Death of an animal can cause as much heartbreak as loss of a human friend

Don Kirkland

Don Kirkland

May marks the third anniversary of Bella Kirkland arriving at our home to claim her spot on, or more accurately, in my bed. That’s where she joined the ranks of Suzie, Jodi, Sandy, Sophie and Heidi Kirkland, all of whom have moved on to loftier accommodations.

No, we hadn’t grown apart. Meals were always on time. Morning, afternoon and evening expressions of love were never overlooked. Romantic walks, hugs and kisses were regularly given and taken.

So what was the problem, you ask? Simply the reality that the guy upstairs must think that if dogs spent less time with us on earth than, say, elephants, more dogs (and more people) could share in the pleasures of having meaningful access to one of God’s many creatures.

This relates in a way to the recent passing of Indu, one of the Phoenix Zoo’s most loved inhabitants, who became ill and was euthanized earlier this month at the ripe old (?) age of 59.

Understandably, at least as viewed by this animal lover, the death of such a creature — any one — can cause nearly as much heartbreak as that of a human friend. Take for example the reaction conveyed by the daughter of my friend’s zoo co-workers when the decision was made (necessarily, it was emphasized) to put an end to Indu’s life-altering ailments.

Although I haven’t experienced the agony of losing an animal of such magnificence, I am nonetheless saddened by the process of ending the time on Earth of any such creature, large or small.

Which is why, when our longtime co-writer and friend Andrew Lwowski shared with his co-workers the reasons behind his decision not to pursue a degree in veterinary science while he was a student at the University of Arizona — one of the acclaimed such programs — we understood.

While he didn’t list it as one of the reasons behind his decision, five names came to my mind: Suzie, Jodi, Sandy, Sophie, Heidi. For me to have to deal with the reality of so many loved ones leaving our lives — and our love — within such a short timeframe ... not an experience I’d want to confront again. Six times over.

Don Kirkland is publisher of the Wrangler News Independent. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines at https://www.yourvalley.net/civility-checklist.