Grief Over A Lost Pet?

Question

I had a dog when I was 12 years old. She helped me make it through all the rough teenage years. 15 years later she passed away and I am having a hard time trying to grasp the issue of grief. It has been 10 months since she has been gone but I am continually driving myself insane with it. Sometimes I think she is still there because I hear sounds and/or have vivid dreams about her. People are constantly pestering me to get another dog but i'm so affraid to get attached again. When is it the right time to go to a grief counciler?--Do people even go to these for lost animals? and is it even important to go or will it eventually pass with time?

Answer 1

You could pay thousands to go to counsilers but it really is not going to help you in the long run. 15 years is a long life for most breeds of dogs and it sounds like you were a good loving parent/owner. I am SO very sorry for your loss.
10 months is a long time to carry around the grief and I know you do not care to hear it but getting another dog will help so much with that. At 49 yrs old, my family has had many dogs and I still think about my first dog and at times it makes me kinda sad. Like you...mine was there for the biggest part of my younger years.
2 & 1/2 years ago we lost one of our dogs at age 12. My husband was seriously torn up about it and months later (even though we still had 3 dogs) we decided to get another of the same breed. It has made a world of difference for both of us!!!! I also know that no other dog may be able replace what you have lost but it can help to heal the heart.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Answer 2

When I was 4 years old this dog followed my mom and me home. Just an old mutt. We did not feed him thinking he go home, but, in my heart I wanted a dog. Finally a neighbor say that it seemed the dog was abandoned and we should take him in or find someone who would. Well, I had me a dog! :-)
Not sure how old he was but, for the next 12 years he was my running buddy. That has been more than 30 years ago. Today when I look at the pictures of that dog, I drift back to my childhood. I have had many dogs and other animals over the years. They come and go. Each takes a special place in my heart. But, I move forward, and seldom look at the pictures, though I do from time to time. My last dog died not long ago. Not sure I will get another one, but, around here, they seem to always have a way of showing up, just when I need a friend.

Answer 3

It will get better. A new dog will help if you are ready for one, but don't do it until you are ready. Hearing sounds and thinking she is still there is normal. I don't think you ever get over a dog completely but it gets better with time. Grief counseling may be a good idea if it is disrupting your life. A dog you had for that long is not an animal as much as a family member. If a grief counselor doesn't see it that way get a new counselor. If you dream about someone who has passed it is a visit from them. Be glad for it.

Answer 4

I lost my dog last year and i lived with her nearly my whole life, She was 13 when she died and we got her when i was 1 so that makes me 15 now. But i miss her so much, she died at home, for her last year in her life she got this heart problem because she was a yorkshire terrier they get those problems, She always slept in my mum and dads room and she never came out, well she come into my room and woke me up, she had this horrible panting sound in her chest as she was panting so i woke my mum up and we went down stairs so she was comfy and she jumped on the sofa done this massive cough, she coughed with the illness as well and she used to faint which was really sad to see, anyway she just layed down and died, i felt so horrible because it was so weird for her to be one minute alright and the next her not being there. We buried her in the garden. My dad made this little box to use as the coffin.

It is now a year ago and i still think about her and look out my window and speak to her even though she isnt with me. She is really with me in my mind and in my memories and my heart.
I now have two other dogs, we got this labrador 3 weeks after she died because it was so weird and quiet without a dog, And 2 months ago we got this other little miniature jack russell. I think it makes it so much better if you get another dog. But if you do get another dog, dont get the same breed because it will remind you of the old dog. I very often get upset that she isnt there anymore but we watch videos and look at pics of her which could make you cry but it makes you feel better. Dont worry if you still think of the dog it is natural, You will get over her but it takes time. Also i think (my opinion) that getting another dog helps such a lot because you are busy bonding with another dog and if you are worried about getting attached again then that isnt a problem because you can just think of the good things and you still have like 13 to 15 years of them.

Anyway I hope you get over her and i know it is hard because i have been through it and you will think of only good things about her soon. Promise!

Answer 5

Yes, losing a dog can be as difficult as losing a human family member. Sometimes it's even worse, especially if you and your dog had a special bond that no one else shared. So what you are going through are normal feelings of grief and they will lessen with time.

I'm sorry you are going through this. I currently live alone with a dog. She's my first dog ever (my parents never let me have one) and I know I will fall apart the day I lose her. Please read the following I copied from a "rainbow bridge" site.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies 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. 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 together you and your special pet(s) cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Answer 6

Never be afraid to get a dog because you're afraid to lose it. The joy a dog brings to your life is soooo worth it. It sounds like you know that though based on how much you loved your dog. I think a new dog may help you finally end your grieving. Prayer would help too. I hope everything works out.

Answer 7

Don't be afraid to get attached... love is the best thing, even when it's for a friend with four legs. You won't be replacing your dog, but you will be filling a void.

Answer 8

You sound like the perfect pet owner. Sounds like your dog had a wonderful life with you. I know it is hard and you cannot replace her, but another dog would be lucky to have someone like you to love them. Please give it a try.

Answer 9

i had ur same problem and i thought of the postives like how happy my dog must be up there and i got a new dog that looked exactly like my old one

Answer 10

i would get a new dog.... and i love dogs sorry about the loos