16 Songs About Losing Your Dog

As someone who has experienced the heartbreak of losing a beloved canine companion, I understand the profound grief that comes with saying goodbye to a furry family member. Our dogs are more than just pets – they’re loyal friends, confidants, and sources of unconditional love. When we lose them, it leaves an emptiness that feels impossible to fill.

Music has always been a powerful way to process emotions and find comfort during difficult times. That’s why I’ve compiled this playlist about losing your dog. These tracks capture the deep bond we share with our four-legged friends and the pain of having to let them go. From country ballads to folk tunes, each song offers a unique perspective on canine loss while honoring the joy and companionship our dogs bring to our lives.

1. “Ghost Of Buddy” by Wisdom In Chains

This hardcore punk song by Wisdom in Chains is a tribute to a beloved dog named Buddy who has passed away. The band, known for their intense and emotional style, likely uses their signature sound to express the pain and grief of losing a canine companion. While specific lyrics are not available, the song’s title suggests it deals with the lingering presence or memory of Buddy after his death.

2. “Sad 2” by Greta Kline (Frankie Cosmos)

“Sad 2” is the closing track on Frankie Cosmos’ album “Zentropy” and serves as a poignant eulogy for Kline’s dog, JoeJoe. The song captures the raw emotions of losing a pet, with Kline reflecting on the finality of her dog’s death and the void left behind. She grapples with the harsh reality of her father making the appointment to euthanize her best friend. The song expresses the deep bond between Kline and JoeJoe, as well as the profound impact of his loss on her life and perspective on death.

3. “My Dog And Me” by John Hiatt

While not explicitly about losing a dog, John Hiatt’s “My Dog And Me” celebrates the deep bond between a person and their canine companion. The song portrays the dog as a loyal hunting buddy and adventure partner, emphasizing the freedom and joy experienced in their shared experiences. Hiatt’s lyrics suggest a profound connection that goes beyond a simple pet-owner relationship, highlighting the dog’s unwavering loyalty and the sense of companionship they provide. Although not directly addressing loss, the song’s celebration of this bond implicitly touches on the significance of such a relationship and the potential pain of its eventual end.

4. “It’s Just A Dog” by Mo Pitney

“It’s Just A Dog” is a poignant country ballad that captures the deep emotional bond between a person and their canine companion. The song follows the narrator’s journey from first encountering a stray dog to the heartbreaking moment of losing their beloved pet.

The story begins with the narrator spotting a dog on the side of the road, initially dismissing it with the thought, “It’s just a dog.” However, he decides to stop and take the dog home. As time passes, the dog becomes an integral part of his life – a constant companion, fishing buddy, and source of comfort during difficult times.

The emotional climax of the song occurs when the narrator goes on a fishing trip and suddenly realizes his dog is no longer in the passenger seat. This moment of stark realization leads him to pull over to the side of the road, overcome with grief. The song concludes with the tearful question, “It’s just a dog, right?” – a rhetorical query that underscores the profound impact our canine companions have on our lives.

Mo Pitney’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s narrative structure effectively convey the journey from casual encounter to deep, lasting bond, making “It’s Just A Dog” a touching tribute to the love between humans and their dogs.

5. “Dogs In Heaven” by David Gregg

“Dogs In Heaven” is a country song that explores the comforting idea of reuniting with beloved pets in the afterlife. While specific lyrics are not available, the song’s title and context suggest themes of loss, grief, and the hope of seeing a cherished dog again.

The concept of dogs in heaven is a common sentiment among pet owners dealing with loss, offering solace in the belief that their faithful companions are in a better place. David Gregg likely uses his country music style to convey the emotional journey of losing a dog and finding comfort in the idea of an eventual reunion.

The song, released in 2020 as part of an album with the same name, runs for 3 minutes and 47 seconds. Its placement on a dedicated album suggests that the theme of canine companionship and loss is significant in Gregg’s work.

6. “Old Grey Dog” by Jimmy Scott

Jimmy Scott’s “Old Grey Dog” is likely a soulful, jazz-influenced ballad given Scott’s distinctive high countertenor voice and his background in jazz and R&B. While specific lyrics are not available, the title suggests a song about an aging canine companion.

