My wifes German Sheppard has just had to be put down due to extreme cancer - how can my wife get over it?

Answer 1

There is nothing you can do to get her to get over it. It will take minimum 1 year and she will never forget him. It's heart breaking like losing a child. Your wife should feel she gave her dog the best life he could of had.

One suggestion would be to ask her if she would consider another German Sheppard puppy?

When I lost my dog I couldn't even think of another one. About 1 year later I decided to get a cat. When she died it took me 9 months to heal to the point of getting two kittens. When I looked at kittens I wanted them to be exactly, personality wise, the same as my last cat. I ended up with the complete opposite and love them to death.

I feel getting another animal soon, is the best therapy. Animals need us to love them and not grieve over one, but love them all. There are so many dogs that need good homes and love that your wife can give.

So, maybe surprise her with a puppy and she won't be able to resist.

Answer 2

"My wife's"...did you not see it as your dog either? If so, I pity her, because you clearly don't understand what she's going through, and will therefore probably end up being unsupportive to her at a time when she truly needs nothing more than 100% support.

Depending on how long the dog was in her life, it will be the same as losing a family member who'd been in her life for the same amount of time...some people even say it's like losing a child. It was her companion, someone who gave her unconditional love, and was always there...she's lost it, and in the worst possible way, and to the most evil disease there can be...she won't get over it for a LONG time, and I personally even think you asking such a question so soon after the event (you said "just had to be put down"), is pretty insensitive!

How would you feel if you lost her? Cos she's probably feeling very similar right now. The best thing you can do is stay away, cos I truly feel you're going to do more harm than good, especially seeing as you didn't even look upon the dog as your own!

Answer 3

That's a tough one. I had to go down that lane, recently, too. My rottweiler was 14 when she developed bone cancer. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do - and I will keep her ashes forever.

First and foremost, let her grieve. She needs time to heal. I would say give her a minimum of 4 months to grieve.

Different people think differently on this subject. For me, I could never have faced the prospect of getting another rottweiler because I know that no other rott would be able to fill the void my precious Babydoll filled. I am sure I would be comparing it to what I had rather than focusing on training a new puppy that would, one day, look just like the perfect dog I lost. It wouldn't be fair to either of us.

I am a firm believer in adopting from the pound. Petsmart occasionally holds adoption days with a few dogs from the pound - try this approach. If you can get her to the pound, all the better. Pick one that DOES destroy dogs that can't find a suitable home after a certain period of time. She won't feel as compelled to adopt if she knows the "homeless" dogs in a no-kill shelter will be provided for for the rest of their lives. Go for the sympathy factor. She's not replacing her beloved german shepherd, she's saving another dog from an early demise. It helps.

Most importantly, let HER choose the dog to be adopted. She needs to know SHE is saving a dog's life.

Good luck.

Answer 4

There are only two thing that will enable your wife to come to terms with it....the first is time & the second is patience on your behalf.

I don't think anyone gets over losing a much loved part of the family whether it be a pet or a person (not that I'm comparing a grand/parent, child, or sibling to a pet) but you learn to live with it.

Only get a new pet if & when she is ready because it might do more harm than good.

Answer 5

This is tough. Try reminding your wife of the pain her dog was in. Then point out how her dog does not have to go through that any more. I would get her another dog, but not the exact same one. Get a puppy of maybe a different breed, or at least different patterns. You do not want it to seem like you are replacing the dog, only supplimenting what was lost. Maybe it can be a breed you both decide on so that it is no longer her dog, but both of yours so if something happens she can feel you are more connected to it to and thus be there for her more.

Answer 6

I dont think that you can make her get over it. She will need to go though the same greaving process and if she lost a person close to her. My mom just had to put down a dog that she has had for 14 years and it has been really hard on her. She has other dogs that she can spend time with and that makes it eaiser. If you have other dogs that might help, or if not when she is ready and the loss isn't so raw you could help her pick out another puppy.

Good luck to you and best wishes, I am sorry for your loss.

Answer 7

Just be there for her. Allow yourselves (yes, BOTH OF YOU) to grieve for the loss of your dog.

Getting another dog is a decision that the whole household MUST be happy with. Until then, don't get one - it wouldn't be fair on you, the dog or your wife.

The old dog was a much-loved member of the family and can't just be "replaced". Eventually though you may find room in your heart for another dog, but you'll never forget the dog(s) that have gone before.

Just remember the good times, be proud that the dog loved you and you gave it a great life.

I wish you the very best.

Answer 8

Give her some time to grieve and then check the ads in the local paper for GS puppies. I went through this with my mom and she had this tiny grey poodle for 14 years. She died in my moms arms. She was so despondent and depressed and cried all the time. My dad, after 12 weeks, took her to see a little black tiny poodle. She held her and fell in love with her.
There is a process that everyone who looses someone or something has to go through and loosing a beloved animal in no exception. You didn't say so, but I would bet that you will need time to get over the loss also.
Best of Luck

Answer 9

She needs your support and time to go through the grieving process. She could be helped with a homeopathic remedy called Ignatia 30c which is excellent for helping people through grief. I've had experience of several animals passing away or having to be put down and it helps every time.

Losing any animal is similar to losing a member of your family, so treat her in the same way.

Eventually you could think about another dog. But it will depend how she feels about it.

Answer 10

I had to have my favorite dog put down because of cancer too. I know I did everything I could have done for her. I know you did the right thing you would not have wanted the dog to suffer. I did have two other dogs and three cats to take care of but everyone has to mourn in their own way. It's very natural and my heart goes out to your wife and you.