Pet Loss and Grief: Paying Homage to Our Beloved Dogs

In this episode, we explore the weighty subject of humans finding ways to say goodbye to a beloved dog, and the spectrum of ways people deal with the grief of losing a beloved pet.

For ages, proof of the unique bond between humans and dogs has existed in literature, song, and lore. But rarely discussed are the lengths humans will go to pay homage to their dogs after they have passed. Everyone mourns pet loss differently. From the creation of pet cemeteries to bestowing monetary gifts to cover future care, the love we feel for dogs extends beyond this earthly realm.

Bonafide Bits:

• In a 50 square meter plot in Ashkelon, Tel Aviv, some 1,300 dogs were individually buried between the 5th and 3rd centuries.
• The constellation Canis Major was named after Maira, the faithful hound of Ikarios, a winemaker of ancient Greece.
• Ronald Reagan famously dramatized George Graham Vest’s Old Drum closing court argument.
• Famous women who left money to their dogs include Lauren Bacall, Joan Rivers, and Leona Helmsley.

Featured Breeds:

Maltese

The tiny Maltese, “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions. Discover more about Malteses at AKC’s Maltese Breed Biography.

Yorkshire Terrier

Beneath the dainty, glossy, floor-length coat of a Yorkshire Terrier beats the heart of a feisty, old-time terrier. Yorkies earned their living as ratters in mines and mills long before they became the beribboned lapdogs of Victorian ladies. The Yorkshire Terrier is a compact, toy-size terrier of no more than seven pounds whose crowning glory is a floor-length, silky coat of steel blue and a rich golden tan. Don’t let the Yorkie’s daintiness fool you. Tenacious, feisty, brave, and sometimes bossy, the Yorkie exhibits all the traits of a true terrier. Yorkies are long-lived and hypoallergenic (the coat is more like human hair than animal fur), and they make fine little watchdogs. This is a true “personality breed,” providing years of laughs, love, and close companionship. Discover more about Yorkshire Terriers at AKC’s Yorkshire Terrier Breed Biography.

Drever

The Drever is robust rather than elegant and speedy. They have a proud carriage, well-developed muscles, and an agile appearance. Affectionate, playful, and sweet, the Drever gets along well with most other breeds and is great in groups. The Drever was developed in the early twentieth century in Sweden. Hunting deer was difficult due to terrain and herd locations so hunters soon realized the benefits of using this short-legged, long-bodied dog to drive the deer over long distances and rough terrain right to them. A keen and even-tempered hound, the Drever is never aggressive, nervous, nor shy. They are content in most living situations but tend to be vocal when alerting or at play. Discover more about Drevers at AKC’s Drever Breed Biography.

Pumi

The Pumi (POO-mee; plural Pumik) was conceived as a compact, quick, and fearless sheepherder capable of moving flocks on the narrow roads connecting the pastures of western Hungary. At a glance, it might be hard to believe that this cuddly charmer was born to do such tough work. With his coat of corkscrew curls, circular tail, expressive ears, and distinctively whimsical look, the Pumi is all kinds of cute. But beneath the curls is a lean, deep-chested herder with a seemingly endless capacity for work and play. Discover more about Pumik at AKC’s Pumi Breed Biography.

Löwchen

A companion dog whose name is German for “little lion,” the Löwchen has been a popular pet among Continental Europeans for more than 500 years. The portable, non-shedding Löwchen is said to be affectionate, lively, and brave as a lion. Small dogs with enormous hearts, Löwchen (the same singular or plural) stand a bit over a foot tall at the shoulder. The coat is traditionally kept in a “lion clip,” in which most of the hindquarters and tail are clipped down close to the skin. The overall effect is that of a mini lion, with a full mane and plumed tail. The coat comes in several colors and color combinations. Beneath the coat is a dog that’s strong and sturdy, but elegant and artfully balanced. Discover more about Löwchen at AKC’s Löwchen Breed Biography.

Boerboel

Boerboels are intimidating but discerning guardians of home and family who learned their trade while protecting remote South African homesteads from ferocious predators. They are dominant and confident, also bright and eager to learn. There’s a no-frills, no-nonsense quality to this sleek-coated avenger, which might stand as high as 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as you do. A broad and blocky head, powerful jaws, and thick muscles from neck to rump mark it as a descendant of the ancient “molloser” dog family, the foundation of today's mastiff-type breeds. In motion, the Boerboel just might be the most agile of all mastiff types. The imposing Boerboel is devoted to protecting the people and places he loves. This is a trainable, versatile breed, eager to spend time with their adored humans. Discover more about Boerboels at AKC’s Boerboel Breed Biography.

