Loving a Pet

From as early on as I can remember, I have always connected with animals. My first pet was an orphaned lamb, Mary. I was obsessed with horses and fascinated with butterflies, frogs and caterpillars – any creatures that found their way into my world.

Loving animals inevitably means at some point you have to say goodbye. Now, when I see people and the beautiful bond they have with their pets, my first thought is of the grief that lies ahead.

The Healing Process

Ever since my beautiful dogs Max and Blaze passed on, I have not been able to bring myself to consider another furry companion to share my world.  But, over the past few months, I have been spending time with a little dog, Hugo. He came into my life unexpectedly and stays with me when his persons’ work commitments take them away from home. I find life often has a way of intervening when I need it the most, and Hugo is no exception.

Hugo is the sweetest boy. He loves cuddles and melts my heart when he looks at me with his soulful, brown eyes.

His affectionate and cheeky personality sparks memories of Max and Blaze. Grabbing the lead in his mouth as we head off for a walk. Sleeping in front of the fire, getting tucked under his blanket during the cold winter days and nights and making cute sounds when he gets a head or belly rub. Hugo also loves to steal my socks, flipping them in the air and then snatching them quickly before I get a chance to pick them up.

He is like a little shadow, following me everywhere I go – it doesn’t matter what I am doing, as long as he is with me, he is content.  Memories of Blaze and Max make me long for times when they were still in my life. But with Hugo, those wistful thoughts are mixed with happiness and laughter – his playful energy and love for life brightens my day.

Growing around Grief

Lois Tonkin’s model of grief resonates with me. Grief doesn’t shrink. It doesn’t go away. Once again, I must grow around my grief.

As I move forward with Max and Blaze fully in my heart, I am mindful that I need to allow love, hope and happiness into my world again.

Diagram Reference: Growing Around Grief – Whats your Grief

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Veronica Crawford

Veronica Crawford is a writer, animal welfare advocate, and author dedicated to helping others navigate loss with compassion, hope and understanding. Drawing on her extensive experience in the employment and homelessness sectors, Veronica has witnessed firsthand the profound impact grief can have on individuals, families, and communities. Her professional experience, combined with her own personal journey through loss, inspires her writing and her commitment to supporting others through life's most difficult seasons. In 2011, Veronica's brother, Carl, passed away following a car accident, forever changing the course of her life. In the years since, she has also mourned the loss of many cherished animal companions, including her beloved pet sheep Marlon, Bilbo Baggins and Womble, along with her adored dogs, Max, a 19-year-old Jack Russell, and Blaze, a 15-year-old Kelpie. Through these experiences, Veronica has come to understand that while grief never truly leaves us, healing is possible. She believes that sharing our stories can bring comfort, connection, and hope to others walking a similar path. Veronica is a contributing author to the bestselling 365 book series, including 365 Ways to Connect with Your Soul, 365 Moments of Grace, 365 Life Shifts, 365 Soulful Messages: The Right Guidance at the Right Time, Goodness Abounds, and Soul Biz. Her writing has also been published in The Pearson Education Comet Magazine, Brainwash Magazine, Wild Sister Magazine, and the Soul Speak blog. She is also a contributing author to On the Other Side of Grief, due to be released in August 2026. Today, Veronica continues to write from the heart, honouring the memory of those she has loved while creating a space where others feel seen, supported and less alone in their own grief journey.

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