my 16 years old doggy just passed away ... IT HURTS DEEPLY !! have you felt the same ???

Question

belonged to the family, another member now is dead ....... I've cried too much ......friends tell me ''there's a heaven for dogs'' ''it was its time to die" ..that's not enough for me ...it hurts like I never expected ... have you felt the same ??? pepole tells me to get another pet ... I don't know .. what for ??? when the new doggy dies I'll feel the same pain ... what for ??? what can I do ?? it will hurt forever ??
thanks for all of your suggestions and comments .. I'll feel beter reading from you ..
thanks in the name of ODIN ( my doggy's name)

thanks all of you ! ... I'm crying , but I feel happy to see thera are some good people out there! .. you are so kind ..
thanks again ...
I have to consolate my mom and my sister, who are destroyed, I have to be the strong one .. here with you I cry , and you give me force ... thanks again!

Answer 1

I'm so sorry about Odin. When I had to put my dog Dexter to sleep, it was horrible. I couldn't eat or sleep and I cried and cried for months. He had cancer and it eventually paralyzed him. He was 14 years old and I raised him from an 8 week old puppy. It sure felt to me like one of my family members died. Go to www.petloss.com This site really, really helped me a lot. You can post about Odin and everyone there knows exactly how you feel. They all lost their pets too. I'm so sorry.

Answer 2

Wow, have I been where you are right now. Your doggie made such a big place in your world, it is natural that you feel so bad and miss him. He no longer fills that empty space. And don't let anyone tell you that it's just a pet and get another one. No other doggie will take Odin's place. What you can do though is understand that he knew how loved he was and how well you took care of him. He had a happy time during the time he was alive and with you. You gave him as much as he gave you and you can have lots of happy memories. I know you feel it will hurt forever, but it really will get easier with time. You'll remember him forever and that's good. No other little doggie can replace Odin, but someday perhaps, some little guy could make a place of his own. I'm very sorry.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry for you. Yes it hurts horribly when a loved friend dies. My old cat has just died she was 26 years old and such a character. She has left a big gap. I also still miss and often think about my favourite cat Ginger, though as the time goes by it's the humour and the good things that you remember and not the death. You obviously gave Odin a wonderful life and may be some time in the future, when you are ready, you will give another dog a long and happy life. There can be no better memorial Odin's name.

Answer 4

My sympathies. I'm sorry you lost your beloved Odin.

I lost my 17-year old cat who was like a family member 5 years ago, so I have some idea of what you're going through. It was very painful, even though he had lived a full life. It's not helpful to hear it was your dog's time to die. Some people just don't understand how important our pets are to us. The people who tell you to get another dog are completely clueless -- as if you could ever replace him! He was unique, wasn't he?

When I felt I was ready after my cat passed away, I added 2 more cats to our family, and I love them just as much in different ways since each has his own personality. I still remember my first cat every now and then -- he will always be in my heart. The hurt never truly goes away, but it will become much easier as time passes. Best wishes to you.

Answer 5

Be proud of yourself. Your grief shows you're a wonderful person who realizes that pets are not merely possessions - they're family. 16 years is a long, long time to have a pet around - also be very proud that you must have given that dog amazing care for it to live that long!

If you want more help in getting through the grieving process check with your local animal shelter or Humane Society. Most of them have pet grieving groups that you can participate in. You can share your sadness with others going through the same thing you are. I've lost lots of pets over the years and one thing I've found that helps me is to put together a photo slideshow tribute of the pet. Or print out some favourite pictures and put them up on the wall. Celebrate the wonderful life you had with them.

