Are you trying to find a way to say, “I’m sorry for the loss of your dog” to someone you know? Why not turn to great writers and thinkers to find an appropriate quote to share?
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Sympathy Quotes for the Loss of a Dog
- Inspirational Quotes About the Loss of a Dog
- Rainbow Bridge Quotes About Losing a Dog
If you seek comfort for the loss of your own pet, some of these quotes will help you realize that you don't have to suffer alone. People have enjoyed the companionship of dogs and have suffered after they died for centuries.
Read through these quotes about loss. Some cover the loss of dog quotes (or another pet) and others cover grief in general. We hope you find a message that speaks to you or the friend or loved one you wish to comfort.
Sympathy Quotes for the Loss of a Dog
Many companies sell beautiful pet keepsakes for people who have lost a dog. You can also personalize many of these items. Consider using one of the following quotes to make the item extra meaningful.
1. “There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
But when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.” — Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling’s most famous work was "The Jungle Book." This is a stanza from a poem he wrote called “The Power of the Dog.”
2. “Oh to be a stone! To feel no grief!” — Euripides
If you find that you feel overwhelmed over your dog’s loss, consider reaching out to online pet grief groups. Many moderated grief groups only allow you to read messages of support and understanding. You can also hire an online pet grief counselor to help you through your darkest hours.
3. “Grief makes one hour ten.” — Shakespeare
Some of your friends will not know what to say regarding the loss of your pet, but perhaps you can use this quote to explain how you feel.
4. “Sorrow makes us all children again, destroys all difference of intellect. The wisest knows nothing.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
You may be a highly functional adult with familial responsibilities and a career, but the sorrow over the loss of your pet may make you feel like a child again.
5. “Not the least hard thing to bear when they go away from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives.” — John Galsworthy
We love how Galsworthy describes dogs as “these quiet friends.” You may also want to research “pet memorial sayings” when trying to find a quote to convey your emotions.
6. “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” — M.K. Clinton
Do you agree? We thought you would.
7. “Grief is so painfully real, regardless of its origin. The love of, and attachment to, an animal friend can equal that of human relationships. Likewise, the loss of an animal can be just as devastating.” — Rev. Joel L. Morgan
The other important thing to realize about grief is that it can look different for everyone. You may experience a variety of emotions under the umbrella of grief, such as regret, anger, and fear.
Inspirational Quotes About the Loss of a Dog
Some of these quotes cover how dogs improve our lives. If you spend more time talking with dogs at a party instead of people, you may connect with some of these sayings.
8. “There will always be a lost dog somewhere that will prevent me from being happy.” — Jean Anouilh
Does this quote describe the depths of your love for dogs?
9. “Love me, love my dog.” — Proverb
Perhaps rating your love of dogs should be a part of dating profiles. This may help filter out those who do not understand your obsession with four-legged friends.
10. “The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, he will make a fool of himself too.” — Samuel Butler
Do you “make a fool of yourself” when you get around animals? Other people in the world connect with dogs the way you do.
11. “Once you’ve had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.” — Dean Koontz
Do you feel like you miss something central to your life’s comfort every day since your dog crossed the rainbow bridge? Consider talking with a pet grief counselor if you've struggled to find joy since the loss of your pet.
12. “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” — Josh Billings
Many people miss that feeling of unconditional love after they lose a canine companion.
13. “The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.” — Marie-Jeanne Philipon
You may find many different versions of this same quote. Marie-Jeanne Philipon lived during the time of the French Revolution.
14. “The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon. But, to be sure, if he lived for 50 years and then died, what would become of me?” — Sir Walter Scott
This quote, attributed to Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright, offers a thought-provoking question.
Rainbow Bridge Quotes About Losing a Dog
The “Rainbow Bridge” offers a popular poetic image of doggie heaven. Read through some quotes about pets, loss, and grief that may bring you solace if you were forced to put down your dog.
15. “You think those dogs will not be in heaven! I tell you they will be there long before any of us.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson was best known for writing "Treasure Island." He was a dog lover as well.
16. “If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” — Will Rogers
Will Rogers was a cowboy humorist and singer who had a prolific career. Many of his quotes you can connect with his love of dogs.
Are you looking for songs about grieving the loss of a dog?
17. “All the love you ever gave is waiting for you there at Rainbow Bridge.” — Kate McGahan
Kate McGahan, writer and pet loss expert, created this quote. Some sources say that a grief counselor in Oregon was the rainbow bridge poem’s original author.
18. “So many people say they put their pets 'down’ when they are really lifting them up.” — Kate McGahan
Are you or a friend agonizing over the decision on the proper time to release a pet? This quote may provide you solace with your decision.
19. “A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks beside you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter’s drawing near. His head is within our hand in his old way.” — Mary Carolyn Davies
Do you still look for your dog when you come home at night? Do you always expect to hear the jingle of his collar as you drift off to sleep? While some may suffer more from these reminders that their pet is gone, others may view these feelings as precious memories that provide comfort.
20. “The question is not, ‘Can they reason?’ nor, ‘Can they talk?’ but, ‘Can they suffer?’ — Jeremy Bentham
Worrying about whether or not this is the right time to euthanize your dog? The decision can be difficult since you can’t reason or communicate with your pet. Consider this quote when deciding what to do.
21. “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller
Your pet will live on in your memory, and perhaps the memory of others as well. We hope this quote brings you comfort as you face every loss in your life.
How to Support a Grieving Friend
Do you have a friend who recently lost a pet? You can find many pet loss memorial products available online. Consider personalizing one and giving it to your friend.
You might also want to drop by a grieving friend’s house with a basket of muffins or cookies. Delivering these comfort foods will tell your friend that you understand their grief.
Finally, one of the best things you can do for a suffering friend involves listening to them. Encourage them to share stories about their pet and talk about their feelings. However, you may not want to encourage them to get another dog or talk about your own experiences with grief.