Canaan Dog

One of the AKC's oldest breeds, the Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. This quick, medium-sized pasture dog is docile with family and aloof with strangers. The ever-alert Canaan is a vocal and persistent guardian of flock and home. Canaan Dogs are lean, bushy-tailed dogs standing 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. The coat is straight and harsh and comes in various colors and patterns. Erect, expressive ears and dark almond eyes convey an inquisitive expression. Canaans move at a brisk, natural trot. They are rugged, agile, and apparently tireless, making them a nice fit for hikers and runners. Canaans are clever, confident, and territorial. They will end up "owning" passive owners who haven't established themselves as the top dog in the family pack. Agility, obedience, herding trials, and sentry duty are a few outlets for their work ethic. Discover more about Canaan Dogs at AKC’s Canaan Dog Breed Biography.

Cane Corso

Smart, trainable, and of noble bearing, the assertive and confident Cane Corso is a peerless protector. The Corso’s lineage goes back to ancient Roman times, and the breed’s name roughly translates from the Latin as “bodyguard-dog.” Discover more about Cane Corsos at AKC’s Cane Corso Breed Biography.

German Shepherd Dog

There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there’s a “certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC’s German Shepherd Dog Breed Biography.

Akita

Akitas are burly, heavy-boned spitz-type dogs of imposing stature. Standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, Akitas have a dense coat that comes in several colors, including white. The head is broad and massive and is balanced in the rear by a full, curled-over tail. The erect ears and dark, shining eyes contribute to an expression of alertness, a hallmark of the breed. Akitas are quiet, fastidious dogs. Wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals, Akitas will gladly share their silly, affectionate side with family and friends. They thrive on human companionship. The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love. They must be well-socialized from birth with people and other dogs. Discover more about Akitas at AKC’s Akita Breed Biography.

Newfoundland

The massive Newfoundland is a strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing. The sweet-tempered Newfie is a famously good companion and has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful “nanny dog” for kids. Discover more about Newfoundlands at AKC’s Newfoundland Breed Biography.

Black and Tan Coonhound

Large, athletic hunters who work nights, Black and Tan Coonhounds are friendly, easygoing hounds who love company. They are snoozy by the fireside but tenacious when on the trail of the wily raccoon. The Black and Tan Coonhound is a real American original.

Black and Tans have an amazingly sensitive nose, long, velvety ears, and a sweet disposition. The coal-black coat features rich tan accents, including the distinctive “pumpkin seeds” above keenly expressive eyes. These are big, strong hounds: A good-sized male can stand 27 inches at the shoulder and cover ground with effortless, eager strides. Black and Tan Coonhounds are sociable hounds. Discover more about Black and Tan Coonhounds at AKC’s Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Biography.

Papillon

The quick, curious Papillon is a toy dog of singular beauty and upbeat athleticism. Despite his refined appearance, the Pap is truly a “doggy dog” blessed with a hardy constitution. Papillon fanciers describe their breed as happy, alert, and friendly. A tiny dog, measuring 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder, you can still spot a Papillon a block away thanks to the large, wing-shaped ears that give the breed its name (“papillon” is French for “butterfly”). Some Paps have erect ears; in others, known as the Phalene type, the ears are down. Paps are dainty and elegant, with a plumed tail, and a long, silky coat of several color combinations, the base color being white. More robust than they look, Paps are little dogs for all seasons and reasons. They thrive in warm or cool climates, in town or country, and are eager to join the family fun. They are excellent agility dogs and are consistent winners at the sport’s highest levels; less ambitious owners can train them to do all kinds of tricks. Discover more about Papillons at AKC’s Papillon Breed Biography.

Havanese

Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba, are cheerful little dogs with a spring in their step and a gleam in their big, brown eyes. These vivacious and sociable companions are becoming especially popular with American city dwellers. Discover more about Havanese at AKC’s Havanese Breed Biography.

Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is bold and clever, swift enough to run with horses and fearless enough to dig in and flush a fox from his lair. Independent problem-solvers, PRTs can have their own ideas on how to go about things. Discover more about Parson Russell Terriers at AKC’s Parson Russell Terrier Breed Biography.

Border Collie

A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog — maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Discover more about Border Collies at AKC’s Border Collie Breed Biography.

Japanese Chin

Chin are the unrivaled noblemen of Japanese breeds. They’re tiny “indoorsy” companions, with an unmistakably Eastern look and bearing. The head is large, the muzzle short, and the round, dark eyes convey, as Chin fans like to say, a “look of astonishment.” The profuse mane around the neck and shoulders, the plumed tail arching over the back, and the pants or “culottes” on the hind legs project the elegant, exotic appearance so typical of Asia’s royal line of laptop cuddle bugs. Discover more about Japanese Chins at AKC’s Japanese Chin Breed Biography.

For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org.

Shareables:

• Likely the closing argument by George Vest in the legal battle of Burden v. Hornsby solidified the truth that dogs are members of the family.
• Dogs are more than mere property. They’re special. The law says so!
• Strictly speaking, a dog cannot inherit money although a trust can be established to care for it.