The heartache of losing a dog should be recognised as a legitimate reason for compassionate leave from work according to Dogs Trust Ireland who are calling consideration to be given by all employers.
Their ‘Not Just a Dog’ campaign is building support as more households have discovered the joy of dogs over lockdown, adding their voices to those who have been long-term smitten with their companion animals.
And the campaign echoes the findings of a survey of dog owners by the charity found more than half of respondents said their dog’s death equated to the pain of losing a human family member, while a further 38% said they were surprised by just how deeply they were affected.
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The news comes on the day DogsLive said a sad farewell to their much loved newshound, Molly, who with her sister Jill and owner Kelly Meharry, had spent many weekends assessing Northern Ireland's dog friendly spots and working to boost local dog friendly establishments.
Molly was just eight years old when she passed away on August 17, leaving Kelly bereft. She said: "Molly had been losing weight and after lots of tests our vet Claire Ferris was able to confirm that Molly's kidneys were failing.
"On Wednesday night I had to say goodbye to my precious girl. I can't thank our vet enough for her care and compassion and for supporting me to make the only right decision. No dog lover is ever ready to say goodbye, but we have a duty to do the right thing at the right time.
"Our vet Claire had done everything possible but Molly was struggling and her condition was only getting worse, so saying goodbye was the kindest but hardest decision. I didn't want her to suffer for a moment longer. My whole life was about making hers a good life and a happy one.
"I am completely heartbroken and feeling very lost. I have Molly's sister Jill here with me which is helping. But we were a team and Molly was everything to us, just everything. I can't speak with anyone today - I'm just messaging. I just don't have the heart to talk, I'm just so bereft."
Psychologist Dr Sabina Brennan says that the death of a dog can be "overwhelming". She explained: “I think the most important aspect of coping with the loss is to allow yourself to grieve and accepting that what you’re feeling is normal. Surround yourself with people who understand and if you’re struggling, please seek professional advice.”
The Dogs Trust survey also found that 66% of dog lovers worry about their dog’s passing and Dog’s Trust is urging people to visit its website for advice on how to prepare and how to talk to your children about it.
Dogs Trust Ireland Executive Director Becky Bristow said: “Many people spend more time with their dogs than anyone else in their life and have a unique bond with them.
“As a dog welfare charity, we understand the impact the loss of a dog can have, so we offer our employees a day’s paid leave in the event of the death of their dog, and we would love to see other employers offer the same.”
To help spread their message and show that it’s ‘not just a dog’, Dogs Trust is asking people to share a photo of their dog using the hashtag #NotJustADog on social media.
Speaking about the death of his own dog, comedian PJ Gallagher, who is supporting the charity's drive, said: “Is there a greater feeling in the world than coming home to a dog who is delighted to see you, even though you only popped out to the shops?
“It’s tough when that’s gone. I had Lylo, my Collie Cross who I adopted from Dogs Trust for 10 fantastic years. She was my best friend, and I was devastated when I had to say goodbye to her.
“We need to recognise how crushing it is for dog owners when their dog dies and it’s important that people feel they can talk about it, without being told to get over it, it’s just a dog.”
To help support the campaign, Dogs Trust are asking people to share a photo of their dog using the hashtag #NotJustADog on social media. To find out more about how you can support the campaign, click here and follow the link.
