How It Began
"Grief is a dog" emerged from the deep sorrow of losing my beloved lurcher, Isabella, who graced my life for nearly 14 unforgettable years. She was truly a soul dog—one who nestled into my heart and soul, leaving an indelible mark. Her absence felt like a natural disaster, a powerful force that created a void I still navigate every day.
I began writing the book during the week of her passing, pouring out my emotions as I grappled with such profound loss. Initially, it was just a collection of words—pieces I would revisit as they both helped me grieve and dragged me back into that pain. This process was long and deeply cathartic.
The illustrations took two years to come to life. I knew I wanted to visually express my words, yet struggled to find the right approach, drawing and discarding countless images until I felt I captured the essence of my feelings. My thoughts often dwell on life and death, and anyone familiar with my work will recognize the angel dogs that frequently appear; they inspired the visual direction I wanted to take.
When I completed the first illustration, I knew instantly it was the style I had been searching for—it embodied the emotion I sought to convey and, above all, it was Isabella. My cherished, scruffy companion, whom I wished could live forever.
Isabella, in her early days, would have playfully chewed on a copy of this book, a whirlwind of mischief with an abundance of personality. We often clashed, her spirited nature colliding with my rules, which seemed to exist in entirely different worlds. She would have likely rolled it in the finest fox poo, nibbling at the edges, and it would have been absolutely delightful.
While I can't offer you the book in that “aromatic” format, I do hope it resonates with your own heart and soul dogs, leaving a lasting imprint of their memory. My wish is that reading this book brings you comfort, just as it has for me, and that you can share it with others who may need reassurance that they are not alone in their grief.
The loss of a pet is often a silent struggle, with few resources available to help us navigate our emotions. We may feel guilt over our feelings, or frustration towards those who don’t fully grasp the weight of our grief.
This book is dedicated to Isabella and all the angel companions we've lost along the way. It honors your love, your grief, and our shared memories.
I truly hope it helps you as it has helped me.