Question asked by PKok
Dear Pastor, My pampered dog was 14.5 years old when he passed away in the hospital 2 days ago. He once attended Pets Day out and was blessed by Pastor Kok Yek Yee. But because the journey was far and it was very tiring for his age we did not attend anymore. He has been wearing that blessed string and was cremated together. I love my dog very much and it is very difficult to let go. He has been part of our family and it felt like something is missing. It hurts so so much. I keep asking myself if I could have done more to let him live longer. He passed away alone in the hospital. He should have died in my arms. I feel so bad I was not with him when he left. I am wondering where he had gone to after life. Will he remember us? Will he be happy? Will he blame me for putting him in the hospital. Will he have a pampered after life? What happens when a dog passes away? Thanking in advance for answers.
Dear PKok,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. The years of love, companionship, and family — that is a deep and precious bond, and the pain you are feeling right now is a reflection of that love. It is hard by pease take care of yourself.
From a Buddhist perspective, as Tsem Rinpoche taught, all sentient beings — including our beloved pets — possess a mindstream that continues after the body passes. Your dog’s consciousness did not simply end; it has moved on to a new existence. Our karma and the last thought in our mind when we die will determine which realm we will end up in. The fact that your dog was so deeply loved, lived a pampered and peaceful life with your family, received blessings from Pastor Yek Yee, and was cremated still wearing that blessed string — all of these are tremendously positive imprints on his mindstream.
Tsem Rinpoche recommended reciting mantras such as the Medicine Buddha mantra (TAYATHA OM BEKANZE BEKANZE MAHA BEKANZE BEKANZE RANDZA SAMUGATHE SOHA) and OM MANI PADME HUM for the blessing of animals, as these plant seeds of enlightenment that can open up in future rebirths. Even now, you can still help your dog by reciting these mantras and dedicating the merit to him. Your love and prayers continue to benefit him even after passing.
Please do not blame yourself for not being there at the final moment — the Buddhist view is that everyone close to us in this life is only there because of previous karmic connections, and chances are that we will meet those we have been close to again. Your dog would not blame you. Animals are sensitive to the love they have received throughout their lives, and your dog knew deeply that he was cherished. The guilt you feel about the hospital is your love speaking, but your dog’s entire lifetime of being pampered, protected, and blessed is what shaped his consciousness at the time of passing — not just that final moment alone.
What you can do now is channel your grief into something beautiful for him. Recite OM MANI PADME HUM or the Medicine Buddha mantra and dedicate the merit to your dog’s good rebirth. You can do this for however many days you would like. Traditionally, it would be done for 49 days after the passing, however even beyond that time frame will still help your dog.
You can also make offerings, sponsor animal liberations, or request prayers at Kechara (visit http://www.kechara.com for puja services and guidance).
Your dog was fortunate to have you as family, and your love for him is itself a form of practice. May he swiftly find a precious rebirth where he can continue on the path toward liberation.