Will I ever be at peace with the lose of my dog?

Question

I lost my dog 3 months today. I still cry and miss him in the worst way!! I have had owned dogs before, they all have been special but nothing like this one. And before someone comments that I should get a life I do have one.. I just dont know how to come to peace with his death. I know it has only been 3 months since he has been gone but it seems like forever..

I had to have him put down. The vet. thought it was joint or an arthretic issue, so when i took him in for his PST treatment i had the vet look at him because he just didnt seem to be getting any better. The vet. then figured out that he was going blind and he a neurological disease and had no cure.. He stated that he was slowly dieing.. My dog did not derseve to live this way any longer.. So I held him while they put him down and it was so devistating to me. I thought it should be peaceful but he started gasping! It just killed me to hear it. But it was the least I could do for him to be there, cause he was such a loyal dog to me.

Answer 1

Everyone deals with death and grieves differently.

Maybe you could join a pet loss support group and talk to others about your feelings.

I'm attaching a link that has tons of links and advice on coping with the loss of a beloved pet. There are links for adding as free memorials, lighting a candle in your dog's memory, and on line support groups, as well as telephone support groups.

I know how you feel, and this sites helped me though the trauma of losing my own dog. Ignore those people who tell yo to get a life and move on. No one can tell you how to tell and no one knows the pain you're feeling , except you..

My sincere condolences on your loss. I'm so sorry.

Answer 2

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Some how for some reason it seems a little harder losing a pet rather than a human being. It may have to do with knowing you had something to do with the final good-bye that makes it so hard to let go.

I've lost a number of animals, a cat, cockatiel and 2 dogs, 3 of 4 I had to have put down. My cockatiel passed in my arms. All my animals I had cremated and I found that to be a great comfort.

Animals are so loyal and provide unconditional love. Some people don't understand why it's so hard to move on. When my Mom lost her first dog she immediately had to get another one, different breed. When we lost that dog we again bought a different breed from that. If you feel the need to get another dog to fill the void I recommend buying a different breed. That way you're not expecting the same qualities or personality from the new pup that your previous dog had and will not be disappointed when the new pup does something different or doesn't act the same way.

Keep in mind, buying a new puppy will never replace the love you had for your dog as I'm sure you know with owning other dogs as well. This is something that will take time and you need to allow yourself the time to heal.

All the best!

Answer 3

I am sorry for your loss. Losing a pet can be just as traumatic as loosing a human friend. The grieving process can take a year or more. At first you will cry when you remember your dog, as time goes by you will be able to remember him with smiles instead of tears. I have heard that keeping a picture of your pet out where you can see it every day and even talk to it can help. You may fund getting another pet helpfull. You will never be able to replace your dog but having another pet may help keep your mind off the grief. Grief is a personal thing and you need to do what will help you. I have lost several wonderfull cats and it is hard to think of them sometimes but life goes on and I have gotten other cats that are cute and funny and loving. I'm sure as time goes by you will feel better. Hope this helps, Nance

Answer 4

If you care for something everyday, name it, loved it, nurture it, how can you not become emotionally attached? If anyone tells you to "just get over it" they're a heartless jerk.

In time you'll get over the sadness and look back on your time with him and just be grateful that you had that. In the meantime, it might not be a bad idea to go to the shelter and walk some dogs, or go sit and watch the dogs at the dog park. Perhaps you need to feel that connection and companionship that a dog provides to help you recover. Nothing dries up tears better than sloppy doggy kisses. Your old dog doesn't need you now, he's waiting safely on the other side. But there are many animals down here on earth that need your care and compassion.

Answer 5

You are not alone, sweetie. It is always difficult to come to terms with their deaths.... just realize that they had a wonderful life with you. Have found that it helps to always have two, of different ages, and replace one always. Have had 8 or 9 dogs, and the vet always told me don't have two dogs the same breed the same age. It sure helps. Have three now --- One 3 years ago was given a death sentence with a "raging cancer. Get another dog, this one won't last very much longer". She's still with it, and cancer free, so I have an extra dog. Just get another one, sweetie. One can never replace the one you lost, but you need an object for your affection.

Answer 6

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. I wish that there was something that I could say to comfort you. But I know all to well that there is nothing anyone can say or do to take your pain away.

I have lost so many pets over the years I know exactly how you feel.

I hope someday you will find a dog that will light up your life as much as this one did , but I know that it will never be the same and nothing will take his place in your heart.

Answer 7

In time the pain won't be as bad, I lost my bestfriend/baby over a month ago, and it still hurts just as much as the day he went. But in time the pain will subside and you will be able to move on. I can't say how long it will take, but don't worry in time you will be able to get threw a day without crying.
I know how special a dog can be, mine was the most special boy in the world to me, he was my world, and now my world has shattered. But he is happy now, he's in no more pain. And I will see him again one day. When I pass on he will be waiting for me at the bridge and then we can cross it together, and be together once again........

I do hope you feel better soon, I'm so sorry to hear about your special friend passing :*(

May he rest in peace.

Answer 8

Its a very traumatic to lose a pet, you are grieving the same as you would for a human loss. Take some time to recover. Make a scrapbook of pics of your dog and look at it and remember the happy times you had. Some people find the "Rainbow Bridge" concept helps them, I have put the web site below.

You will get over it in time.

Answer 9

I don't think anyone who has a heart would tell you to get a life. Who wouldn't be sad if they lost their pet. All they do is live for you. The come when you call, they are waiting for you when you leave, no judgments, no question, no opinions. Only love. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have not lost a pet but I love my Obi so much and at the thought of losing him I almost tear. Only time will heal your heart.

Answer 10

You have my deepest sympathies - losing a dog (or any beloved pet) is hard, very hard. You are still in mourning, there's nothing wrong with that at all.

Sometimes, especially when a death is unexpected, it will hit harder than what we'd consider "normal". I had a sweet dog I rescued when he was 3 years old. He lived with me for 10 happy years and one day he just wasn't acting normal and so I took him into the vet. I was given heart-breaking news that he was in the final stages of kidney failure. From the day I first noticed he was acting strange until the day I had to have him put down it was less than 2 weeks. It shook me so hard.

It's been 3 years for me now. I still get teary eyed over memories from time to time - this is normal. It's fully healthy and normal for you to miss your sweet boy, especially so soon after his death!

Please don't let anyone drag you down by telling you to just "get over it" or to "get a new dog" - only your heart can tell you what is right for you. As much as it hurts now, give it time. It *will* get better, bit by bit.

I once heard a very fitting quote - "We never get over the loss of our pets, we just get used to living without them." You will still miss him, but know that his spirit lives on and you will have cherished memories of him forever.

I will keep you and your sweet boy in my thoughts and prayers today!