How do you cope with the death of a dog that shared mutual love with you for 15 years?

Question

Thank you all so very much for your kindness.

Answer 1

I just lost my cat of 18 years. I'm 23 now so you can imagine how wierd it is not having her around anymore. Thing is, the pain never goes away. But if your dog was suffering like my cat was, it helps to know that it's not going through the pain anymore.

Answer 2

I am so sorry for your loss. Coping with the loss of your precious dog can be so hard. It's very much like losing a child since they depend on you and love you unconditionally. There is online grief support for you.

I lost my 2 Beagles 15, and 16, in '99 and '02. I adopted rescue Beagles. It's not the same as your baby of course, but I can't tell you the satisfaction of knowing that you saved a sad and possibly abused pup or older dog from the misery of the pound and death.

When you want to adopt, I hope you will check out members.aol.com/lucountydogs

Remember all the love you and your pet shared and know that you will see you pet again at the Rainbow Bridge.
Blessings to you for caring so much.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry, I know how you feel. We had to have our 16 year old lab put down this week and it has left a huge hole in our hearts.

It is much like losing a human friend. THe pain lessens with time, but will never totally go away. We are striving to remember Joe as a pup when she was all energy and mischief, and all the good times we had. Near the end, she was in a fair bit of pain and was falling a lot, and lost control of her bowels and bladder, which made her ashamed. We had the vet come here and then buried her, planting wildflowers and a dwarf lilac tree on her grave to remember her by. We talk about her a LOT - she was the flower girl at our wedding, and saved my sanity after a miscarriage , and was just always THERE for us.

We have another dog, which helps, but if we didn't I would not rush out and buy a puppy. We are just trying to honour Joe's memory and remember that we did the best thing for her. I went out and put flowers on her grave today, and felt better. My husband cried for hours - and he is a big ol' truck driver. My sympathies on the loss of your friend.

Answer 4

I think that it is just a matter of time. Will the pain go away? No, it will just eventually decrease from actually acute pain that causes crying and nostalgic feelings to just sweet memories of a beloved friend. It will take time. Time heals this kind of pain. Sometimes adopting a new pet can help. I work at a vet hospital and there are people that decide not to have pets anymore to those that go directly to the shelter the day after. A senior lady lost her dog last week, her dog's name was Marley, her grief was making her terribly sad. She decided to go to the shelter and fell in love with a dog that looked just as her deceased dog.. She said she felt as if Marley was sending her attention to this dog. Sometimes it feels almost like if the deceased dog's soul wants you to adopt another dog that needs a home. She decided to adopt that dog and when she picked up the papers she was stunned by the fact that the dog's name was Marley as well. I f you decide to go to the shelter you may feel this sensation, perhaps there is actually an after life and the pet's soul is sending us to do a good deed for another innocent life to be spared.

Answer 5

I had my dog for 16 years, I put her down 4 years ago. I miss her all the time. I can't have pets where I live now. When I see a dog, I pine for her. What helps is sharing with others my experiences with training and caring for her, by answering questions here. You'll always miss your dog. If you get another, don't expect it to be like the one you've lost. It will have a different personality and traits.

Answer 6

It takes a lot of time and support from friends and family. It really isn't easy. It does get better as time goes on, but I know that doesn't help you now. It is probably one of the last things you want to hear. When my kitty of 11 years died and I was finally able to stop crying I made him a memory box. I like to look inside it. Makes me feel like he is still here. Which I know he is in spirit, but it not the same. It has been over two years now and I still am not over it. Finally able to talk about him and share some of my favorite memories with out crying. I hope this helped. I'm very sorry for your loss, as I truly do understand the pain you are in.

Answer 7

I am sorry for your loss. I completely understand because I lost my dog after 14 years. I know he is in a wonderful place, enjoying his new life, young and with no pain or suffering. I will see him again. He came to me in a dream when I was having a rough time with the loss, he was happy. I also had a dream when I lost my cat 2 years ago, again, he was happy and young again. Maybe once you feel up to it, volunteer at an animal shelter and give love to those animals, it is a way you can continue to give love to animals.
Plant a tree in memory of your dog. Donate to an animal shelter. All of these things can help, but time is the best healer unfortunately.

Answer 8

You will be faced with many other loses more serious than your dog. Be thankful for the companionship and love received but also be thankful that the pet has gone to a better place. Whenever a loved one is taken from you there is the memories to hold on to. As long as You can hold those good times in your heart the loved ones are with you. Life goes on and each of us learn to deal with a shrinking family as we get older. Enjoy those around You and build memories for when it is time for one of You to depart.

Answer 9

It's a hard thing. I just had a J.R. put down 3 weeks ago. Remember the joy your pet gave you. I carry pictures with me and look at them often. The hardest thing is removing beds and food bowls. After that, time heals...My husband knows I have enough love to bring another pet in. I still have 2 more dogs and 2 cats. I have been through alot with them also...I try to rescue as many as I can. St. Francis is always taking care of ours (and yours).

Answer 10

Sorry about the loss of your dog. I know it can be difficult to get over and move on, but stay strong. I lost two dogs over 10 years and it was very difficult. I hung a few pictures on my refrigerator of them and on my desk. I also did get a new dog to help me heal from the loss by playing and just companionship of having a dog, I Even thought they are not the same mannered dogs etc, but it helps to get your spirit lifted by a new furry buddy who will love you unconditionally no matter what the circumstances are. Good Luck.