Kodiak Sokol: A Pet Loss Story

The following pet loss story was sent to DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Director Enid Traisman from Chris Sokol. Please feel free to submit your own pet loss story here.

An Ode to A gentle giant
There are no words to describe the grief
Of losing a dog who filled your heart
The sun rises on another day.
And a hole in my heart cannot be filled.
Going about the rhythms of the day, 
And then comes the rush of memories all over again.
The pain does not stop, only my breath.
How I would give anything to have him back. 
And not under the ground so deep.
His lifeless body lies still.
When just yesterday he was running with the wind.
A dog with kisses for babies and a nuzzle when you need it.
A son who’s pain at his loss is overwhelming.
My heart aches double time.
How to carry on with all this grief.
I could not save him, as much as I tried. 
My only hope is to save my son.
To breathe another breath and live another day.

Dear Chris,

Your beautiful and heartfelt poem speaks volumes about the myriad of feelings and complex layers a loss so dear evokes. The angst you feel in these early days of grief resonate deeply for all mothers of both four-legged and two-legged children. I have emailed you separately more in depth about your loss and concern for your son. I do believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as I truly believe that the love and companionship Kodiak embodied during his too short life will not leave your family permanently wounded, but will help you all to grow as you work through the arduous and necessary grieving process.

Warmly,

Enid