15 Songs That Will Wreck You (In the Best Way) After Losing a Dog
Losing a dog hits you like nothing else. One day, they’re there for every meal and every walk, and suddenly the house feels too big. Grief for a pet is real, even if people don’t always talk about it. That’s when songs seem to understand what you can’t put into words. These songs capture the ache of goodbye and the gratitude for having known them at all.
Cracker Jack by Dolly Parton
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Before Dolly was a legend, she was a Tennessee kid with a stray dog named Cracker Jack. She sings about him like he’s part of the family, because he was. The song is all childhood memories and front-porch simplicity. You can hear that kind of love that never fades, even when the years pile up.
You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor
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When everything feels heavy, this song helps you breathe again. Taylor wrote it during the early ’70s singer-songwriter boom, and it still feels like a steady hand on your shoulder, reminding you that some bonds are forever.
Good Dogs by Jameson Rodgers
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You can’t argue with that opening line. Rodgers wrote it as a toast, which was a mix of sadness and pride. It’s a country song that captures that bittersweet truth every dog owner knows: their time is short, but somehow that makes every goofy, loyal moment feel bigger.
Old King by Neil Young
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Neil wrote this about his dog Elvis, whom he called “King.” The song is just laughter, storytelling, and a little ache. It sounds like he’s talking to a friend. Young even whistled mid-song during live shows, which somehow makes it feel like King is right there next to him.
Maggie’s Song by Chris Stapleton
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Stapleton didn’t even plan to release this one at first because it felt too personal. Then he performed it live, and everyone cried anyway. It’s a true story about his rescue dog, Maggie, from the day he found her in a shopping cart to the day he said goodbye.
It’s Just a Dog by Mo Pitney
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The title sets you up for something light. It’s not. Pitney starts off with the idea that “she was just a dog,” and by the end, you’re ugly crying into your sleeve. It’s one of those country songs that sneaks up on you with honesty, and before you realize it, you’re remembering every wag, bark, and moment you thought you’d forgotten.
Old Shep by Red Foley
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This is as old-school as it gets. Old Shep was written in 1933 and is based on a true story about Foley’s childhood dog, Hoover. Elvis Presley also used to perform it, often choking up mid-song.
I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan
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You probably associate this song with every emotional montage ever made. Sarah McLachlan’s voice feels like she’s whispering to the empty space where your pet used to curl up. It’s about holding on, not letting go too fast, and finding peace in remembering.
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge by Trina Belamide
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If you’ve ever read The Rainbow Bridge poem, this one takes it to song form. Filipino singer-songwriter Trina Belamide wrote it for anyone who believes love finds its way back someday.
Goodbye My Friend by Linda Ronstadt
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Ronstadt doesn’t overdo it with vocal gymnastics. The song is pure calmness. She once described it as “letting sadness breathe.” It’s what you listen to when the crying’s done and you’re learning to be grateful instead of heartbroken.
What Once Was by Hers
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This track hits differently once you know the band’s story. Both members of Hers died tragically in 2019. But even before that, it was a slow, dreamy piece about loss and change, which perfectly resonates with anyone who’s lost a pet.
Everything Reminds Me of My Dog by Jane Siberry
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This one’s oddly funny. Siberry lists random things, such as taxis, skyscrapers, and even cockroaches, that somehow remind her of her dog. It’s offbeat and weirdly accurate. Grief really does pop up in the most mundane moments.
Kacey Musgraves’ Song for Pepper
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Kacey Musgraves recently performed a new song about her dog, Pepper, during a show in Nashville. It’s unreleased but already a favorite among fans. The lyrics are lighthearted and affectionate, describing Pepper as loyal and full of personality. It’s simple, funny, and exactly the kind of song you’d expect from a real dog lover.
Best Friend by Saweetie feat. Doja Cat
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Sure, it’s technically about human friendship, but crank it up while scrolling through old photos of your dog, and it becomes a tribute to loyalty, mischief, and love. Sometimes you need a reminder that grief and happiness can live side by side. This song gives you both.
See You Again by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
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This track was originally written as a tribute to Paul Walker, but has become universal for any kind of loss. Charlie Puth said he recorded it in one emotional take, and you can hear it. When he sings “I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again,” it doesn’t matter who you lost. It hits the same.