How long does it take to get over a pet dying?

Question

Hello everyone

My boxer dog, Levi, had to be put to sleep yesterday. He was so lovely, theres a picture of him on my 360 page.

My question is how long did it take you to get over the death of a close family pet? I just miss the poor bugger

HI

Thanks for all the comments. I think it would be worth adding that I stil have 3 other boxers (including his brother and mother) so wont be getting a 'replacement' anytime soon. Thanks for all your kind words.

Answer 1

Losing a member of the family takes a differet amount of time for everyone. I have boxers and they are definately not just pets they are members of the family. I don't think you can "get over it" just like any family member or friend passing away you remember the good times and go on. Eventually you will get another dog and create new memories with it

Answer 2

I am so sorry. I think that you cannot put a time on grieve. All people are different. Some might be able to get over the grief in a day some it may take years. I am one that takes years. just remember that time has a way of healing the pain, but the love you felt for him will last you all your life. As long as you have him in your heart he is never far away. Again, I am sorry for your loss. You could celebrate his life with an on line pet memorial that you write for him. Others visit and read it. He'll always be remembered by you and family members. Don't forget that he is waiting at Rainbow Bridge for you.

Answer 3

Well, you can never "replace" an old dog with a new dog any more than you can replace your best friends or your parents with new ones.

I'm amazed that in this day and age people _still_ suggest you can just go out and get another dog the next day and be fine... but that's why we love dogs so much, I guess.

My dearest old dog died nine years ago (I was eight when we got her and 19 when she passed), and sometimes I still get teary thinking about her. I still miss her when I think of the funny stuff she'd do.

I have dogs now who I love just as much, but dogs are as individual and unique as people and there is something special about each and every one that sets them apart from the others.

You'll always have a place in your heart for Levi, and as with other losses, gradually the hurt will lessen and you'll remember the happy times, as he would have wanted.

He's probably up there with the other cherished critters, like my old girl Kaci, wanting to see you happy again.

It's hard, god it is so hard, but you'll be ok in your own time. Everyone deals with it differently. Bless you.

Answer 4

There is no easy answer, some people can get over it quickly while others go through a long bereavement process. It will help that you have other dogs that need your love and attention.

I have had several animals in the past, cats, horses, rabbits and small pets and find it hard when there is a death. I still have pangs of guilt now, with some of them that I could have done more etc. even though the years have moved on.

It is painful at the time, but like all deaths both animal and human, the pain does ease and you will focus more on the good times and the good memories that your loved one gave you.

Best Wishes.

Answer 5

Oh you poor love. I had to have my Bullmastiff, Sullivan put to sleep, 11 years ago. I'm a girl and am therefore allowed to cry, which I did with alarming frequency for about a week. I still have a bit of a cry now but trust me, it does get better. Think about the good times and be assured you did the right thing. There's nothing worse than watching your buddy go down hill and be in pain.

Have you thought of getting a pup. It won't be Levi (and don't call him that) but will help keep you occupied until the pain gets better.

You have my heart felt sympathy and I do hope you feel better soon; it may take a few weeks or months but it will get better. Have a cry (when no one's looking). That will make you feel better too. Good luck mate.xxxxx

Answer 6

Hi just looked up your picture of Levi. He was and is a beautiful boy. I can tell by your words that you gave him a wonderful life and loved him so much. Be comforted by the thoughts that you gave him the most love and care and he had a special time on this planet. I dont believe there is a time scale to be put on the loss that you feel but knowing you did the best for him everyday and gave him so much love , should, i hope give you comfort.
Ps.. Sounds like a great job you have coz you said you had nothing to do!! Have you got any vacancies then i could come and chat to you and try to stop you getting bored hehe. Take care God bless x x

Answer 7

It depends on the person and it depends on the relationship with your animal. My gerbil died unexpectedly yesterday so I can understand your pain. I was very upset, but I have only had my gerbil for 12 months (she was a year old when got her), but on the other hand gerbils have a much shorter lifespan than dogs and cats, and you can't exactly take a gerbil for a walk on a lead, and they don't fetch sticks, or jump up at you when you enter the house. I'll probably get over the death of my gerbil quicker than you will get over the death of your dog. When I had to have my cat put to sleep I was distraught. It took approximately 3 months before i started to come down off the grief, at which point I was ready to take on another cat which took my mind off it. I still think about him every so often, but I'm not miserable about it any more. Sometimes it doesn't feel right to get another dog immedietly after one has died, you need some time to grieve. At the end of the day, you can't replace a friend, but you can find additional ones.

Answer 8

If you follow the advise from the others about getting another pet right away know this. I am not saying it would be wrong, but the NEW pet IS NOT going to be like your other you had, so do not expect it to be. Another thing, concerning me anyhow, is you will not ever get over your loved one you just lost. If anything ever happened to my two Babies I think that it would kill me. Are you ready for another pet so soon? is this new pet going to remind you of the one you just lost? Are you emotionallyready for another pet at this time. These are fair questions you have to ask yourself.Please give it some thought as this is a big step. I hope and pray that you will find comfort in your loss. Questions like this are HARD to answer as everyone handles grief differently.

Answer 9

I'm so sorry you've lost Levi. To answer your question, the raw pain you're feeling right now may gradually subside over the next month or two but you will always have a soft memory spot for Levi in your heart.
We had to put my very ill cat Tuffy of 13 years down a few months ago and I'm just now getting to wear I can look at his pictures for more than a few minutes.
I'm glad you have your other dogs to focus on during this tough and painful time of loss.

Answer 10

Its like losing a member of the family. You will grieve for up to a year, you may find you burst into tears at the slightest reminder for a good few months. But eventually you will be able to think of him and all the good times you had together. It is a really sad time and the best thing you can do is wait a month or two then give a good home to another dog. There are many needing loving homes and it will help your recovery.