This past month I lost my beloved golden retriever to cancer, something almost all dog lovers have experienced at least once in their lives. I write this article not to eulogize my pet companion, but rather to celebrate this bond we humans have with our animals and, ultimately, the many other things we share as part of our common humanity. No matter our political affiliation, ethnicity, race or gender, most of us love our pets and can relate to the joys of pet ownership and the pain of losing them despite the differences that may divide us.
Many people have commiserated with me about this intensely personal experience and have wanted to share their searing memories of what it was like for them to lose their animal companion. It is comforting to know others have gone through this, too, and want to help me with my raw emotions. Some of these people may vehemently disagree with me about politics, but we are completely in sync about this subject.
It’s not just the grieving process of losing a beloved pet. We all know what it’s like to grieve the death of a loved one, to love a child more than life itself, to take care of an elderly parent, or to enrich our lives by spending time with family and friends. Yet, if you spend any time on social media or watch and read the news, you would think we have nothing in common, and all we do is constantly fight with one another.