Still Walking Beside Me ❤️🐾
- Tanya
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Two years ago, on 23rd July, I said goodbye to my beautiful boy, Monty.
I still miss him every single day.
People often assume that grief fades with time, but sometimes it doesn't. There are still moments when something reminds me of him and I find myself sobbing as though it were yesterday. The pain isn't as constant as it once was, but the love hasn't gone anywhere... and neither has the loss.
Not long after Monty died, I rescued Cheery. Some people said it was too soon. Others even suggested I was trying to replace him. But you can never replace a dog who has been part of your heart.
I didn't rescue Cheery because I wanted another Monty. I rescued her because I knew I still had so much love, time and space in my life for another dog who needed a home.
She couldn't be more different from him, and I love her just as deeply for who she is. Loving Cheery has never meant loving Monty any less.
One thing I've learnt is that pet grief is different. Unless you've experienced that bond yourself, it's hard to understand. I've heard people say, "It's just a dog." But anyone who has truly loved a dog knows they are never just a dog. They are family, companions, confidants, and often the ones who quietly carry us through some of life's hardest moments.
Sadly, many people feel they have to hide their grief. In the RSPCA's 2025 Pet Bereavement Survey, 57% of people said they had hidden their grief, 58% believed there is still stigma around pet loss, and 87% didn't feel understood.
If you've ever felt that way, you're certainly not alone.
I know how fortunate I am to have people around me who do understand. In fact, I spent time with a lovely friend this morning who simply let me cry while I hugged her beautiful dog... a dog that Monty absolutely adored. There was no judgement, no awkwardness, just kindness.
But today, more than anything, I want to celebrate my incredible boy.
Monty was by my side through so many of the most significant moments of my life. Through the highs and the lows, the celebrations and the heartbreaks, he was simply... there. Always waiting, always listening, always loving me without question. He helped me through more than he'll ever know.
Although I can no longer reach down to stroke his head or see his wagging tail waiting for me, I honestly believe he's still by my side in a different way. His paw prints are woven through who I am, and his love still walks with me every day.
Thank you, Monty, for every walk, every cuddle, every laugh at your quirky ways, and for being my constant companion. I will never stop missing you, but I will never stop being grateful that you chose to share your life with me.
And if you're grieving a much-loved pet, please know your grief is real, your love mattered, and you don't have to go through it alone.
The RSPCA has some wonderful advice and support for anyone struggling with pet loss:
🐾 Pet Bereavement Survey: RSPCA Pet Bereavement Survey
🐾 Coping with the loss of a pet: RSPCA Pet Bereavement Support
Run free, my beautiful boy. Until we meet again. 🐾🌈
