Matt Johnson on Losing His Dog
TV presenter and mental health advocate Matt Johnson described the death of his dog as akin to losing his best friend and a vital reason to start each day.
The 43-year-old spoke about his pug, named Alan Shearer after the former England football captain, calling him his "dearest friend" and " angel."
Johnson shared with BBC Radio Wales that the loss of a dog holds the same emotional weight as grieving the loss of a human.
"Alan was like a little angel, he gave me purpose when I felt blue. I have depression, I've lived with that all my life. He was incredible for when I was down," said Caerphilly-born Johnson.
The Impact of Grieving a Pet
Speaking to presenter Oliver Hides, Johnson emphasized the difficulty of losing a pet.
"It's very, very, very difficult to lose a pet.
That's been a big learning curve for me because the joy of having Alan, this unconditional love, this wonderful co-dependent relationship that we had came to an end.
And now I have all this love to give - and it has to go somewhere.
And, as they say, grief is love that has nowhere to go.
But I had to put that into myself. And he showed me in the most remarkable way how to love myself."
Johnson reflected on experiencing significant grief over the past few years involving people, noting each loss was distinct.
"This one with my dog was incredibly different, unique and profound," he said.
He explained how Alan provided him with frequent emotional boosts.
"Alan gave me a dopamine injection numerous times a day.
He was incredible for when I was down and he also gave me a purpose for getting up in the morning and going for a walk, or just having this wonderful purpose to keep this thing alive. It was wonderful to have some focus in my life," Johnson said.
"Every time he did something fun, every time I would go and play with him and his ball or every time I came home, it was like New Year's Eve for him."
Origins of Alan Shearer
Johnson revealed that Alan, who passed away last year, was a gift from his former housemate, Paul Darling.
Darling, a Newcastle United fan, named the dog after the club's iconic player, Alan Shearer.
"Alan Shearer was his dog. But me and Alan had this soul connection that couldn't be ignored," Johnson said.
"So at one point, maybe five or six years ago, Paul, in the most incredible way, gave me Alan. The greatest gift I will ever receive in my entire life."
Advocating for Pet Loss Grief Recognition
Johnson commented on the common feeling among people that grieving a pet is undeserved because "it's only a pet."
"I suppose what I'm trying to do, and what I've been doing now for a year, is give to people permission to grieve pet loss because it is as significant as human loss or any loss," he said.
"It is profoundly integrate to your own personal feelings and the response that I have had has been incredible."
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story, details of organisations which can provide help and support are available at BBC Action Line.
