My dog died last month and I still cry about it. It hurts so bad that she's gone. How can I get through this?

Question

Sophie was my first dog and she died fairly suddenly, two days before her 5th birthday. My family had a new puppy picked out a week after Sophie died and I resent it very much. I am so hurt that my family was so quick to replace Sophie. I don't know how to deal with all the grief and anger that I have over this! Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Check out the rainbows bridge website!

Answer 2

My dog piper died recently as well she was two years old, her death was also sudden she died of heart failure because when she was a puppy she had been malnourished so her heart did not develop or in easier terms her heart was to small for her body the doctors said it was a miracle that she lived that long he told me that she was running on pure love because most dogs with that problem don’t make it to there first birthday, the hardest part is that I had no idea she had heart problems she seemed so healthy
so it made it so sudden, I mean the day before she was running and playing and just being herself. Now to answer your question it is ok that you still cry I do to, everyone has a different way of dealing with things I was in denial for a long time then I realized she is in a better place and that one day Ill see her again as will you. Your family was just trying to help the didn’t want to replace her they wanted to ease the pain. I know right know it fills like you will never get over it but one day you will. Everyday gets better and better everyday you think about her less and less and one day you wont that doesn’t mean you have forgotten her or that you don’t love her anymore. Because you will always love her and she knows that just remember that she wouldn’t want to suffer she wants you to be happy she loves you and she always will. Remember during this time may sweet memories fill your heart and if your soul needs to shed some tears let them flow and if a laugh creeps up give yourself that gift may time be your friend and give you comfort.
love,shelbie

Answer 3

One thing you got to realize if you want to own dogs throughout your life. Their lifespan is shorter than ours and it always.. always hurts a lot when your dog dies. From what you say, looks like Sophie died peacefully. Believe me it is lot more horrible to see a pet that you like, grow old and die after much suffering. Though it may sound callous, at least Sophie didn't have to suffer. Please do not resent the new pup. It is not a fault of the pup that it was bought home so soon after Sophie died. Look at it this way, you must have had great times with Sophie. Cherish those times. Now Sophie has moved on. The pup is there, give your love to the pup, look after it. It will help you forget the pain associated with Sophie's death. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

Answer 4

I am sorry to hear of your loss. People don't always realize how deep the bond with a pet can be and that it takes time to get over the loss.

I think the first thing you need to do is try to calmly, but firmly tell your family how you feel. That you needed more time to say good-bye to Sophie and adjust to her absence.

That having been said, try not to let your grief keep you from the new puppy. NOTHING will replace Sophie. Our friends are one of a kind. But this new puppy didn't have anything to do with the loss of Sophie, or with your family's poor decision making. He/she is just a baby looking for love and new friends in a new home. And remember, petting a dog or a cat can help calm you down. So let your new puppy help you as you help it. Sophie will be with you for as long as you keep her in your heart.

Answer 5

I'm so sorry for you. You obviously loved your dog very much, and she was lucky to have someone who cared so much about her.

Six years ago I had to put my Mac to sleep. He was almost 10 years old and suddenly became very ill. It was heart disease and there wasn't anything that could be done to make him better, so rather than watch him suffer, I had him put to sleep.

Six years later, I still tear up when I talk about it (or write). In the meantime, I have gotten three more dogs whom I love dearly.

You need to grieve. It's normal, and it's healthy. You can't replace Sophie, anymore than I could replace Mac. Each pet is unique and special, just like people. I can understand you feeling anger and resentment towards your family, because you feel like they "replaced" Sophie. However, you and I both know that can't happen..you'll love Sophie forever, and every time you think about that, you'll honor her memory.

You obviously have alot to offer the new puppy though. So, don't let your anger with your family keep you from being a kind and loving owner to the new puppy. I don't think Sophie would have wanted that. I think she'd want you to share your love with the new one too. It doesn't mean you stop loving her, it just means she opened up your heart to always loving dogs.

