In almost 22 years as a firefighter, the
one thing I have learned is that some of the best/worst conversations happen at
the kitchen table, and last week was no different. Usually a shift change starts with everyone
gathering at the table to recount the activities of the day before, as well as
to pass along any pertinent information.
The morning news plays out on the TV behind us, mainly as noise-but
sometimes a story can catch our attention.
One such story touched on the concept of
corporations who allow their employees the opportunity to take either a
bereavement day or flex time in order to mourn the loss of a beloved pet (as
well as to spend time with a child following such an event). One of my
crewmates began to voice his opinion loudly that this was the stupidest thing
he had ever heard- basically saying people need to just suck it up and move
on. I only internally disagreed with his
statement, as it was neither the time nor place to make a counterassault.
Instead,
I researched this topic further and found a CBS News article titled Some companies
letting employees take off work after pet dies which broached this very subject. One argument against this type of practice
begged the question “Where does one draw the line on the type of pets that
warrant such time off (dog, cat, reptile, bird)?” Being a major pet lover myself, as well as
someone who does not have children, I can tell you most assuredly that the loss
of a pet is very devastating to the psyche, and as the referenced article
indicated-it can be very difficult to function for several days or weeks
following. Especially if the pet in
question serves as a de facto child. So
why expound upon this topic?
On the very next shift day the Universe
provided me both the inspiration (to pen this post), as well as the answer to
my question. Our crew responded to a
working structure fire in a two-story single family residence. When we arrived on scene the house was
well-involved on the first and second floors.
The owner was able to escape from harm, but notified the firefighters
that he owned a dog and cat that were still inside. At this point, I was assigned as a sector
officer on one side of the building. I
informed the working crews to look for these animals as they continued with
suppression efforts. Several minutes
later, the crews exited the building with the lifeless body of a cat and a
dog. My heart was heavy as the
firefighters solemnly laid these pets on the side of the driveway. I closed my eyes and invoked St. Francis to provide
them safe passage across the Rainbow Bridge.
Approximately 40 minutes later as we were returning to quarters, a
second homeowner arrived on scene. The
lasting image that was imprinted on my brain was a woman collapsing (full of
grief and mental anguish) into the arms of a neighbor. She lost not only a home, but her faithful
companions as well.
 |
| St. Francis |
Just imagine this scene, and tell me
whether or not it is too far-fetched for companies to offer pet bereavement
days. What if these people had small
school-aged children they needed to inform of the pet deaths? While my crewmate is entitled to his opinion
that adults should “suck it up”, I believe the time off would be critically
important to spend with their young ones to guide them through the emotional
turmoil they are now experiencing. It
has been almost 8 years since Judy and I had to euthanize our beloved dog
Chief. At that time, a friend of ours
gave us a copy of The Rainbow Bridge (author
unknown) to offer us comfort. I now
share this same poem in dedication to the pet lives lost last week.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place
called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been
especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are
meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play
together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm
and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and
old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made
whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and
times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but
the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright
eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the
group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you
and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands
again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of
your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge
together....
Author unknown...
In
Health and Wellness,
Tim
References
Some companies letting employees take off work after pet
dies (2016, March 14). Retrieved from CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/some-companies-letting-employees-take-off-work-after-pet-dies/
on 3/20/2016.
Rainbow Bridge Poem. Retrieved from https://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
on 3/20/2016.
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