I have lost my best friend - my dog?

Question

has anyone ever lost a pet they loved so much and if so how did u get over it?

Answer 1

i never have got over the loss of my pet

Answer 2

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss. You may not feel better today or tomorrow, but it does get easier with time.

I'm in my 50's now and some of our pets have been gone a long time. But, if I sit here and just look at some of their pictures, the tears start. The only time our dogs ever hurt us were on the day they left us, how sad that their lives aren't as long as ours.

You can never "replace" them but I think the greatest tribute you can give them is to open your home and heart again to another pet who needs a home.

My husband is a retired K-9 officer and we ran a rescue for german shepherds and dobermans. Over the past 30+ years we have shared our lives and homes with lots of dogs. A few were purchased as puppies but the majority of them were rescues.

I don't know if you want a puppy or an older dog but I can tell you that there are far too many dogs (puppies and adults) in rescue that desperately need someone as loving as you. Please don't believe the negative things you hear about them not being as loving or trusted as a dog you bring home as a puppy.

My husband's K-9 was a rescue and the number 3 dog that year in the canine school he graduated from. Two of our doberman's (both female) who were raised with our children were the most loving, loyal and protective companions anyone could have ever asked for. They had my heart and still do.

How lucky your friend was to have shared their life with you, I only wish there were more people like you. When you are ready (and everyone grieves in their own time), there are dozens of dogs out there just hoping to find their "safe place in the world" with someone like you. God bless and good luck, my heart goes out to you.

Answer 3

I have, hon, many times over the years. It's very hard, one of the hardest things there is. The only thing that really helps is time. You just have to give yourself time to begin to feel better. I know it sounds impossible, but believe me, it works.

Maybe, at some time in the future, you'll feel like getting another dog, and you should. It really helps. You might think now that you'll never want another dog, but in time you just might.

You're not weird for feeling this way either, although some of the more unfeeling Yahooligans might tell you that. Everyone who's lost a pet grieves and that's their right. Even Queen Elizabeth does - I read an article that talked about when she lost one of her beloved corgis - she buried him all by herself and wouldn't let anyone help her, and this is the Queen of England. And afterward she said something very wise: "Grief is the price we pay for love."

And it's true. Grieve as long as you need to, and eventually you will move on. Good luck, dear. ((((hugs))))

Answer 4

I know the feeling, sadly I've been there a couple of times before. There is no human equivalent to the bond that develops between you and your dog. When they go, which is often far to soon, the loss is just as you say, you have lost your best friend.

In my experience, and several dogs have owned me, the pain of their passing never goes away. The unconditional love that a dog will give you is undisputed, but is tempered and made unique by the dogs personality. Getting another dog might fill a space, but it won't fill the vacuum of loosing your Friend, remember him/her for the devotion they gave you and the good times you had together. I can assure you that with time the intense feeling of loss you have at the moment will mellow into a feeling gratitude of how your boy/girl enhanced your life

Answer 5

The first dog i lost was when i was little but i grew up with her from a baby i missed her loads hated everyone for having her put down but you just gotta remember the good times. I dont know about getting a new pet to fill the emptiness you will have to go through it all over again

Answer 6

I am assuming that you mean lost as in died, rather than lost as in missing? All my life I have kept a number of animals, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, lizards, ferret, etc. So of course they have grown old and become sick. All of my animals needed a vet to put them to sleep in the end, whereas I know people whose pets pass away peacefully in their sleep which is a more dignified end.

I don't think I have ever gotten over some of the pets that have died, especially my dogs, cat and ferret. I loved them very dearly as they were like children to me. My one cat died when she was around 18 years old, so I know she had a very long life. My one dog was only 5 and who developed a brain tumour when she died, that was more difficult being as she was so young.

So I won't ever really get over the loss. The memories of my pets will be with me forever, and I will always miss them and the company and unlimited love they always gave. Being as they have gone, I always try to get a constant reminder of them, either a small stone ornament for the garden or an ornament in the house. That way whenever I see the ornament, I am reminded of them and the fond memories I hold. At the same time, I know that the spirit of animals lives on forever as does people. I know that when it is my time, I will be reunited with them once again in spirit.

Answer 7

It's a horrible, emotional pain when you lose your dog or other beloved pet. My cat was killed by a coyote, and it was so painful that I sat on the couch and cried convulsively for two hours without stopping. I just wanted to die. But with each new day, you heal a little more. The best thing I could do was to adopt another cat about two weeks later. It was soon, but I knew that other cats needed homes and it was good for both of us. I still miss my cat who died, but time and a new cat have helped to heal my broken heart. Go get another dog and love it and you will see that even though you will always love your other dog, R.I.P., your heart has room to love again.

Answer 8

I agree with Hannah - if you truly love them you dont ever really get over them. However, give it time and eventually you begin to remember the good times and start to laugh again at some of your memories. They always stay in your heart. Sometimes it helps to get another pet - no to replace the one you lost but in place of - they can help distract you from some of the hurt. I wish you well and sympathise. Just remember that the huge grief you feel now is sadly the price we pay for having been loved. He/she must have been very special xx

Answer 9

Let me first say that I am sorry for your loss. I have lost several past over the years, losing one is never easy. I still miss my lab and it has been 2 years, his memories keep me smiling when I think of him, for instance how he would beg at the table, first by just sitting there staring, then digging at my leg, then whimpering until he started in a full blown bark, I miss that, (my other dog does not do that). Just remember that your dog may be gone from your sight but he will remain in your heart and memories forever.

Answer 10

I lost my cat Sophie in March and it was a terrible time. I got over it slowly with lots of love from my friends. Dont let anyone make you eel guilty about grieving for your dog - you had a relationship of love and you are entitled to grieve. Maybe you could look for a webite to help. I found one by typing 'Rainbow Bridge' into google. Rainbow Bridge is a poem about loosing a pet. Take care, remember shared times and dont rush. x

Answer 11

I lost a chinchilla he was lovely and called chip, it was about 3 yrs ago now, i still miss him.

I dont think that you do get over it in that sence but you just keep going for the sake of the other pets, or family as in all cases of loss.