The term “Old Grey Dog” evokes images of a loyal, long-time pet in its twilight years. Scott, known for his emotive performances, probably uses his unique vocal style to convey the deep affection for an aging dog and the bittersweet emotions that come with watching a beloved pet grow old.

Given Jimmy Scott’s ability to infuse songs with profound emotion, “Old Grey Dog” is likely a touching exploration of the enduring bond between a person and their aging canine friend. The song may touch on themes of loyalty, the passage of time, and the unconditional love that dogs provide throughout their lives.

7. “I Will Always Be With You” by Jesse Corti and Sheena Easton

This song was featured in the animated film “All Dogs Go to Heaven II” in 1996. While not explicitly about losing a dog, the lyrics convey themes of eternal love and companionship that could apply to the bond between humans and their canine companions. The song expresses the idea that even when physically separated, the connection between loved ones remains. Its message of enduring love despite separation resonates with the experience of losing a beloved pet.

8. “Old Shep” by Elvis Presley

“Old Shep” is a classic country song about the loss of a cherished dog. It was written by Red Foley in 1935 about his own German Shepherd named Hoover, who was poisoned by a neighbor. The song tells the story of a boy growing up with his faithful dog Shep, culminating in the difficult moment when an aging Shep must be put down. Elvis Presley famously performed this song at age 10 in his first public performance in 1945, and later recorded it in 1956.

9. “Old King” by Neil Young

Neil Young wrote this upbeat folk song about his own dog, a hound named Elvis. The song celebrates the joyful companionship Young shared with Elvis during their travels together. Young has explained that Elvis eventually got lost during one of their trips, leading to a frantic search before the dog was ultimately found. While not directly about losing a dog, the song touches on themes of the strong bond between humans and dogs, as well as the anxiety of temporary separation.

10. “Good Dogs” by Jameson Rodgers

Jameson Rodgers’ “Good Dogs” is a heartfelt tribute to the special bond between humans and their canine companions. Released in April 2021 as part of his EP “In It For The Money,” the song explores the bittersweet reality that dogs’ lives are often too short.

The track features simple, melancholy production that allows the lyrics and story to take center stage. Rodgers compares the longevity of good trucks and the loyalty of good women to the tragically short lifespan of beloved dogs. The song’s emotional impact was evident when Rodgers performed it live, with audience members visibly moved by its message.

11. “I Wish Dogs Could Live Forever” by Tyler Farr

Tyler Farr’s unreleased song “I Wish Dogs Could Live Forever” (also referred to as “Dogs Who Live Forever”) is a powerful, emotional track that resonates deeply with dog owners. While Neil Thrasher wrote the song, Farr’s performance was inspired by the loss of his own bloodhound, Cooter, in May 2018.

The song’s impact was immediately apparent when Farr performed it live. He recounts a particularly moving moment when a large man in the front row was brought to tears by the performance. This track is expected to be part of Farr’s upcoming album, produced by Jason Aldean, showcasing a different side of the artist compared to his earlier work.

12. “Little Boys Grow Up And Dogs Get Old” by Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan’s “Little Boys Grow Up And Dogs Get Old” is a poignant and sentimental song that captures the bittersweet journey of growing up alongside a beloved canine companion. The song follows the story of a boy and his black lab named Bandit, chronicling their adventures and the passage of time.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of childhood memories, with the boy and Bandit fishing together and embarking on summer adventures. Bryan beautifully encapsulates the deep bond between human and dog with the line, “I don’t know if I raised him or he raised me,” highlighting the mutual growth and support in their relationship.

As the song progresses, it portrays the inevitable march of time. The narrator grows up and prepares to leave home, while Bandit grows old and moves more slowly. The emotional climax comes when the boy, now a young man, gives Bandit one last hug and a final “good boy” before departing, leaving the listener to infer the dog’s fate.

This song resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the joy of growing up with a dog and the heartache of eventually saying goodbye. It’s a touching tribute to the lifelong companionship that dogs provide and the profound impact they have on our lives.

