…But it’s just a cat?
After suffering pet loss you hear some of the most outlandish things from people. Does this phrase resonate with you? I bet it does. Some statements would just leave me speechless. In my own experience, I’ve been the recipient of those insensitive words that are meant to somehow comfort us, yet feel like a stab straight to the heart. What makes this even worse is when it comes from close family, friends and peers you communicate with everyday.
Unfortunately, not everyone understands that our pets are family. Even many pet owners regard their pets as just companion animals and nothing more. I will never understand it, however that’s not my path. Everyone has their own journey and different level of compassion and empathy. I just wish people used more common sense and empathy when addressing a bereaved pet parent and friend. At the end of the day a friend or family member who values you should have respect for the people and beings YOU value too.
Sadly, that just doesn’t always happen. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard people express the double heartache and betrayal felt when someone close to them, expresses their thoughts about the loss of their pet in such an insensitive manner (to put it lightly). If you missed my post called 5 Things you should not say to a grieving pet parent, you can check it out here.
Here are just a few examples I’ve heard before. Have you heard any of the following statements after losing a pet?
- So when are you going to get another pet? (when only a week has passed by since your pet died)
- Well, they live short lives anyway…(That doesn’t make the pain hurt any less. Would you say the same about a sickly child that died?)
- It’s just a cat/dog/etc. though…you can get another, right? (My pets are family, not a T- shirt with a 30 day refund & exchange policy)
- Are you still sad over their death? Shouldn’t you be over it by now? (Since when does grief have a time limit?)
If you have, then I’m sure you can appreciate this special blog post!
They are not just a pet. They are family! : Art edition
As a reader of my blog, you know that I love animals (especially partial to cats) and also like creating art! I love to paint and also explore my graphic design skills. Well this time, I wanted to share with you some new Canva designs I created using their free templates. If you are not familiar with them, check out their website here. It’s a great website and resource to create your own graphics and designs using easy drag and drop features. They have both free templates and paid membership for access to a whole host of additional features.
I find it’s a great way to explore my creativity and also if you are a blogger, Canva is great tool to create great vertical pin-able images for your blog posts.
Using my own experience as a source of inspiration, I created the following designs. Let me know which one is your favorite!
Did you enjoy this post? Are you a fan of all things creative? You’ll love some of my other art inspired posts below!
My 2019 Spring Art update…What’s new?
10 Must have budget friendly art essentials for painting!
Lastly, if you wish you could have any of these designs for yourself, you can! Browse and shop my designs on my Redbubble shop! You can click on any of the images above and below or see my portfolio of works here!
Enjoy! Don’t forget to share this post with a friend or pin for later!
Have you ever encountered insensitive comments about your pets before? What did you do? Did you like these designs? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Originally published Sept 4, 2019. Updated Nov. 18, 2020
Oh, Kamira, this post is so timely. I’ve been absent for a few weeks (and delayed on commenting here) as my most senior Husky was preparing for the Rainbow Bridge, and did cross last week. I’ve been devastated. We just lost our Chloe to sudden acute liver failure in June, and was still grieving (both dogs and humans), when Old Man Time snuck up on our Harley, who was 14.5. The things I’ve heard from well-intentioned folks is incredible. From the most warm and comforting words to those outside of the dog world saying some of the above! I love your graphics…especially in our time of loss, it just resonates to the heart. They are so not “justs” – they are beloved members of our family, and their loss does indeed runs deep.
Dorothy,
I’m so sorry about Husky and Chloe. Two in one year and so close together. I don’t even have the words but my heart goes out to you. I understand…believe that. I’m glad this post resonated with you. It’s a shame some of our closest friends and family don’t have the capacity to empathize and chose their words more carefully. At least you have another set of friends and family that understand your pain. Sending you a big hug! xoxo
I’m partial to the dog photo – which is fantastic, and so is the cat one!
Yes, I’ve had people say things to me after a pet died – mostly from my mother. “She was a sick dog anyway,” or “You didn’t own her long enough to get attached.” She said this when I lost a puppy that I owned for a week to distemper. All I did was cry. Maybe I lied and said I had to leave. I really couldn’t respond to these insensitive comments.
Sandy,
Wow! I’m so sorry to hear this. What makes it worse is when it’s insensitive comments from family. I don’t understand how people put a time limit on love. So many mothers of newborn children fall in love the minute they enter the world, so why can’t that be true when one welcomes a pet into the family? Thanks for the kind words and sharing your story.
Some things are hard for people to understand. People who didn’t experience love for a dog cannot.
Jana,
So true! I agree.
I don’t call my cats my kids. I am from England and that kind of thing just hasn’t take off with many people. My cats are much loved family members and I love doing this kind of quote collage with them.
Some people have really nailed a feeling with their words, and we are so lucky to have access to these quotes.
Marjorie,
Thank you! I’m glad you like these quotes. I totally understand about the furkids thing. It may be more popular in the US here, but we are definitely on the same page. They are family! I appreciate the kind words!
Layla is my child, my Mom calls her grandpup and people know that, if they have an issue with it then so be it I do not care. I was brought up with pets are family and live that way to this day. Grat post.
Ruth,
Thank you! Me too! When my cats were alive, my parents called them their grandfurkids too! I also have a fur niece too! We love our fur kids!!
Anyone who knows me knows better than to say something like that. People can be so cold. Pets are an important part of any animal lovers life.
Katie,
I’m glad you are around people that have empathy and common sense to respect your feelings. Sometimes pet parents find out the hard way, what is important to them is just an animal to their peers. So sad.
Beautiful images! I always use Canva free edition to create pins for my blog. Is there a big difference between the free and paid versions?
I use the free versions too. However so far the only difference I can see with the paid version is you have access to many more images without watermark and also have the ability to use images that have a transparent background. I suppose that would be ideal if you wanted to use images for printing. 🙂
Hi, Great Post! I have encountered many insensitive comments about my beloved pets from people who are supposed to be family, unfortunately. Very sad really that people can be so rude.
My favorite design from above is the puppy one, its so cute and so very true. My dogs are my fur babies, and always will be, past, present, and future. (From Dachshund Station)
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sure so many can relate. I feel for you too. My cats were my furkids too!
the examples you posted are spot on. I become enraged when I hear people say things like that. My pets have ALWAYS been family, they are my “kids” since I never had kids of my own.
Caren,
I know exactly what you mean. Same here. All my kids have paws! (And I like it that way!)
Very nice and well done, Kamira.
Thank you! More to come!