My house is so empty now

Jenny.W

Don't give up fostering...there are many rescue centres that have foster carers who work. Whereabouts are you based?

Alternatively I'm wondering if being a dog walker at your local rescue would just give you the change to be out and about with other breeds? Greyhounds make lovely easy, going pets and are massive couch potatoes. Many have never made the track and get on well with other dogs. Check out Kerry Greyhounds

Dollardog

zaksmum wrote: »

Thanks but that wouldn't work for me.

I have very limited mobility and although thankfully I can look after my dogs well now, the younger dog is only four and I wouldn't expect to be able to care for another dog when he goes.

Well don't rule it out altogether, that's what the Cinnamon Trust is all about, they have volunteer dog walkers, which is what I've volunteered to do, who take dogs out for the housebound. As long as the person is still able to look after the dog in the home, or has someone to come in and feed etc, they help people keep their pets for as long as possible and there may very well be someone who has just had to go into a home or something whose pet has to be rehomed that would love to come to you. Look at the website for some of the case histories.

Dollardog

Jenny.W wrote: »

Don't give up fostering...there are many rescue centres that have foster carers who work. Whereabouts are you based?

Alternatively I'm wondering if being a dog walker at your local rescue would just give you the change to be out and about with other breeds? Greyhounds make lovely easy, going pets and are massive couch potatoes. Many have never made the track and get on well with other dogs. Check out Kerry Greyhounds

To be honest, I couldn't even think about short term fostering at the moment. My old lad's death is far too raw. I couldn't bear to have another dog in the house then have it go again.
I have thought of greys, I know people who have them trouble is, some have never lived in a house and so would not be good left on their own.

Jenny.W

Dollardog wrote: »

To be honest, I couldn't even think about short term fostering at the moment. My old lad's death is far too raw. I couldn't bear to have another dog in the house then have it go again.
I have thought of greys, I know people who have them trouble is, some have never lived in a house and so would not be good left on their own.

Don't assume this, many rescues have their greys in foster and they can be left, they are no different to other dogs. Something to think about when you're ready. I can pm you rescues who foster.

I've had one and she was one of the best dogs I had the privilege of owning, beautiful dogs :A

heartbreak_star

So much love to you Dollardog, I always wish I knew what to say when this happens. *hugs*

Run happily at Rainbow Bridge, little furbaby.

HBS x

Dollardog

Well its been four weeks now since my old lad went and it is really not getting any easier, I still keep bursting into tears at the drop of a hat, still keep reliving things in my mind I just wish there had have been something more I could have done for him. I miss him so much, I just want him here to cuddle.
RIP sweetie, miss you. xx

Oddjob

Dollardog wrote: »

Well its been four weeks now since my old lad went and it is really not getting any easier, I still keep bursting into tears at the drop of a hat, still keep reliving things in my mind I just wish there had have been something more I could have done for him. I miss him so much, I just want him here to cuddle.
RIP sweetie, miss you. xx

I really do feel for you, its horrible when you lose them, they are our friend, companion, protector. I've lost many dogs in the past as I am sure you have, it never gets any easier, the grief goes on.
You know you did the right thing for him though and you said in your original post that he had a relaxed and peaceful end, that is the best we can do for them, to let them go with dignity.
You sound a wonderful caring mum and I'm sure he knew how much you loved him. He was looking at you and you were the last person he saw as he left.
Keep thinking of the good times you had together.

I've just taken on a rescue dog because I lost my dog a short while ago. I know the new dog will never ever take the place of my old dog and I wouldn't want it to but it is a distraction, gives me something to focus on, something to cuddle when I am feeling low, a reason to get up in the mornings.
Gosh, when you have had an old dog that is used to your ways, its such a shock to have a younger one again. The one I have rescued is four years old, not a pup, but it is so much livelier than my oldie, keeps me on my toes though!!
I hope that you can get yourself another friend in time. Take care. xx

Superbiatch

@OP, I am so very sorry for your loss. Understanding exactly how you're feeling right now as we put our 14 year old staffie to sleep three weeks ago today. The house is completely empty without him xx

Dollardog

Superbiatch wrote: »

@OP, I am so very sorry for your loss. Understanding exactly how you're feeling right now as we put our 14 year old staffie to sleep three weeks ago today. The house is completely empty without him xx

So sorry to hear that, its so horrible isn't it? I keep going over and over things in my mind, thinking could I have done things differently, I wish I had done this etc. I know I did the right thing and at the right time, the vet said I had timed it just right, he was able to walk into the surgery with dignity and was still interested enough to look what was going on around him. He went so peacefully looking at me all the time, so why do I feel so guilty? I just miss him so much and keep bursting into tears all the time. I just want him here to give him a big cuddle. I keep hoping that it was just a nightmare and that I'll wake up from it soon and find that he's not gone at all. I hate the emptiness of the house and I'm listening out for him all the time.

aliasojo

Aw DD I wish there was something we could do to make you feel better.

It's a process though. You need to work through the stages all by yourself sadly. Just keep taking one day at a time, one morning it wont seem quite as bad and you'll be able to think of him without feeling the accompanying pain.

I'm dreading that day when it finally comes in our house (although mutt isn't of any great age yet) . I don't do 'stoic', I'm your original emotional wreck and I already know I'll be in pieces. I really do feel for you. x