When we are forced to lay our friends to rest, it is hard to say goodbye. There is something about acknowledging the finality of it all that can be incredibly difficult. Sometimes, we find ourselves waiting to say goodbye because we are still in denial. Mehmet Ilhan’s recent passing had saddened many. No one could have ever expected his dog to feel the brunt of the pain, though.
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
“When an owner passes away before her pet, it can be a confusing, sad, and difficult period, even if arrangements have been made for the animal to be taken care of by someone else” – Russell Hartstein, dog trainer
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
The Turkish man suffered from some time before he passed. His condition had left him unable to walk. It was clear to see that he was in a great deal of pain. While humans are able to look at the totality of these situations, dogs do not always have the chance to do so. All they know is that their favorite people have been taken away from them.
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
Cesur is one of the most faithful companions that a person could possibly have. Ali is Mehmet’s son and he says that their connection was very strong. Cesur did not even want to eat when his father was in the hospital. The connections that humans and animals have tend to be strong. This was on a completely different level, though. Cesur was even prominently involved in the funeral procession.
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
“Dogs are highly intuitive and sensitive, more than people give them credit for” – Executive Director, Motley Zoo Animal Rescue
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
He led the way when his father was buried and was proud to do so. He knew what was going on. The funeral attendees say that he was very solemn during the summer. Nobody was allowed to touch him until Mehmet was taken to his grave and buried, says Mehmet’s son. The dog was still not able to say goodbye to his old friend, though. He found his own way to pay homage.
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
Ali decided to keep the dog with him. He was baffled to see the dog running out of the house each day. When he decided to take a closer look at the dog’s day to day routine, he came to the most touching realization. The dog was actually sprinting to Mehmet’s gravestone. This is the only place that he wanted to be. We can understand where he is coming from.
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
“I have no doubt that dogs miss us as much as we miss them, and like us, they need time to heal from a deep emotional loss” – Sally Morgan, holistic physical therapist for animals and humans
Image Source: Ali Ilhan
Cesur’s nobility is a sight to behold. Dogs show grief in a number of ways. We are just glad that him and Ali will be able to help each other through this tragedy. At least they are not going to be grieving alone. If your dog has suffered through a loss recently, be sure to keep an eye on them. They need your help more than you can possibly know!