(*hug*)

Answer 6

My dog just died yesterday after 13 years. The best way to cope is not immediately find a replacement. At sometime in the future, it may be OK to get a new dog, but not in a week. You need sometime to reflect on the good times you had with your old dog. A new dog wont resolve your problems. I cried so hard virtually into the overnight hours last night and I'm still hurt and probably will be for awhile. So your grief is normal, but after awhile, you might want to see a doctor if it interrupts your daily life for a long period of time.

Answer 7

Losing a pet you have loved is difficult, and takes time to come to terms with. I don't say "get over it" because I don't think you ever truly "get over it."
If you aren't able to talk to family member about your feelings, maybe a teacher, pastor or friends' parent? Being able to talk freely, and get objecive, but caring advice is important. You might also try the library, there are some great books about pet loss. Your local vet or humane society might be able to help also by putting you in touch with a support group.
Don't be too fast to be angry with your family about "replacing" Sophie - They probably thought they were helping take your mind off Sophie. They might not realize how much you are hurting.
It's also important to know that loving the new dog is not disrespectful to Sophie. You have your memories and hopefully some pictures or other keepsakes to cherish.
Give yourself time - and be open to loving the new puppy. Hope comes from the most unexpected places sometimes.

Answer 8

I know how you feel, my dog of 13yrs died this past February. For about a month I cried everyday. And even now, I can still feel water fill my eyes when I miss her. It gets a little easier each day. People ask me if I'm going to get another dog, but just like how you feel. My dog isn't that so easily replaceable. I think it's a way to show some respect for something you love. Some people don't understand that, i'm sure your parents didn't mean any harm by getting another dog..but you need to be able to mourn first. What helped me ease my pain was I made a scrapbook..yeah I cried everytime I saw pictures but I also laughed when you can remember the funny things your dog did. And now I cherish every piece of memory each picture brings. Try it. I think it's a great way to honor your pet.

Answer 9

Well that's just sad. I'm sorry your Sophie left you. Can I just say that you are allowed to have whatever emotions you are having and you don't need to justify them to yourself or anyone else. Allow yourself the time to grieve. She was your buddy. In time the hurt will lessen. Try to remember the joy and love you had while she was on this planet and for the time your paths crossed for 5 years. What a great half of a decade you had together. All you can do is celebrate her life, and allow yourself to go through all of the normal stages of grief.

Often, people will advocate getting another animal so you don't feel lonely and you can put your caring and loving energy into a new friend/pet. It's not a replacement, just a new blessing in your life. Get to know the friend, remember non of this is their fault. Accept the unconditional love.

Answer 10

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to loose your beloved dog. Don't be too hard on you family. They were only trying to help by getting the other puppy. I understand that you don't feel ready to give your heart to this newcomer. It will take time to feel whole again. But this puppy can help you fill the whole in your heart. Of course, it's not Sophie, so it may be hard at first to let this pup into your heart. Just remember that your family picked this new puppy for you because they couldn't stand to see you in that kind of pain. When your heart aches, so does theirs. Try to see the good in this puppy. She will never replace Sophie, but she can help you remember why you wanted a dog in the first place. As heart breaking as it is to lose a beloved pet, to me, it would be far worse to never have experienced the unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty that come with owning a dog. Keep your chin up.....Sophie is watching over you now, and still loves you as much now as she did in life. Her unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty will be with you always. And knowing the unselfish, loving nature of dogs, Sophie wants you to be happy again, even if it's not with her. Give this new pup a chance to love you, too. My thoughts are with you in this incredibly difficult time.

Answer 11

Your family isn't "replacing" Sophie. They are taking the love they had/have for Sophie and redirecting it to the new baby. Sophie was one of a kind and cannot be "replaced". It's hard to lose a pet...maybe visit the website www.rainbowsbridge.com for some consolance. I'm sorry for your loss, I encourage you to try to open your heart to the new baby, remember, it's not the baby's fault Sophie died or when it came into your family.