how do you get over loosing a pet?

Question

i had to have my 12 year old pug put to sleep today. he was such a good boy. but now i miss him terribly and i can't stop crying.any suggestions?

Answer 1

Cry. Be mad. Cry some more. I've said this to many other people who have lost a pet. That is the best thing you can do right now.

If it is possible, take a couple (2-3) days off work and just cry and mourn. Dont' try to "get over" it too soon. I am assuming that you've had this dog for 12 years (or mostly 12 years).

It is OK for you to be sad, and to mourn, and to cry, and to be mad. It is perfectly normal.

People often seem like they need to "explain" what they are going through when a pet (family member) dies. To me, it is no different if a child dies. Others may look at you like you're crazy, but let me assure you that you're not. If you loose a pet after 12 years and don't mourn -- that's crazy.

After the crying and anger, after the lost sleep and lost hunger, take time to remember the good times with your dog. But dont' forget about the not-so-good times too -- those are the times that make you laugh and make you cry - all at the same time.

Please, if you can, take a couple days off work, and mourn, and grieve, and be pissed off. But know in your heart -- and mind -- that you will see each other again. Rejoyce in the times that you shared. Talk about him; not as a "thing of the past", but as a part of who you are now. Now is also the time to let go of any and all guilt.

I bet you probably have this really good picture of him -- HAVE IT FRAMED. Hang it on a wall where you will always seem him. His body isn't here anymore, but his spirit, heart, and soul are here with you. Ok, maybe it's not a picture that you favor. Maybe it's his collar and tags. Maybe it's his favorite blanket or a favorite toy. Maybe it's your favorite pair of shoes that he chewed, or that carry-out dinner that you brought home that he ate when you weren't looking. Just take your best memory, along with a little of the not-so-good, and hold it close to your heart, because that's where he is -- in your heart.

Though I am not a religious person, it is my belief that the two of you will be together again someday.

I believe he's in heaven and that he's happy, but I also believe that he misses you as much as you miss him.

Good luck to you. When the time is right for YOU...open your heart and home to another.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry to hear that. It's really hard. You will cry alot but that's not a bad thing. Just seems like each day you cry less and remember the good times more. I try to honor my dog everyday. Being in vet school it's my motivation to do well. I see his picture everyday and think I have to work really hard for him no matter how burned out I feel. Give it time, know that he is comfortable now, and work through the loss in a timely manner. Once you are feeling better maybe do some volunteering for a pug rescue organization to honor him everyday of your life. Good memories will be comforting as well, things he did that made you laugh. Good luck and take good care of yourself.

Answer 3

I have no suggestions other than its a normal grieving process. I've had a few pets pass in my time. One of which i had grown up with since I was 5-17. She had to be put down. Another was hit by a car :'(

What I did was kept pictures close and kept the collars on my bed post.

Write a journal to help ease the mind and get out your frustration. Talk with people who will be supportive and understanding. Im very sorry for your loss.

Answer 4

It's so horrible to lose a pet. They become such a part of our lives and it never seems we have them long enough.
In time you will learn to cherish the fond memories and hold him deep in your heart high atop a pedestal.
With all that love in your heart, someday you may be able to share it with another pet to nurture, protect and care for as you did for your best friend.
Consider a memorial donation in your beloved pet's name to an organization that cares for strays.
I'm very sorry for your loss.

Answer 5

You do not mention the reason why you had him put to sleep but I imagine he was sick or you would not have done it since you loved him so much. I would suggest you to go to the dog rescue org. and see if by any chance there is one who would come to you and help you get over your loss. Of course it would not be your beloved pet, but try it and you will see! Those abandonned pets are so loving for someone like you.

Please do not cry anymore. You did what you thought was best. God will help you find another canine friend to help you. I wish you the best. Take care and smile when you go to the dog rescue place. Dogs are very sensitive to someone's love. One will come to you and that'll be he one!... Sorry for your loss dear Heart.

Answer 6

I am very sorry for your loss. A little over a year ago I found my cat dead, she had opened the airtight rubbermaid container that we kept her food in and must've been jumping in and out playing in it and it snapped shut and she suffocated. It was awful. Everyday it gets easier I promise. Just try and do things to keep your mind off of it but first have yourself a really really good cry. Don't hold anything in just let it all out. You will feel so much better and then everyday you'll feel a little bit better until all you have left is good memories of your pup. Good luck and again I am so sorry for your loss.

Answer 7

Ohhh, I'm so sorry for your loss. There aren't enough words to console you, I'm so sorry.

The only thing that I can even begin to suggest is to allow yourself to cry and to remember great times that you had. Know that eventually the crying will lessen.

If it continues to hurt, consider finding a pet loss group. Our local shelter sponsors some and they can be very helpful for some people.

Also, consider making a donation to Pug Rescue in your dog's name. It's one of the most beautiful things you can to to remember your dog - allow another dog to live.

I wish you well and again, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was more I could offer you to make it hurt less. <<>>

Answer 8

The time you had with your pet is the time you were meant to have together . Grief comes in many stages and Im sure with time you will look back fondily and not get as visibly upset . Remember you pet is still with you in your heart and nothing can take that away .

Answer 9

sorry for your loss but you never get over losing your pet i lost my black lab 2 years ago, and i till this day cry and miss her alot it does get a little better but only time can heal your heart if you want adopt another dog it wont replace him but you give another dog a second chance i know i got 4 more i did it in my dogs memory i still cry when i think of her but the other dogs are helping me feel better good luck

Answer 10

I know how you feel. I have felt the same way. I had a very handsome Male Himalayan that was diabetic and kept him going for 3 yrs. Insulin shots trips to the vet etc. Finally, it just became too much for him. One morning I noticed he couldn't move well and was having trouble seeing things...He had gone blind according to the vet. He wasa very loving cat that only gave unconditional love and I took great care of him.