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A friend sent me this when I lost my dog a few years ago and it really helped.

WHY DOGS DON'T LIVE LONGER
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker.
The dog's owners; Ron, his wife Lisa and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there was no more miracles left for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.
The next day I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me - I'd never heard a more comforting explanation:
He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life... like loving everybody and being nice, right?"
The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

2006-06-30 01:57:12 · answer #1 · answered by Boo 2 · 2 0

I am so sorry for your loss- it is as sad as losing a child, and the hurt is so real- people just dont understand how hard it is. I cant give you an instant fix- I can only tell you that it will get easier in time, which doesnt really help make you feel better. Could you consider getting another pet- perhaps of a different breed?? Its never fair to try to replace like with like, as you find yourself making comparisons all the time, and no 2 animals have the same personality. I wish you peace of mind, and good luck.

2006-06-29 11:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by k0005kat@btinternet.com 4 · 0 0

It will just take time. Sometimes it actually gets harder after a little time before it finally gets better (because the shock wears off and you're just left with sadness.) But it will get better eventually. Just hang in there. I saw another good suggestion to plan a memorial, and I agree that it might help. If nothing else, maybe you could do some journaling or write a poem about your pet. Getting your thoughts down on paper can really make you feel better.

I'm sorry for your loss !

2006-06-29 03:36:32 · answer #3 · answered by Schleppy 5 · 0 0

I'm sorry for your loss. I have been there, twice! My heart goes out to you! This may sound drastic but, the easiest way to get over the loss of a pet is to go out and get a new pet to love. You will not be replacing your beloved pet, you will be offering love to a pet who hasn't experienced that yet. Having a new furry baby will help you feel happy again.

2006-06-29 03:41:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Losing a friend, and that is what your pet is, is always very painful. Facing such a loss is not easy, and may evoke feelings of denial, anger, guilt or depression before acceptance is reached. These reactions are entirely natural and should be expressed. Everyone grieves in his or her own way. You may experience some or all of these feelings, in varying degrees and for different lengths of time. Acknowledging them is an important step in the mourning process, one that will help you understand why you may have withdrawn from, or lashed out at, people who care about you. You should realise that it is perfectly natural to need comforting. It will not only help you cope with your emotions and adjust to life without your pet, but may allow you, in the future, to provide welcome support to others around you who are experiencing the same loss.You will eventually learn to live with your loss,you will never "get over it",but you will learn to cope. Time is a great healer,you may not realise that now,but it is.You will NEVER forget your dog,of course you won't,but given time you will be able to move on.

2006-06-29 03:54:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

I know just how you feel as I lost my lurcher two weeks ago. She was only 5 and died very suddenly of a heart attack. Luckily her last day was exactly what she would have wanted. We buried her in the garden and all our friends and neighbours came to say goodbye and there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. Our friend's children are still putting fresh flowers on her grave every few days, which is absolutely lovely (especially as they're boys!). I couldn't get over the cards, emails, flowers and phone messages I got over the next few days - everyone missed her, not just us.

We lasted a whole four days as a one-dog family. I couldn't stand going for a walk with our remaining lurcher, who just stuck by me as though she were on a lead instead of roaming around sniffing smells and chasing real and imaginary rabbits as she used to with our other dog. All the bounce went out of all of us and once we got over the initial shock and the terrible grief we were all left with a profound sadness that is still here I'm afraid.

However, we've done things to try to move on. The first is to talk about her a lot and remind ourselves of what a great life she had, what an amazing character she was, and how much everyone loved her. This has kept her alive and, although we still miss her desperately, when we think of her we think of her with a smile. I've also found a gorgeous photo and framed it and put it where I can look at it to remind myself of how beautiful and how happy she was.

And the other thing we did was get a puppy which, although it hasn't replaced our old friend, has been a great distraction and has also made us smile a lot too. This decision has not been without problems (our other dog isn't too impressed, but is getting more tolerant of the pup by the day), but at least it's stopped us all moping about with long faces and made us think about something else.

I'm down to a little weep about once a day now, but I've learnt how to remember with a smile as well as a tear. It does take time, and the tears are running down my face as I type, but what I have to hang on to is that she'll always be remembered with love and we were incredibly lucky to have shared time with such a wonderful soul.

I don't know whether this helps you, but try to think of the happy times you shared, cry as much as you need to, and, when you're ready, take the plunge and get another - nothing quite touches the quality of life with animals to love and who love you.

Good luck and best wishes. You'll never forget her - you just have to learn to remember with gladness in your heart and not sadness.

2006-06-29 04:09:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

You just have to remember that no matter how much and how long it hurts right now, it is tiny compared to the love, comfort and joy your pet gave you when she was alive. This is what helps me to get over deaths, and celebrate life again, after a while, with another pet, on whom I shower as much love and affection as the last. While your girl can never be replaced, you can use what she taught you about love and companionship to give a bright future to another dog. There are various pet bereavement helplines, and people you can talk to.

2006-06-29 05:03:14 · answer #7 · answered by big_fat_goth 4 · 0 0

I honestly believe that losing a pet can be one of the most devastating things a person can go through. I just can't tell you how sorry I am for you. It's sooooooo hard to lose a pet. I lost a dog a few years ago, and cried my heart out for 3 days....even took that time off of work. It will get better in time...I promise!

2006-06-29 03:46:13 · answer #8 · answered by trueblond195 5 · 0 0

i understand how you feel i lost my GSD in January 20th this year, his ashes are buried in the garden. He was just past his tenth birthday. i still cry at the loss of him, i still am trying to pick out hairs from my car and furniture (he was long haired)
When he died it was very sad and the kids whom they had know since day dot found it hard but what they done helped me alot. they kept rembering all the fun times they had with the dog and how stupid he could be, then we got out all the pics of him and made sure that everyone talked about him.
Losing a pet is just as bad as lossing a person it takes time, and you should let your self greive for your pet, and some days will be worse than others but it will get better with time.

2006-06-30 04:15:01 · answer #9 · answered by bles28 2 · 0 0

I think its the same as when anyone in your family dies. You have to grieve, then make peace with your loss. A memorial is a wonderful way to commemorate your pet's life, and giving something to charity is another worthwhile response.

I also suggest that after you take time to mourn your pet's loss, that you get another pet. Think of it this way: not only did your pet make your life richer, but you gave your pet the best life he or she could have had. What better way to celebrate that mutual love than by welcoming another pet into your life?

Condolences on your loss.
Roz

2006-06-29 03:40:36 · answer #10 · answered by Sherozzel 4 · 0 0

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