Meet Tuna, a Blue Tick Beagle who turned 4 in September 2024. She shares a deep bond with one of her special humans, Daniel, whom she has always adored. Daniel and his partner, Shelley, are Tuna’s fifth set of guardians.
Although Daniel wasn’t sure he wanted to adopt a dog at first, everything changed when he met Tuna—they fell in love.
I have been part of Tuna, Daniel, and Shelley’s life for the past year in my role as a doula. Daniel is very ill and has recently moved from home to hospital, and how wonderful that Tuna is able to visit him there.
Supporting this little family as Daniel’s illness has progressed has been a privilege. Every visit brought a very excited Tuna to the door. And when I say excited, I mean happy—very happy. One might even say hyper! Her happiness came with jumping and other behaviors that perhaps a more "well-behaved" dog might not display, but how can anyone resist such a joyful canine friend who just wants to say hello?
I quickly learned that bringing Tuna a gift could help make our greetings more relaxed. After consulting with her humans, we landed on a simple solution: a carrot. Each visit, I prepared my doula bag with my computer, notebook, and a carefully selected carrot wrapped in a paper towel. Tuna quickly figured out this routine and would fixate on my bag as I entered. Despite my attempts to tell her, “Back up, let me in, your treat is coming,” I often found myself tripping over her enthusiasm.
Eventually, I realized the best strategy was to hold the carrot in my hand as I entered. This way, she could greet me, grab her carrot, and head into another room to enjoy it for a few minutes. Problem solved: Happy Tuna, happy doula.
The Unique Bond Between Dogs and Their Humans
Dogs offer unparalleled love, loyalty, and companionship. When they experience loss, they often perceive it through changes in routine—such as their human’s absence—and the different sounds, smells, and energies around them. Every dog grieves differently, so it’s important to watch for signs of distress, like panting, whining, barking, pacing, or fidgeting. Dogs are highly intuitive and sensitive, and allowing them to spend time with their humans at the end of life can help them process grief in their own way.
Benefits of Being Present at the End of Life
For the Dog:
Understanding the Transition: Dogs sense when something is wrong. Spending time with their loved one during final days allows them to adjust to the change rather than experiencing a sudden absence.
Maintaining Routine: Involving the dog in the process helps keep their daily life more stable, reducing anxiety.
Closure: Like humans, dogs need closure. Many dogs even seem to “say goodbye” in their own way.
For the Human:
Comfort and Connection: A beloved pet provides immense comfort, reduces stress, and offers emotional support.
Bonding Moments: These final moments together deepen the bond and provide a sense of peace and love.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Watch for Signs of Stress: Dogs may struggle emotionally if they sense extreme sadness or physical decline. Provide breaks when needed.
Create Positive Moments: Focus on calm, loving interactions, like quiet cuddles or soft talking.
Prepare for the Transition: After the loss, keep routines stable, offer extra attention, and consider support for the dog’s grieving process (such as training or therapy).
As my time with this family comes to an end, I hope to remain friends with Shelley and Tuna once Daniel has passed.
And here’s what I know for sure: as a Critical Illness/End-of-Life Doula, I never stop learning from my clients—including the canine ones. Their strength, wisdom, and dreams will forever inspire me.
See you soon, Tuna and thank you for teaching me!
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