Truly mans best friend

As I walked my 10-year-old Beagle, Mia, I realized that dogs are remarkably similar to humans. In fact, their emotional quotient is often more developed than we might assume. Funnily enough, my earlier post was about PTSD, and that is something Mia is going through too. A few weeks ago, we were at the park when someone set off really loud fireworks. The sound terrified Mia, and she bolted in fear. Ever since then, she’s been wary and anxious, especially around the park. She pulls at her leash and tries to avoid that area, clearly associating it with the traumatic event. Just like me, Mia is suffering from PTSD—a single incident that left her traumatized and fearful. These past few days have been especially difficult, as today marks the 40th day since Sana's passing—a day we believe to be significant, calling for extra prayers. This weekend, the grief was intense, and I found myself reminiscing about Sana, feeling the weight of her absence more than ever. I cope with grief in various ways: silently crying on my walks, listening to Spotify or a podcast, and watching a slideshow of all her pictures. But honestly, through my grief, Mia has been my biggest support. Mia knows I am sad, and she responds with unwavering empathy. She puts her head on my lap and keeps checking on me, offering comfort in those quiet, loving moments. Her presence has been a source of solace, grounding me when the waves of sorrow feel overwhelming. There is such comfort in her hugs, a silent understanding that words cannot convey. If you have a pet, you already have a support system. And if you don't, borrowing a friend's dog could be a wonderful way to find some peace and companionship during tough times. Pets, with their unconditional love and intuitive nature, are the best grief companions. Through Mia, I’ve learned that healing is a journey we don’t have to take alone, and that love and empathy can be powerful tools in overcoming trauma. As we continue to honor Sana’s memory, I find comfort in knowing that I have Mia by my side, reminding me that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of hope and connection.