Dogs are known for their loyalty and love for their owners. And when they lose someone they hold dear, they grieve just like humans do. That’s exactly what Sadie, a 13-year-old Border Collie, Dalmatian, and Shepherd mix, went through when she lost her owner, Andy Beaulieu, to a sudden heart attack.
Sadie had been raised by Beaulieu since she was a puppy, so it was no surprise that she immediately felt his absence and started showing signs of grief. Jeremy May, President of Elements Cremation, described how Sadie responded at the scene, saying that she “was putting her head on his hand and tried to nuzzle him.”
The ten days between Beaulieu’s death and his funeral were agonizing for Sadie. Used to going to work with her owner every day, she waited at the window for him, refusing to eat or sleep alone. Eventually, she lost a significant amount of weight. It was clear that Sadie needed closure, and Julia Beaulieu, Andy’s wife, recognized that. So, she arranged for Sadie to attend the funeral service.
When Sadie entered the visitation, she approached the casket with Julia. She gently placed her front paws on it, looked in, and then stepped down. Her actions touched everyone in the room, and there “wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” according to May. It was a powerful moment, highlighting a growing trend in funeral planning – the inclusion of pets.
May explained that more and more people are choosing to include their pets or other personalized elements in funeral services. Elements, the organization May represents, often helps families honor these unique requests. While Sadie’s attendance at the funeral hadn’t been planned in advance, May encourages others who wish to include their pets in their own services to document these wishes.
By doing so, both the family and the pets can find closure together, honoring the deep emotional bonds that people share with their animals. It’s a lovely way to say goodbye and remember the love and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives
