What makes someone/something family? Can something other than a human have a soul? Due to the passing of a beloved dog this past weekend, these are the questions that have been swirling in my head. My fiance Kim's, and her daughter's, dog Pudding Pie passed away. For all intents and purposes, Puddin was not my dog. I did not go to pick her out, I did not name her, she did not live with me. However, the loss I felt, made me question that thought. I loved her and I'd like to think that she loved me. Losing her feels like the loss of a family member, it hurts, it's not fair, and it sucks. I looked forward to seeing her and spending time with her. I loved taking her on walks, playing tug of war with her, seeing her nub of a tail get excited to see me. Puddin had more personality than many people I know. She was lovable, loyal, stubborn, persistent, empathetic, charismatic, and so much more. She showed guilt, remorse, compassion. If all those things don't show she had a soul, well then what qualifies as a soul, because again, there are people out there who don't have any of those traits/qualities.
I've never considered myself a "pet person". A lot of that has to do with my allergies, as I am allergic to pretty much everything. So because of that, I've never understood fully how someone felt when they lost a pet or made statements like one of a kind. I'm not stating that I didn't understand how/why they felt loss, just never understood the depth of said loss. Losing Puddin is devastating, so, unfortunately, now I understand. She was without a question of a doubt, one of a kind. Puddin will be deeply missed, always loved, and always remembered. I am so happy, lucky, and proud to call her family. Rest in peace Puddin, may you hunt forever!
