Has anyone lost a pet after being together for15 years and how do you get though it ?

Question

She was my pride and joy,she slept with me was always there. Last nite I knew she was going, we laid in bed I held her till she took her last breathe. She is still in the house with me I can not let go . I have other dog in the house but I Can't seem to have much to do with them . PLEASE HELP ME .

Answer 1

I know exactly how you fell. My dog Wilma, just died last week. My parents got her the day I was born and she died on my birthday. She was exactly 14 years old. We had to put her down because she had a heart disease and was going to die of pain in a few days. You can't ever forget her and no one will. But the pain can decrease over time. Very slowly. Ever night I cry for at least an hour.It's ok to cry. Just let it out. Think of the good times together and not the bad. Every time she made you laugh or smile. Be with the other dog too. It might be sad to look at them but they love and care about you too. We can get through it together. I know we can. Best of luck to you and your dog who is now in a better place.

Answer 2

How very unfortunate. I'm sorry about that.

Just remember that a pet's eventual death is all a part of pet ownership. They won't live forever. Also take comfort knowing that she was just a dog, so it's not like she died with any unfinished goals. It sounds like she went easily, too, since in your sleep is probably the best way to die. And if she were still alive, she would probably be in extreme discomfort. Now that she's dead, nothing is hurting her.

Bury her as soon as you can, and maybe make a memorial scrapbook or website for her. Write down all her good traits and bad traits, and maybe some past experiences. Include some pictures of her. The sooner you get this off your chest, the better.

You might want to consider getting another dog, but don't consider the second dog a "replacement", because it will take a long time to have it well trained and it will never be a replica of your old dog. Don't worry, you'll get over it soon.

Answer 3

I am sorry you have lost a well-loved pet. I too have lost a much beloved dog, and dealing with that loss is not as easy as some people may think. Here's my recommendations.

First... you have to lay your dog to rest. You can't keep the dog in the house for common-sense reasons. But, from the emotional reasons, you need to find a quiet place to bury her or get her cremated. This is called closure.

Once you have done this, don't expect the hurt to just go away. It doesn't work that way. Pets are not just pets - they are our friends, our allies, our confidants. You will need to allow yourself time to grieve.

Put away any toys, leashes, dishes that were soley for this dog. Seems cold, but it is a way to not look around and be reminded every day - especially when you're not expecting it. Before I had done this after my dog passed, there were a few time where I looked around and spotted her kennel or a chewie bone and burst into tears... I needed time to grieve in my own way at my own time... no surprises.

If you're comfortable with it... and later down the road, put a picture up somewhere honoring your pet. I now have a picture of a much beloved dog and one very dear kitty on my dresser.

More immediate stuff: You have to, you must spend time with your other dog. For you and for him/her. I'm not sure how long you've had this dog, but the dog will know that something has happened in the house - they're very sensitive too. And, if the dog has been around for a long time, it will (yeah, sounds stupid I know) miss its companion. The dog needs you - not just for it's physical needs (food, water, walks) but for its mental/emotional well-being. You may also find that the dog will aid you in your recovery.

I wish you well in your jouney - it is sad, but there does come a point where it doesn't hurt so much.

Answer 4

I am so sorry.

My cat died in September. He was 14 and I got him when he was 8 weeks old. It is still painful, but as the saying goes, time heals all wounds. Mind you I am crying as I write this, but I've managed to not cry for two or three weeks now.

I am fortunate that I work in an animal shelter so I am surrounded by people who understand how important a pet is. My family also know how much I love my animals. They have listened to me talk about him and all the things he used to do and have commiserated with me. It does wonders to be able to just let it out. I tried to keep it in one day in December and the result wasn't pretty - I had a complete meltdown the next day when I saw my parents at the airport! Everything just made me more emotional. Go with the grief when it hits you and coping will be easier.

There are grief counselors and hotlines that deal expressly with the loss of a pet. Consider giving them a call. Most of them are run by veterinary schools - do a google search and I'm sure you will find them, or ask your vet about it.

