Obituaries typically don’t go viral. But a dog’s obituary is anything but typical. Sallie Gregory Hammett of Greenville, South Carolina felt devastated at the loss of her constant companion, Charlie. So, to help cope with her loss, she wrote the most heartfelt dog’s obituary to help her cope. Then she published it on Twitter, where it went viral in the absolute best way possible. (1)

Hammett had Charlie, a golden retriever, for seven years before he died of incurable lymphoma. “Charlie loved everything life had to offer,” wrote Hammett in her ode to Charlie. “Except stairs,” she added. “He hated stairs.” (1)

A Dog’s Obituary

While there are a few people who may not understand people’s attachments to their pets, most people view their furry-friends as family. And losing such a companion can be heartbreaking. In fact, because it is often misunderstood, the loss of a pet can be especially devastating, alienating, and painful. Many veterinarians now suggest writing an obituary after the death of a pet to help cope with these feelings. (2, 3)

Hammett is not alone in her praise for Charlie. After posting her dog’s obituary, she received thousands of replies from other pet owners. Many commented on her perfect depiction of Charlie, and even having never met him, agreed with Hammett’s sentiment that “He was good at a lot of things, but he was best at unconditional love”. (1) Others were moved to write their own eulogies of past loved ones, animals who stole their hearts. 

A dog’s obituary may seem odd, but it is recommended not just by veterinarians, who understand a person’s love and attachment to a pet, but by psychologists and grief therapists too. Writing down your pet’s story helps remember the fond memories of our pet. It can even alleviate some of the tough complications associated with grief over the death of a pet. (2)

Best Friend Memorialized

Hammett explained she needed to do something cathartic after Charlie’s passing. With a passion for writing, she was able to process some of her feelings and memorialize her best friend. (1) 

Hammett released a common feeling associated with a pet’s death by writing out all the ways Charlie had a good life. Guilt is often associated with the loss of a pet by asking “did I do enough?”, especially in circumstances of illnesses. (2) Golden retrievers typically live 10-12 years, however, unforeseen circumstances can take our pets away unexpectedly. Charlie, while only seven years of age at the time of his death, had battled lymphoma for five months. (1) By writing all the activities that Charlie enjoyed, Hammett reviewed everything she did for him and avoided the “did I do enough” guilt. 

Hammett wrote Charlie’s obituary to help herself,  but she received an overwhelming response from others who say her post helped them. With over 100,000 likes and comments on the post, it’s clear Hammett inspired many others to think of pet obituaries, not as a silly action that an overly-obsessed animal lover does to hold onto their pet.  An obituary is a heartfelt release to share the life of a loved one. Dealing with grief in an authentic and beautiful way.