Kelly Osbourne announced in an emotional Instagram post that her beloved Pomeranian dog, Polly, has passed away due to a pulmonary heart defect.
“I promised myself that I would take a brake [sic] from social media for the summer… however I thought I should let you all know that this week I lost my Polly,” she began.
Following the announcement on Instagram, Osbourne received a wave of support from friends and fans who expressed their sympathies.
‘I Don’t Think I Will Ever Get Over This’
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Osbourne went on to say that Polly had been her loyal companion for six years and the grief of her loss is unbearable.
“I do not no how to go on without her. To say I’m devastated is an understatement,” she continued. “I have never felt pain like this. I have lost my shadow.”
Almost all dog lovers can related to Osbourne’s loss. “I don’t think I will ever get over this. My heart is broken. I am broken!!! I am not in a place to even talk about it,” she said.
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The former Australia’s Got Talent judge first revealed Polly’s health issues in May, stating in an Instagram post that she and her boyfriend “woke up to find Polly hardly breathing and completely unable to move.” They rushed Polly to the vet where she was held in the ICU after her heart stopped.
“This dog means more to me than anything in the world. She is my heart and soul. I don’t think I would still be here if it was not for this dog. Please pray for her,” she told her fans.
How To Help Friends Who Are Grieving
If you love someone who’s grieving the loss of a pet, then you may wonder how you can help them. There are many ways to provide comfort to loved ones, and your own way may differ based on your relationship.
DogTime has some advice for helping a loved one whose pet has passed away:
- Just “be” and listen: Sometimes there’s nothing to do for a friend other than to just be there for them. Listen and let them talk through their pain. This can be very comforting in an emotional time.
- Reach out: Saying, “I’m here if you need me,” is all well and good. But sometimes, people who are grieving can’t put into words what they need. So make the first move, and offer to take them to appointments, cook for them, or help them handle their day-to-day needs.
- Respect boundaries: Some people need time alone after a loss. This goes back to being a good listener. Listen to their needs. If they need alone time, don’t take offense. Let them work through their pain in their own way, and help when they ask.
If you’d like more details about how to help a friend grieving for their pet, check out DogTime’s article here.
Do you have a friend who is currently grieving the loss of a pet? Have you or your family lost a beloved dog? Let us know your favorite memory about them in the comments below!
