My dog had to be put down today. He was 17 years old. I'm 23 so I've had him almost all my life. I can't remember not having him. I feel like he was a member of my family. How can I get over his death? Has anyone else been in a similar situation?
2006-10-27 06:22:22 · 19 answers · asked by Sara 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
When I lost my dog, whom I had grown up with, it hurt a lot. It took a few weeks for me to come to terms comfortably with it, but to help me I always remembered that she used to act concerned and sad if I was upset, and she always tried to comfort me as best as she could. I just remembered that she wouldn't want me to be sad and mopey, she would want me to remember her in life and not focus on her death.
2006-10-27 06:29:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was a member of your family and I know the pain is immense- we get unconditional love from our pets (something we do not get anywhere else). Please don't put pressure on yourself to "get over" or past it and know that anyone who responds with "it's just a pet" is not someone you need around you right now. Grief is a process not an event. Check on line at American Pet Loss and Bereavement- it is a wonderful website that will provide support and offer suggestions. Know that grief affects you mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually and be gentle with yourself if you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, crying a lot...etc. There are also several good books and pet loss hotlines you can call for support. Check out "Argus Institute" I think it is through Colorado State University.
Take Care of Yourself!
2006-10-27 13:35:17 · answer #2 · answered by Help Me Please 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im sorry for your loss. I know how it feels. Just give it some time, And pretty soon you will start learning how to live without that special pet. Just remember the fun times and remeber that it lived a very LONG and HAPPY life. Dont get depressed over this because remember that that is a fact of life. Some come some go, But i know the he was very loved and special while he was here. Take care and take it easy. Its hard but you can do it.
Good Luck
2006-10-27 13:31:02 · answer #3 · answered by chinaz777 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry about your loss. Let yourself grieve. It's natural to feel an emptiness. Our pets really are our family, especially when we've had them over time. Don't feel embarrassed to talk about this. People that have a heart and love animals will be very sympathetic. After you go through this process, get out there and find yourself a new puppy. There are so many dogs and cats that need loving homes. You can be helping yourself and one of them. Best of luck to you.
2006-10-27 13:28:38 · answer #4 · answered by Caki 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aww I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. They tend to become our children and losing one is something that is very hard to get over. You will eventually but you must go through the normal greiving process. I would not get another dog right away, wait until you have completed greiving then adopt a pet from a local shelter.
2006-10-27 13:31:28 · answer #5 · answered by pans_insanity 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown.
2006-10-27 15:36:34 · answer #6 · answered by juliette62 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am 66 years old and i must tell you i have always had at least three dogs at a time. About loosing a dog ,yes I have had to put down many since I take good care of them so be glad you had this wonderful friend for such a long time. I held my18yr old collie till he passed and I tried to go without a dog and could not they are such kind and sweet friends to have. You will need to find another dog to love and take care of. Go to the pound and look into their eyes you will find one to take home and learn with and train. The new lost throw away you find at the pound and save will be another chapter in your life. Yes I call them throw aways cause no one wanted them. You need to learn and never allow you self to forget the fun you had with the one who passed away. I love my animals and know you need this relationship. its what you know and have known for so many years. No you can not replace the one you lost but you can make new memories so please give another one a chance for a good life with you it will love you as your other dog did.
2006-10-27 13:42:02 · answer #7 · answered by MARMIE 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I'm sorry that you have to go through your loss. Pets are sometimes even more close than family because they love without condition. I'm a guy and I cried my eyes out when my dog died (in my arms). Time will lessen your grief, but, as someone suggested, find a quiet place and grieve for your beloved pet.
2006-10-27 13:32:10 · answer #8 · answered by Cirric 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. We just lost our beloved Golden Retriever a month ago. We planted a tree in his honor that reflected his spirit. It's OK to grieve. You were very lucky to have him for that long of a time. He is very lucky, too, to have such loving owners.
Even though we were going to wait to get another pet, unexpectedly we wound up with a great puppy. There are so many dogs that need to be rescued that when you are ready, find a vacant spot in your heart to share with another pet. You are not replacing your friend but honoring him by giving love to another pet who deserves a loving home.
2006-10-27 13:34:59 · answer #9 · answered by Cathy O 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my dog died when i was 21 when she was 15 years old.it was just like loosing a member of my family.it was very hard to overcome but now (about four years later) i have all these wonderfull memories from her which cannot be spoiled from the sadness of her death.
dont take another pet until you feel ready.i think that if you hurry to buy a new dog you will not be able to truly love it because it will remind you of your dog
2006-10-27 16:59:58 · answer #10 · answered by girl24gr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