with my Tori. I had to do make the decision for her to be euthanized May 14 2013. She had ostosarcoma only recently diagnosed due to her right hip popping out of place. Palliative care was initiated by our vet. She was just wanting to be her old self but I saw so such frustration in her eyes. After 13 years I had to make the call…. Worse day of my life. I always keep her so close to my heart and yes, she is buried beside my very first dog my yard. I have since rescued a pit mix who is an adult, estimated to be 8 yrs. I sit by the graveside and talk… Keep plants and flowers always by their headstones. She will forever be my best friend. Never stop missing her.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your comforting and informative words! My little cat, Anna, had shared my home and life for the past 14-1/2 years. I found her as a stray when she was a few months old. Although I had two other cats in my home at the time, I knew from her personality that I couldn’t take her to an uncertain fate at the local shelter.
This past Friday, I had to do a difficult thing, go beyond my own desire for her to be welland remain in this world with me, and let her be free of pain and fear. She had many good times and days, but also kept losing weight, with a lot of increasing debility.
She remained my final indoor companion, after the other two needed to be euthanized. She was my friend from a time after a sad divorce, children growing up and going to college, etc. The last few years, it’s just been Anna and me!
I know that God will help me through, but one can never stop feeling that they wish that they didn’t have to get through it, just keep on loving and sharing life together!
Becky :>)
Thank you, Becky, for sharing your story. It will touch many people. Wishing you healing.
We had to make the difficult decision to euthanize our 11 year old Akita five days ago. My heart hurts so bad and I cannot get the look of love he gave me out of my head. I do have feelings of guilt and remorse although I know he was in a lot of pain. I just want to be able to hug him and feel his presence in our home again. I cannot stop crying. The finality of his death is sometimes too much to bare.
Virginia, I am so sorry for your loss, and please know that the people who read your words are also sorry for your loss. He had the good fortune to have a person who loved him so much; that’s all any dog really wants. Take special care of yourself through this painful time.