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S3 E:13 When Goodbye Hurts: A Memorial to Hermes and the Grief of Losing a Pet
Manage episode 475591544 series 3471293
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Pet grief cuts deeper than many realize. When my beloved cat Hermes passed away recently after 16 incredible years together, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of loss that inspired this raw, emotional episode.
The story of Hermes begins in 2009, during a period of personal turmoil when this playful kitten literally ran into my life. Named after the fleet-footed Greek messenger god, Hermes was quick, mischievous, and utterly devoted. He established himself as the alpha cat while remaining incredibly social with humans, winning over everyone with his characteristic headbutts and territorial watchdog-like behavior. Through multiple house moves, the addition of other pets, and inevitable losses along the way, he remained a constant, loving presence.
What makes pet grief uniquely challenging is the unconditional nature of the relationship. Our pets rely on us completely throughout their lives, creating a bond of responsibility and love that deepens with each passing year. When Hermes was diagnosed with probable liver cancer, I faced that impossible decision all pet parents dread - weighing expensive treatments with uncertain outcomes against his declining quality of life. The emotional toll of his final moments, jumping onto my lap after receiving the sedative, highlighted both our profound connection and the heartbreak of letting go.
Our society's "death-defying culture" offers little space for processing pet grief. Companies typically provide minimal bereavement leave for human loss and often nothing for pets, despite their immense importance in our lives. By sharing Hermes' story, I hope to normalize these difficult conversations and remind fellow grieving pet owners that their feelings are valid.
Have you experienced the loss of a beloved pet? What helped you through it? I'd love to hear your stories as we create space for this important conversation about companion animals and the grief that comes with loving them until the end.
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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4
Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.
Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.
Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
[email protected]
Chapters
1. S3 E:13 When Goodbye Hurts: A Memorial to Hermes and the Grief of Losing a Pet (00:00:00)
2. Podcast Introduction & Update (00:00:15)
3. The Story Behind the Episode (00:01:25)
4. The Story of Hermes Begins (00:02:09)
5. Life with Hermes Over the Years (00:08:40)
6. Declining Health and Difficult Decisions (00:14:38)
7. How We Process Pet Grief (00:21:49)
8. Querida Commercial Break (00:24:32)
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