Grief may be a human emotion, but dogs definitely feel it too. At least, that’s what was seen in this heartbreaking yet heartwarming story.
Sadie is a 13-year-old dog who is a mix of Border Collie, Dalmatian, and Shepherd. She recently lost her owner, Andy Beaulieu, who passed away suddenly from a heart attack.
Sadie had been with Andy since she was a puppy, so when he was gone, she really felt it and started to show that she was sad.
Jeremy May, the President of Elements Cremation, shared with People how Sadie reacted at the scene: “She was putting her head on his hand and tried to nuzzle him.”
Sadie was used to going to work with Andy every day, so the ten days between his death and the funeral were really hard for her. She would sit by the window waiting for him and wouldn’t eat or sleep by herself, which made her lose a lot of weight. Julia Beaulieu, Andy’s wife, saw that Sadie needed some closure, so she made sure Sadie could go to the funeral.
When Sadie arrived at the visitation, she walked up to the casket with Julia, gently putting her front paws on it and looking inside before stepping back. Everyone in the room was touched by her actions, and May remembered, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
After saying goodbye, Sadie went back home and started eating again, getting back into her usual routine. This service was a significant moment for May, showing a rising trend in funeral planning: including pets.
“More people are deciding to have their pets or other personal touches at their services,” May said, as Elements often helps families fulfill these special requests.
Even though Sadie’s presence wasn’t planned ahead of time, May suggests that anyone who wants their pets included in their own services should write down their wishes.
This way, both family members and pets can find closure together, celebrating the strong emotional connections people have with their animals.
What a lovely story! What do you think? Let us know your thoughts!