13. “Beyond The Rainbow Bridge” by Trina Belamide

“Beyond The Rainbow Bridge” by Trina Belamide is a comforting song that addresses the grief of losing a pet by focusing on the concept of the “rainbow bridge” – a metaphorical place where pets go after they die.

The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a peaceful afterlife for beloved pets. Belamide describes it as a place where pets are restored to full health, especially if they were sick or injured in life. She sings about how the animals play and run freely in this idyllic setting.

Belamide explains that many people find solace in the idea of the rainbow bridge. It offers comfort to pet owners by suggesting that their furry companions are not truly gone, but rather waiting in a better place. The song reassures listeners that their pets are no longer suffering and are enjoying a joyful existence.

The songwriter also emphasizes the mutual appreciation between pets and their owners. She suggests that our departed pets appreciated all the love and care we gave them, even if they couldn’t express it in human terms.

“Beyond The Rainbow Bridge” serves as a musical tribute to the enduring bond between humans and their animal companions, offering a source of comfort and hope to those grieving the loss of a pet. It’s particularly poignant that this song is associated with “Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day,” a day dedicated to honoring the memory of deceased pets.

14. “Shannon” by Henry Gross

“Shannon” is a tender ballad released in 1976 by Henry Gross, heavily influenced by the Beach Boys sound. The song tells the story of a beloved dog named Shannon who has passed away. Contrary to popular belief, the song was not inspired by Brian Wilson’s dog, but rather by Gross’s own experience.

The true story behind “Shannon” involves Gross’s then-girlfriend Kathy Reinmann and her Irish Setter, also named Shannon. Gross wrote the song in just ten minutes while on tour in 1975, inspired by the thought of Carl Wilson (of the Beach Boys) losing his own Irish Setter.

The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a family coping with the loss of their dog. Lines like “Shannon is gone, I heard / She’s drifting out to sea” metaphorically describe the dog’s passing. The song captures the struggle of a mother trying to stay strong for her children while dealing with her own grief.

“Shannon” became Henry Gross’s biggest hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its emotional resonance and Beach Boys-inspired harmonies have made it a enduring tribute to the bond between humans and their canine companions.

15. “Maggie’s Song” by Chris Stapleton

“Maggie’s Song” is a heartfelt tribute by Chris Stapleton to his family’s beloved dog, Maggie, who passed away in 2019. The song, released on Stapleton’s 2020 album “Starting Over,” is a chronological narrative of Maggie’s life, from rescue to her final days.

Stapleton begins the song by recounting how they found Maggie as a “fuzzy black pup” abandoned in a shopping cart. He then describes her life on their farm, where she played with the children and chased squirrels. The emotional climax comes in the third verse, where Stapleton sings about Maggie’s last day: “It was raining on a Monday / The day that Maggie died / She woke up and couldn’t use her legs / So I laid down by her side”.

The chorus, with its refrain of “Run, Maggie run / With the heart of a rebel child,” serves as a celebration of Maggie’s spirit and the freedom she now has beyond this world. Stapleton ends the song with a powerful statement about the depth of the human-canine bond: “I can tell you right now / That a dog has a soul”.

Stapleton has spoken about how difficult it was to record this song, often tearing up during the process. He emphasizes that every word in the song is true, making it a deeply personal and emotional tribute.

16. “Cracker Jack” by Dolly Parton

“Cracker Jack” is a heartfelt song by Dolly Parton about a stray dog she befriended during her childhood. The song, recorded in 1973 but not released until 2007 as part of the “Jolene” reissue, pays tribute to a dog that died protecting Parton’s family from a rattlesnake.

In her book “Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics,” Parton describes Cracker Jack as the “best friend” she ever had. She emphasizes how dogs, despite their shorter lifespans, leave lasting memories and provide unconditional love.

The song likely captures the special bond Parton shared with Cracker Jack, detailing their adventures and the dog’s loyalty. It also probably touches on the profound impact of losing a pet, a theme Parton relates to her family members who have all experienced similar losses.

Parton’s love for animals, especially dogs, is well-documented. She even has a pet cemetery on her property to commemorate her beloved pets. “Cracker Jack” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of childhood pets and the unconditional love they provide.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.