how do I get over watching my dog die?

Answer 1

You have my heart felt sympathy,it is so painful ,the loss of a beloved pet. I don't think you ever get over it and people who say well it was just a dog have no heart and have no regard for your pain. I don't think getting another dog right away ,is the answer either. people tell you that but if your child died would you find a replacement ? Grief for an animal is real and I feel your pain Ive been there . Time helps heal ,but it doesn't go away. There are grief councilors for the loss of your pet in most larger cities. Perhaps your vet could help you find one or other people to talk to that are grieving too. I wish you peace.

Answer 2

You take it one day at a time. Remember the happy times you had together and think that your dog is no longer suffering and is very happy running around in spirit playing and frolicking. It is a hard thing any pet owner has to endure, but with time you will feel a little better. Each day gets a little easier. It may not seem that way now, but it does get easier and of course later down the road you will still have fond memories that come to you and make you cry a little. You never actually "get over" watching a beloved pet pass on, there is no such thing. You just move on and remember the happy times you shared, that's all you can do. Keep your dog in your heart and that's where he/she will always be. Someday when you are ready, another dog will adopt you. Take care.

Answer 3

I am so sorry that you watched your dog die, that must have been a very hard and upsetting thing to do, but at least you know that you were there for him / her right up til; the last minute. Maybe you could do something special for your dog now by having a special burial in a special place by yourslef as a way of saying goodbye. Pictures of your dog are a constant reminder of him or her, so put one in your room so you can see it every night and that can be your special time to think about your dog, for now try to keep busy and dont think about your dog until the end of the night before you go to bed. This will give you time to grieve by your slef while during the day you are keeping your self busy and have something to concentrate on. I wish you all the best, keep smiling for you dog and for yourself.xxxx

Answer 4

I went through it 3 months ago. Even though she was 14 and not doing well, it was absolutely horrible. The first week I couldn't even get out of bed to function. I even slept with a stuffed dog for a month. For me it took about 6 weeks for the pain to ease up. I still think about her but not as often. And when I do the memories are good. I don't think I'll ever get another dog, it's just too painful when their time comes. I did get a kitten though about a month ago. She's a sweetie and helped fill the void. Right now I know you won't believe it (because I didn't) but time really does heal. Just hang in there.

Answer 5

You don't ever - not completely. But, hard though it now is to believe, in time the pain will ease, and you'll remember the good times you and your dog had together. But meanwhile, just grieve. Weep, howl, don't hold back. I've had three cats die in my arms, and I know how much it hurts to lose a pet. But remember - this too will pass.

Oh, and here's a quote I've always found comforting. "They say that, when you die and get to heaven, all the cats and dogs you ever owned will come running to meet you." It's the only good argument for an afterlife I've ever heard.

Answer 6

The “Saga OF Lady”

Words of wisdom....
Keep praying.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year- Chow German Shepard Mix named Lady. The dog's owners, Bob, his wife, Marion, and their little boy, Jimmy, were all very attached to Lady and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Lady and found she was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Lady, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Bob and Marion told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Jimmy to observe the procedure. They felt as though Jimmy might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Lady's family surrounded him. Jimmy 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, Lady slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Lady's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Lady's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Jimmy, 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, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Answer 7

I recently watched my young cat takes his last breaths. And it's very very hard to get those images out of your head. I've since gotten another cat and, while it's great to have a new pet, they don't replace what you had with your other one.

What helps - think of some really good memories or moments you had with your dog when he was happy and healthy. Try to remember him like that. That's what I try to do when those other thoughts start to creep into my head.

And over time, those terrible images won't appear so much. It will get better, I promise.

I'm really sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is incredibly hard.

Answer 8

Time, lots of it. I still mourn and miss dogs that died 20 years ago.
The circumstances in which your pet died will affect how well you deal with it.
Some people like practical support, I always cope better with information. Grief works in stages, and its a healing process.
Right now it hurts because its fresh in your mind. You'll find a way to come to terms with it.
Life is short, and our dogs lives are shorter. We do the best we can for them while they are around, and we always get more than we give. We are less generous and loving than a 'mere' dog.
Try to remember your dog as he was in life, get some photos together, and remember small things he did that touched you.

Answer 9

I don't think people really understand that when you loose a pet you really do go through the grieving process.

Often pets, especially dogs live in the family for a great number of year and literally do become "part of the family".

Give yourself time to grieve. Only you can decide if it's right to get another dog.

Answer 10

I am very sorry about your dog and I know how you feel. Getting another dog can help take your mind off the pain of losing your other dog but a lot of people aren't ready to get another pet right after they lose one. Whenever one of my pets die, I just think they are in a better place and are happier and aren't in anymore pain. It always makes me feel better!