The Loss of a Pet: A Beautiful Tribute to a Pug Named Bruce

by becky on in Heartwarming 28
Pugs Bruce and Willy

We love our dogs and consider them a part of the family, and one day we have to say goodbye to them. Bruce sounded like a lovely pet pug and he will be remembered forever. Read about his life tribute below.

The Boys:

Since puppyhood, we had always referred to Willy and Bruce collectively as “the Pugs” or “the boys.” They did everything together. On walks, they would bump sides every once in a while in a kind of doggy high-five, as if they were reassuring themselves that they were both still right there. Bruce would often add an exuberant lick of Willy’s muzzle before they bounced apart. When they slept, the Pugs didn’t just lie next to one another, they snuggled close together, stuffing themselves into a single dog bed or squeezing into a small corner of the couch — often with Willy sprawling on top of Bruce. The two of them were distinctly different in appearance and personality, but they meshed together in the most complementary fashion. Their friendship was truly unique.

The Day’s End:

I knew Bruce would need Willy there for support at the end, but I also felt that it was important for Willy to be present when Bruce passed away. I was certain that he would find closure in knowing what had happened to his buddy.

Dr. Roland Hall, a veterinarian and a dear family friend, was able to come to the ranch to give Bruce the final grace. (My dad, Dr. Marty Becker, was unfortunately traveling and unable to get home.) When he arrived, Dr. Hall reassured me that I had made the right choice to have Willy present. He told me that he had known many dogs who anxiously wandered their homes for weeks after another pet’s death, uncertain of their companions’ whereabouts.

Reagan held Willy in her arms as we said our goodbyes to Bruce. She told Bruce how much she loved him and held onto his fur with her little hands to pet him in the way he had always loved for her to do. I rested my head on the floor next to Bruce, with his head nestled in my hand, and told him that I understood his body was so tired and that it was OK for him to let go. We thanked him for the love he had given us. I told him to run wild and free with his doggy friends in heaven, knowing every time he looked down on us, we would be thinking of him and that our love for him would continue to grow after he was gone. I told him I couldn’t wait until the day when he would race to greet us at heaven’s gates, because heaven would only be heaven with him there.

Dr. Hall gave Bruce a sedative, and in less than two minutes, he fell into a deep sleep. Willy hid behind me when the last injection was given; he seemed to understand what was happening to his friend. With Bruce’s head lying gently in my hand, I felt his final breath pass through his body and knew his spirit had left us.

As difficult as it was, I knew I needed to ensure that Willy understood that Bruce was gone and that everything was OK. I took Willy in my lap as I sat next to Bruce’s body; rather than trying to get closer to Bruce, as he had always done in the past, Willy took a sniff or two and turned away. Willy’s actions mirrored my own feelings — it was difficult for me to view Bruce’s body, because seeing him there without his spirit inside felt so wrong. As Dr. Hall lifted Bruce, Willy sniffed him one last time and then swiveled his head away, burying his face in my hair as I held him.

As she continues the story, poor Willy grieved deeply for days but eventually, with the love of his family, was able to move on and even enjoy life with his humans. If you would like to read more about this beautiful tribute to Bruce's life please go to Care 2.

Everyone will lose a pet at some point in their life, but thankfully humans and animals can come together and bond. This time of grieving together helps everyone get through hard times. And, while life goes on, Willy and his humans will never forget their sweet, charming little Bruce!



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