• About Be Kind & Co
  • Contributors
  • Contact
  • Shop
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
No Result
View All Result
BE KIND & CO
NEWSLETTER
Shop Now
BE KIND & CO
No Result
View All Result
BE KIND & CO
No Result
View All Result

Learning to Grieve

Lu ParkerbyLu Parker
November 5, 2019
in Inspiration, Pets, Uncategorized
Reading Time: 3min read
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The month of October was a difficult one for me. I have tried to be kind to myself through a lot of self care and allowing myself to grieve. I am devastated to share with you that my 12 year old dog Monkey went to heaven on October 1st. He had a brain tumor and his seizures were simply too much for him. It has been very painful for me to write about, but I feel it is time to share.

What I have learned and tried to accept these last few weeks is that loss is a part of life. While I wanted to push the pain away, I have allowed myself to actually feel my feelings. I have allowed myself to cry anywhere, at anytime, often times crying myself to sleep. My hope is that when you feel pain, anger or sadness about something, you can find the strength to face the pain rather than turn away or push it down for later. Learning to do this, even if messy, has brought me some peace.

His name was Monkey. He was born a dog, but many described him as human. Strangers would stop us and giggle about his unusual style. To some, he looked like a small terrier in a big dog’s body. Others called him a rockstar. To me, he was simply my Monkey Bear. For those who knew him, chances are you will never forget him.

Monkey was found on the streets of South Los Angeles in 2007.  He was scruffy, skinny and super sweet. It was love at first sight. 

Everyone who has ever loved a dog knows the joy of what our four-legged friends bring into our lives. I grew up with dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, even gerbils. Name it, we had it. I loved them all.  But Monkey was different. Monkey was THAT creature. THAT soul who crawls inside your heart and fills it with everything money cannot buy—unconditional love, trust, an easy listening ear, eyes that say everything will be okay, cuddles that melt you, and companionship that makes you feel safe.

Monkey went to heaven early last month, and even now I am still trying to wrap my head around that fact. My heart is shattered.  The house is unbelievably empty. My head still will not let me accept that he is no longer here. And like with any death, I wish I had more time to say “I love you,” or to hold and smell him once more.  

Death also helps us reflect on what was… Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the soul he was.

Monkey was the most polite dog on the planet.
He was patient.
He never met a stranger.
He was silly.
He was gentle with all dogs, big or small, and they loved him for it.
He aged with grace.
He was a great listener.
He was known to sleep in late.
He took pills like a champ.
He was a great co-pilot.
He didn’t beg.
He had many human girlfriends.
He had a bladder of steel.
He liked to poop in private. 
He loved to roll on his back in the grass.
He would run for miles by my side.
His upper lip curled up like Elvis when he got excited.
He was a fantastic soccer player.
He wore neckties with pride.
Oh, and he loved a good party.

But most importantly, Monkey had a big, fat, over-flowing, kind heart, and those of us who were lucky enough to know him, even if briefly, will forever be affected by how he shared his heart so openly.  I will honor him by trying to do the same.

Rest in Peace my sweet Monkey Bear.

Live in the moment. No regrets. Leave with grace.

Previous Post

This YouTube Documentary Will Inspire You Live a Life You Are Proud Of

Next Post

Your Fence is Broken

Related Posts

Two Filmmakers On A Mission to Unite Us Through Stories of Kindness

byBe Kind & Co.
February 24, 2021

Directed by Academy Award-nominee, Kahane Cooperman, and six-time Emmy winner, John Hoffman, THE ANTIDOTE is a documentary that aims to drive a national conversation about the roles that kindness, decency, compassion, and...

Want to Be Kinder? Start Here.

byBe Kind & Co.
February 15, 2021

It is not a coincidence that we chose to introduce our brand new Be Kind & Co. merchandise line the week that is set aside to celebrate random acts of kindness.  We are...

These Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gifts are Perfect for Your Valentine!

byBe Kind & Co.and1 others
February 10, 2021

Valentine’s Day is a moment each year to express our love for those in our lives that mean so much to us.  Searching for the perfect token of our affection is not...

How Kindness & a Homemade Sign Saved the Life of a Young Boy

byLu Parker
February 1, 2021

As a tv news anchor, I tell stories all day on camera.  Often the stories are sad, disturbing, and sometimes violent.  I have learned over the years many ways way to block...

relaxation puppy

How to Take Time Off in a Busy Badge Culture

byChristy Hughes
January 25, 2021

I took two days off from work recently. I had no agenda, no doctor’s appointments, no functions to attend, no vacation to take. My ten-day Balinese yoga retreat had already suffered the...

Next Post

Your Fence is Broken

2020 Women-Owned Holiday Gift Guide

Flying into a New Decade

JOIN THE BE KIND & CO COMMUNITY

Facebook Twitter Instagram

MOST RECENT STORIES

Two Filmmakers On A Mission to Unite Us Through Stories of Kindness

February 24, 2021

Want to Be Kinder? Start Here.

February 15, 2021

These Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gifts are Perfect for Your Valentine!

February 10, 2021

How Kindness & a Homemade Sign Saved the Life of a Young Boy

February 1, 2021
relaxation puppy

How to Take Time Off in a Busy Badge Culture

January 25, 2021
kindnesscontagious

If You Packed Up Your Kindness with the Holiday Decorations, Here’s How to Get It Back

January 18, 2021
BE KIND & CO

© 2021 Be Kind & Co. All Rights Reserved. Proudly Published & Powered by STORIFIED with kindness.

Navigate Be Kind & Co

  • Home
  • Shop
  • Health & Fitness
  • Inspiration
  • Interviews
  • Relationships
  • Pets
  • Workplace
  • Favorite Things

Join the Be Kind & Co Community

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Inspiration
  • Interviews
  • Health & Fitness
  • Pets
  • Relationships
  • Workplace
  • Favorite Things
  • Welcome to Be Kind & Co
  • Contributors
  • Be Kind & Co Newsletter
  • Contact Be Kind & Co

© 2021 Be Kind & Co. All Rights Reserved. Proudly Published & Powered by STORIFIED with kindness.