I’ve read somewhere that grief is love that has nowhere to go so I searched for healing in all the different places.
I recently lost my dog of 18 years. Even though we prepared ourselves for his passing, the loss still proved to be incredibly painful.
Kean, our mixed-breed dog, was a gift for me 18 years ago.ย He was such a wonderful companion, as I was an only child then. He excitedly greeted me every morning, waited for me at home while I was at school, sat with me as I cried during my first heartbreak, happily greeted my baby, and kept our family safe and loved. He was with me through my life’s highs and lows.
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While my mom and brother was away, Kean remained at home with my dad and cousin.The day before he passed, my dad told me Kean wasn’t eating or getting up, something he occasionally did, but this time, a gut feeling told me it was different.ย My mom didn’t have the strength to see him in that state, so I knew Kean didn’t want my mom to see him like that too. The next morning, he took his last breath.
We brought him to a pet chapel and gave him a beautiful wake that he truly deserved. We cried, we reminisced about all our wonderful memories with him, we prayed and I talked to him like how I always used to do.
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The grief I carry is a strange paradox. Once a source of love, it now feels like a void. While I was laying in bed looking at all our old photos on Facebook, I scrolled through my newsfeed and saw that a dog was up for adoption. I hesitated, telling myself it was too soon. Only a week had passed, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for another dog. But that night, I found myself staring at him. He was lined up to be put to sleep in the pound, rescued by Kuna Foudnation and was rehomed 2x already but returned to the foundation. I sent the post to my mom and she immediately said “Kunin na natin sya”.
Maybe this is where we pour our love into. Maybe this is where we find healing.
Adopt me pwease? ๐ฅน
Posted by Kuna Foundation onย Tuesday, July 9, 2024
That night, I prayed to Kean, asking for his blessing to adopt another dog.ย Kean appeared happy in my dreams, confirming my decision to save this dog and offer him a loving home.
Tonton, was around 4months old when we adopted him. He’s partially blind so he needed extra love and care. When Kuna Foundation brought him to us, I saw my mom, dad, and brother’s faces light up- he found his furever home.
Our PWD rescue!!! Tonton ๐ฅน๐ฅน
Their 18-year old family dog passed away and now ready to give this furbaby a home ๐
Kean, their previous furbaby, must be so proud of his family!!! โจ
Posted by Kuna Foundation onย Sunday, September 15, 2024
Adopting a pet is a significant commitment. The adoption process involved interviews to assess our suitability as pet owners and a home visit to ensure our living conditions were appropriate. I’m glad I have met Kuna Foundation’s Jee Antonio who really helped us through the adoption and made sure that Tonton’s well-being is secure. Kuna Foundation also made sure that they get updates about Tonton regularly, especially if they get their shots and go to their scheduled vet visits.
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There is still grief in my heart, Kean was a part of my life for 18 years but I now feel at ease that he is somewhere safe and happy. I can’t help but think that Kean had led us to find Tonton so we have a dog at home that will also look after us for him.
While our hearts will forever carry the memory of loved ones lost, they can also overflow with love to share.ย Our hearts expanded, filled with love for Kean and now, for Tonton.