Only you can decide when you want to get another pet. I say when because in posting this I know you're someone who probably would be MUCH happier with one around! When I lost my dog Tyler (12... to bone cancer) I didn't think I wanted another dog. But three days later I was at the shelter and found Jake, a Newf/Lab mix 10 week old pup. Five years later and he's the sweetest, most loveable dog and accompanies me everywhere. And I know Tyler is happy I decided to share my love with a new pup. So will Odin :)

Answer 6

First let me say I'm sorry for your loss
As you have heard all things will die.
But if your baby lived for 16 years you did everythign right taht is a verry good age. This is part of life. You will get over it but it does take time. Often a new pet will take teh empty feeling and give you something to concentrate on. If your family does decide it's not a replacement for your lost baby as I'm sure she could never be replaced but a new member of the family to be loved and cared for. I have lost several pets in my life and have found it easier to deal with the loss when I got a new one.
This is up to you and your family but if you are living witha family it should be discussed.
Just remember each person grieves for the loss in different ways You do need to let your mom and your sister know it is ok to grieveAgain sorry and just do what you and your family thinks is right but take tiem to grieve and don't just run out and get a new baby I say give it at least 2 weeks.

Answer 7

My heart is breaking for you. Yes it always hurts like that. My husband and I have cried like mad over each and every pet we lost. They were all part of the family, and their place will never be filled.

In time you will want a new dog, somebody who needs your love and gives love back in abundance. He will not take the place of the other dog, he will be a new creature, totally different, a friend in his own right.

Whenever we lose someone we love it hurts, be it a dog or a person. That pain is the price we pay for love. But think about the alternative. What would a world without love be? Isn't it better to have loved and "pay the price" than never to have loved at all?

Think of all the wonderful hours/days/months/years you have had with your doggy. The memory will always remain bitter-sweet, but in time it won't hurt so much any more.

I can still cry at the drop of a hat, when I think of my previous dogs.


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Answer 8

I am so sorry to hear that you lost your pet, pets are members of our families and it is understandable that we go through the grieving process. My heart goes out to you as i have a dog who is 12 and am dreading the day when i lose him. Some people get another pet straight after losing one but i can understand why you are reluctant to do this as its the same pain all over again. I really don't know what to say to you as nothing anyone says will ease the pain, but i wish you all the best on coming to terms with your loss. There are counsellors out there for people who have lost a pet if you feel that would be of any help.

Answer 9

I do know how it hurts - I have lost several furry friends & family members over tehe years. A few years ago a family dog passed of canine lymphoma - and I was sent a nice card with a poem called Rainbow Bridge. I hope it helps you....

Also write a story, journal entry, make a donation in Odin's name to a rescue organization. All little ways to make the pain more bearable.

In my area one of the local humane societies has a Pet Loss support group - check it out in your area..

Do not rush into "replacing" Odin. You will know when the time is right...

Answer 10

Of course it hurts, your dog was a much loved member of the family with whom I'm sure that you have all shared many happy memories.

Allow yourself as much time as you need to grieve, people who say "Get another dog" don't really understand although they mean well when they say it.

I have found that it always helps to talk about your dog and the happy times. The pain will ease, its part of the grieving process that unfortunately you have to go through.

As to whether to get another dog that is up to you, I wouldn't think about that now, grieve for Odin and when you are ready to look to the future, maybe there is a dog out there that has your name on!!

Good dog homes are not always easy to find and there may be a four legged friend out there that is waiting until you are ready.

Odin will live on in your memory and while you remember him he will never really be gone. Don't worry about crying too much, you can't for a friend.

Dogs unfortunately just don't live long enough, you were truly blessed to have had him for 16 years.

Over the last 20 years, I have lost 5 dogs, each one of them was special to me and I broke my heart over each one. I loved them all, some died far too young and some had a long and happy life. For each one that has died I've had them cremated and have kept their ashes until I've felt ready to bury them.

Answer 11

I am so sorry for your loss, I have been in the same position and I thought I was going to die of a broken heart. My dog was my constant companion for over twelve years and he got leukiemia which was incurable and he was nearly seventeen when he died. I was put on antidepressants and had a complete break down when I lost him that resulted in me being sectioned in a mental health unit at the hospital for over a week. Please consider getting another dog! My partner bought me a German Shepherd pup and he is the best antidepressant on the go. Please believe me, the hurt will fade but you will still miss Odin. Another dog will help you get over the pain you are feeling because you can't just hide away like you want. This new little animal in your life will keep you going.