Widow's Voice

Paw-sing to Thank the Dog Moms

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Happy Dog Mom’s Day (always the Saturday before the human version) and Mother’s Day Weekend. I don’t have any human kids of my own, but I do have four sweet K-9 Kiddos for which I’m grateful. And I’m not the only one who feels that way. I spend considerable time on sites for the widowed and without a doubt, their pets are a lifeline – they are what keep many of us going, helping to fill the void on what, and who, we are missing every day. 

A dog writer and author, I serve as a Board Member for the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA). I’m the creator and admin for the official National Dog Week Facebook Page that continues to grow year-round so you could say I’m dog-centric.  National Dog Week was established in 1928 by a terrific human named Captain Will Judy (I wrote his biography). The co-founder of the DWAA , Captain Judy was trained for the clergy went on to become the publisher of Dog World Magazine. Before it was mainstream, he tirelessly wrote about the emotional lives of dogs and the roles they play in the mental and physical health of humans. Learning about his role in canine history was a life-changing event for me and continues to lift my spirits during difficult times.

When our human friends and family members are sometimes unavailble to us, our dogs (and other pets) are always happy to spend time with us. It’s a mutual feeling of happiness and a positive exchange that makes life better for both. I can’t imagine my life without my dogs; they fill a void for me and for so many others, widowed or not, who will grieve so many losses, including that of a partner, and other family members and friends, no matter how many years have passed, or the current status of our lives.

One of my favorite Will Judy quotes states, “If you can’t have a child, have a dog. If you can, have both of them.”

Quint, my blind Maltipoo, I rescued in California 7 weeks after Rich’s passing. He is a good lesson in resilience.

I lost my mother two years ago, ten months after my father’s passing. Like for many of you, these holidays can elicit all kinds of emotions and my hope is that you can find a way to make the day better for yourself, and others, and of course the animals in your life that depend upon your love and care.

Have a good weekend wherever it finds you. If you have a dog(s) leash up and let them lead you to better days ahead.

The Furry Fab Four waiting for the “next thing”. 

About Lisa Begin-Kruysman

Originally from New Jersey, artist/writer/blogger Lisa Begin-Kruysman now calls Southeast Georgia and Florida home. It was during a road trip in October 2021, when she and her husband Rich, who served militarily as a Navy Corpsman, were returning south after celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary, that he became ill, passing just three weeks later. The author of several books, including Dog's Best Friend (McFarland & Co. 2014) mostly inspired by the special human-canine bond, Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Dog Writers Association of America and now returns to blogging posting for Widow's Voice with the intention of sharing her personal experience of widowhood with those who know the struggles first-hand and to perhaps help those who struggle to understand the daily challenges facing those who've lost a spouse or significant other. She is currently writing a memoir about her Widowed Experience and the comfort she has derived from her relationship with dogs.