Answer 5

It is very hard. I had to have my cat euthanized after having her about 15 years. What I did was keep telling myself that she had a very good life for a cat. And your dog had a VERY good life for a dog!

She died in your arms and in your bed (the very center of importance for a dog, to be in the middle of the 'den'). You treated her as a member of your family. You couldn't have done any better than you did.

Sharing your love with more animals and people might be the way to act on this in a positive way.

Also perhaps create a memorial scrapbook or a website, devoted to all the wonderful things about her.

Call your veterinary office and they'll help you take care of the physical aspects of removal of your dog's body - keep in mind it's just your dog's body and she doesn't need it anymore, she's in good health waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Answer 6

my sorry for your loss....we put my dog down a week before he was 16 years old....it was one of the hardest things i ever had to do....we got him when i was 5. so he was my best friend through those ruff years of being a teenager. i was 7 mos pregant when i knew the time had come... that i could not see him suffer.... the vet was not to happy that i had to be there. when he passed but he allowed it. it was very painful but i couldn't have handled it any other way. he was always at my side when i was sick....and a few years before i had a kideny infection so bad i had 105.5 temp the dog never left my side but to go out to pee very quick and he was back with me... i miss him still it. he was the first animal that made me realize what i was to do with my life. and when i can i will name a fund in his name. ok i'm tearing up....
it does get easier...and u have other animals who need u. because they will be greiving as well. if i didn't have my other pets i'm not sure i could have got over it. plus he is bruied in my back yard...there might be laws but he deserved no other place. and i figured screw the laws. our one dog sat on his grave for a very long time every day and the normally obediant dog would not come when called. he greived for about a month month and a half...although it is his favortie spot to sit now....u have to greive but others depend on u for thier care and leadership.

Answer 7

I lost my Lab to cancer after 14 years. It was difficult because she was such a great dog and my kids were so upset. We all loved her very much.

It takes some time to fell less upset about the loss of the dog. Time does heal the hurt. You will never forget about her. Concentrate your energy on the other dog to ease the pain.

We had a family meeting and decided to ge a new Lab. Several months later we bought a Lab from the same breeder we used to purchase the first dog.

Answer 8

I have been through this and it is facing me again in the next few years as I have a senior dog. It is very difficult to lose a loved one. Allow yourself to cry and grieve. It will take some time, but you'll get through it. Being with your other dogs may help too as they do relieve stress. They are also probably missing your best friend too. I am so sorry for your loss.

Answer 9

Hey honey, firstly my heart goes out to you, i lost my collie of 16 years 2 years ago and to be honest i still miss her! First thing to do is get the corpse taken away! i know it's hard but you can have her cremated and scatter or keep the ashes, i scattered cuddles' ashes on the beach where she loved to be! Frame up a nice pic of her to look at when you feel lonely and remember the good times! You have another best friend there who also needs love and comfort, your other dog will miss her too remember that! I know everyone says this but it does get easier! i now have 2 dogs who have just had pups and my new collie reminds me so much of cuddles! it makes me laugh to see her do things that cuddles used to do!!! i have a fantastic photo of her on my wall and when i miss her i snuggle up with my other dogs and look at her smiling! she's happy running around wherever she may be and you should be happy for her... she'll be bouncing around like she was a pup again! Chin up babe and anytime you need a friend either email me or snuggle your other dogs... they are called mans (and woman's) best friend for a reason!! xxx xxx Chrissy xx xx

Answer 10

My deepest sympathy to you. This is never an easy time. I lost 2 of mine..one was 13 years, the other-15 years. All I know is it's going to take time. Let yourself grieve. You are entitled! After all, you have just lost your best friend. Talk to your family and friends and let them know what you are going through and what she means to you. You will never "get over" the loss, but in time, you will learn to adjust to it. (even though it seems like you never will)

I must go and wipe my tears. Good luck to you!