Anyone who’s read MD’s book ‘Nigel’ will know how much Monty loved that dog. Regardless of whether or not you think the loss of a dog is a big deal, or whether they belong on a gardening show, can we be respectful and keep the flippant jokes out of a thread meant to show support and sympathy to someone grieving a loss? It isn’t about having the right to your opinion, it’s about leaving this one to those offering condolences. If you want to make a statement otherwise, best to start a new thread on that topic and discuss there.
Anyone who’s read MD’s book ‘Nigel’ will know how much Monty loved that dog. Regardless of whether or not you think the loss of a dog is a big deal, or whether they belong on a gardening show, can we be respectful and keep the flippant jokes out of a thread meant to show support and sympathy to someone grieving a loss? It isn’t about having the right to your opinion, it’s about leaving this one to those offering condolences. If you want to make a statement otherwise, best to start a new thread on that topic and discuss there.
No one has the right to tell someone grieving from a loss that they shouldn’t be grieving however much they are because it’s not like losing (fill in the blank). Some people may be taking the loss harder than others because it brings up memories of their own losses. I’m not sure why this needs to be debated on this thread. Again, that debate belongs elsewhere. It absolutely doesn’t need to be said here.
We aren’t talking about degrees of loss nor about comparisons. An old dog who had become a firm favourite with many has passed on. Surely this thread was started to allow those who did feel fond of him to express their feelings of sadness?
The thing about animals that are "only on a TV programme" is that for many people they are the nearest they are likely to get to owning a dog, cat or goldfish for example. One of the reasons Blue Peter had dogs such as Petra, cats such as Jack and Jill, and Fred(a) the tortoise, was because the producers were aware that not all children had a pet of their own. Nigel may not have been "my" dog in the conventional sense, but l appreciated him as a beautiful animal and clearly a loving companion to Monty and his family. As with all things human or animal it is sad when they die, and l doubt that anyone would equate the death of a much loved husband/wife/partner to that of a pet, no matter how fond they were of it. The fact remains that one of Monty's dogs has died, it was known to many people through a weekly TV programme, and many of those viewers will have been sad to learn of it's death.
I really don't think anyone on here is disputing the fact that losing a pet is sad - of course it is - to impute otherwise is simply not true. I took on a rescue dog in 1967 - he travelled to France, Switzerland and Italy with me for some 12 months. On coming back to the UK, he had to go into 6 months quarantine. It cost me a fortune and I visited him twice a week in the kennels ( all that my job allowed ) until finally I could take him home. I remember being appalled when a relative said to me " you should just have abandoned him in Europe - you are stupid to pay so much for the sake of a dog ". To say that I disagreed was mild - as an 18 year old, I had more sense of responsibility than a supposed adult. My dog lived another 12 years and I never once regretted that I had ensured he was looked after. He was my responsibility and I took care of him. Try losing a parrot - a talkative companion - after 40 years - not cute and furry enough perhaps ? Try losing your spouse or your child ? I'm sorry but the death of an animal you only know from a TV programme can not possibly have the same impact. If this counts as a rant, I apologise but I felt it needed to be said.
I lost my best friend, suddenly, she was 22, it was over 12 years ago but I can go still back to that day in a heartbeat and feel the grief and shock just as much as ever.
Will I still be absolutely devastated when my 15 year old dog dies? Of course I will.
Why do we need to compare grief? Its grief, it sucks, its horrible, and its not a competition.
Monty gave a lovely interview on radio 4 today where he thanked everyone who has shown support and sent best wishes, clearly he appreciates all these unknowns who feel his loss. Nigel made most of us smile, that alone is worth celebrating and being thankful that we were able to share in the life of such a wonderful friend.
Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
No one is comparing this to personally losing a loved one. This has gone so far off the rails it boggles the mind. Or bottles the mind, as I once read from someone...
Why do we need to compare grief? Its grief, it sucks, its horrible, and its not a competition.
We don't need to nor should we - who on earth would compete about the death of a pet for heaven's sake . It is simply losing YOUR pet as opposed to a pet, much seen on TV. which you don't know. I think there is a difference - simple as that.
Well of course there's a difference, but I fail to see why anybody has a problem with people being a bit sad about it and posting condolences.
When my other dog died 2 years ago I posted on Facebook, and also in the group I was in for owners of dogs with diabetes and the messages were really comforting and appreciated.
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Nigel may not have been "my" dog in the conventional sense, but l appreciated him as a beautiful animal and clearly a loving companion to Monty and his family. As with all things human or animal it is sad when they die, and l doubt that anyone would equate the death of a much loved husband/wife/partner to that of a pet, no matter how fond they were of it.
The fact remains that one of Monty's dogs has died, it was known to many people through a weekly TV programme, and many of those viewers will have been sad to learn of it's death.
Will I still be absolutely devastated when my 15 year old dog dies? Of course I will.
Why do we need to compare grief? Its grief, it sucks, its horrible, and its not a competition.
When my other dog died 2 years ago I posted on Facebook, and also in the group I was in for owners of dogs with diabetes and the messages were really comforting and appreciated.