How do you get through the loss of a beloved pet?

vicx

Five & nine months have passed since the loss of both my dogs and I've sat here crying for the past two hours, I really miss them and want them back.

For those of you that don't know.. I went 5 weeks without a dog and ended up with two new puppies (Yorkie brothers, now 6 months old).

I love them and couldn't be without them but they can not replace what I have lost nor would I want them to. They have helped me alot and if it wasn't for them, I don't know where I would be now as it was unbearable coming home to an empty house for 5 weeks. They know I am upset so keep coming to me for a cuddle, even trying to lick my tears away (pleased they don't have doggy breath ). I do still cry daily for my two losses but tonight it's hitting me hard and I don't know why. It's like a rollercoaster ride and nothing can take away that pain. Please tell me this is normal even after all 5 & 9 months and two new pups to love.

cassie55

You know grief is a strange thing and I don't think that there is such a thing as 'normal'.

I do think that it's natural to have good days and bad days and hopefully the good days will become more frequent.

I lost my beloved bearded collie Cassie (hence my user name) many years ago and there are times when I still miss her BUT whereas I used to think of her and get upset, I now think of her and smile at the good times we had and things she did that made me laugh. You too will get there but it will take time.

I'm glad that you have 2 new puppies and of course, they are not a replacement but hopefully they'll help you smile.

I hope that things gets better for you soon.

Moody_Mare

Vicx I lost my baby (Golden Retriever) on valentines day last year and I still am depressed and grieving. It does not help that I will have constant reminders every year but my husband has promised to obey my wishes and ignore valentines from now on.

Over the years I have lost many pets and it has taken me many months to accept their passing. But this time I am struggling to get over the loss of my faithfull friend who was with me for 14 years.

I feel your pain and there is no easy answer, we just have to cope in whatever way we can. xx

rising_from_the_ashes

Ahhhhh Vicx ..... (((hugs))) now in tears as you sound so like me:(.

I miss Ben every moment of every day:( - some days are better than others but I still cry every day.

I'm still struggling with the empty house and no waggy tail whenever I come in .... I'm looking for another dog but no joy yet (adult dogs who can be left & like cats are hard to find .... esp when I've yet to find a rescue who will home to me:().

I did go to see one a few weeks ago but, aside from their being an "issue", I honestly don't think I was really ready yet and in some ways the thought of another is still really hard to think about but although I miss him and everything that made him, him IYKWIM, I also really miss going for walks and the companionship so for this reason I'm hopeful I will have another soon.

(((hugs))) again, I think we all deal with grief in our own ways and it can & does take a long time and I guess there's no easy answers.

Take care hun xx

vicx

Sorry I didn't mean for my post to upset anyone

I am just finding it hard moving forward without my dogs, it kills me knowing I will never see them again after spending 11 and 15 years with them. I had the worst Christmas and New Year without them. Everywhere I go and everything I do with my two pups, I keep wishing my other two were here. I would love to have seen how they got on with the pups.

I can't believe it's been just over 5 months since I lost my King Charles and 9 months this week since I lost my Yorkie, time has gone far too quick and I certainly haven't been having fun without them.

I really did not want another dog, nevermind two. My family kept asking me (as I sat there in tears) 'do you want another, I'll get you one' but it's not what I wanted, I wanted mine back. In the end I was a bit pressured into getting them but I am pleased I did make that choice as they have helped so much and now the really bad days aren't everyday like they used to be. Those 5 weeks without a dog were unbearable, I couldn't take anymore as I really was on rock bottom.

The two pups I have now are so much like both my Yorkies I lost, both looks and personality, everyone who has seen them says the same. Charlie is just like my first Yorkie I lost 5 year ago, bossy and even a little grumpy (growling) if someone else picks him up as he is so attached to me. Although Toby was attached to my mother and growled and went for everyone else including me . And Marley is just like Maxie I lost in May. It's so strange how they both look like them and have a similar personality.

spike7451

Over the past 12 years I've lost a lot of my family,my Dad going in 2000.I have to say that loosing Orbit the cat in Sept 09 was as hard to handle as when Dad died.I still miss the furry little !!!!!! immensly & I can't look at photo's of him without bubbling up.Getting Daisy cat helped immensly but the's still an Orbit shaped hole in my heart.

jokeyjo

aww Vicx i really wish i had some pieces of advice but i dont sorry , today im going through a really bad time i had to have my 17 year old dog pts he has been doddery for a while but today he couldnt get up at all and then turned his nose up at his roast dinner so i did what was best for my harvey so all im doing tonight is sending you big hugs x

rising_from_the_ashes

Ohhhh JokeyJo huge (((hugs))), there is nothing worse for an owner to go through, but we must always think of what's best for them.

RIP Harvey, play hard in the sunshine at the bridge sweatheart - look out for Ben and he'll show you around xxx

Fosterdog

Vicx I saw this poem a while back and your posts have sent me to find it for you

A Dogs Last Will

"Before humans die, they write their last will and testement,
give their home and all they have, to those they leave behind.
If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I'd ask.................,

To a poor and lonely stray, I'd give my happy home. My bowl and cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys.
the lap that I loved so much, the tender, loving touch.
The hand that stroked my fur and sweet voice which called my name.

I'd will to the sad, scared shelter dog, the place I had in my human's loving heart of which there seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say, "I will never have a pet again,
for the loss and pain is more than I can stand."
Instead, go find an unloved dog or cat. One who's life has held no joy or hope,
and give My place to HIM.
This is the only thing that I can give.....The love I left behind.

This is my Inheritance! My Will and Last My Testament.

lilibet1

sending you all my love, x