my dog is getting older and i break down at just the thought of him dying....i know i shouldn't love an animal this much but if and when the moment come how do i cope?
2007-10-21 02:47:36 · 13 answers · asked by I'm afraid of Virginia Woolf 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There is no reason that you should feel it is wrong to love your dog so much.
Dogs are noble animals who love us, are faithful, forgiving and protective. They can be a true part of our families and they deserve all the love that we give them.
I am 46 years old, and have had a dog my entire life. I've lost many and it hurts. It really hurts. But I have learned that death is a part of life. We are all organic creatures and must return to the Earth when our time is over. I have buried my dogs to help ease the pain. We have a special and beautiful place on our property where 3 dogs, 2 of our daughter's ferrets, and my horse are buried. 2 sycamore trees stand there and wildflowers grow there every Spring. When I am out walking, I often come across this place and it still makes me cry. I remember the beloved pets and friends and how they made my life happier and richer.
Through the years I've learned that the human heart is an amazing triumph of nature. It can feel such emotion that it can cause us to sacrifice our own lives, if need be, to save a loved one. Our hearts can hold lifelong memories as if they happened yesterday. I have learned that the pain in our hearts, caused by the loss of a friend, is simply a reminder of the joy that our missed friend used to bring.
2007-10-21 03:12:14 · answer #1 · answered by artistagent116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know how hard it is. we had a dog that we got when I was 2, and we had to put her down when she was 16... we were the same age in people years. It was so hard!! But I have tons of pictures of her, and I think about what a cool dog she was and I'll always remember her. You will be ok. Just know that there are other awesome dogs out there still... and if you need another companion, go to your local shelter and look around!
2007-10-21 02:56:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I for one never say, " I own this dog", I say, "I share my life with a wonderful dog."
When you make the choice to bring a dog or I guess, any animal into your life, you make a life long commitment to that dog, to love it, and care for it, as any parent would do a child.
As a kennel owner and breeder, I have had many dogs come through my life.
I have lost some before their time, but always find that the hardest thing is to say goodbye by making the decision to euthanize them.
I will be their to say farewell, and cry as I would with the loss of any mortal. Then I go through the grieving process which is always difficult for me.
With as many dogs that have shared and touched my life, I talk to them every night. You see I pick stars in the evening sky and name them after them, this way they will always be their when I need to speak to them.
I for one will not let any of my dogs suffer.
I guess what I`m trying to say here is that recognize when your four legged friends time has come, and even though it`s a terrible choice, know when to help them cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Also know that when your best friend passes that that he or she will be waiting for you when your time comes to meet and love you for the rest of time.
I hope that this had made your choice easier.
2007-10-21 04:11:48 · answer #3 · answered by dogtrainer7 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you should absolutely love an animal so much!!!! All dogs should be loved as much as yours! I understand how you feel... My girl is older, and I cry at the thought of losing her. I wish I could give you some magic instructions for coping with the loss of a beloved pet, but I can't, despite having lost very dear pets of my own.
Live for today, and be glad that your boy is by your side right now :)
2007-10-21 02:54:33 · answer #4 · answered by thoven1190 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Same as with other loved ones, You have to go through a grieving period.
On the opposite problem I think my wife's chihuahua would have to be put down if anything happened to her. He got sick when we were gone for four days. Wouldn't eat. Moped around.
Dogs are companions, capable of giving and receiving love.
Some people say as the time nears you should think about getting a replacement puppy. I'm not sure that is a good idea. It depends on how old your pet is, and how well he/she tolerates other dogs.
2007-10-21 02:58:46 · answer #5 · answered by Colt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every true dog lover (pet lover really) feels pain when confronted with the death of their loved one. The only thing you can do is to treasure the years you have. If he begins to show signs of not being happy, begins to stop eating, stops being the dog he normally is take him to the vet. Make sure that you don't let your emotional pain allow him to suffer. When it's time...you need to be strong and do what's best for him.
2007-10-21 02:53:16 · answer #6 · answered by Scelestus Unus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get one other puppy. Like folks, puppies get emotionally hooked up to one another. Your older puppy was once like an older sibling on your two yr ancient puppy. You must take your puppy on walks, and do a little a laugh stuff with her or him. Like get it a brand new toy of it is favourite type. And then get a brand new puppy. But the brand new puppy must be a little older than the more youthful one, so it offers the more youthful one the sensation of an older sibling round once more. P.S., I'm sorry approximately your loss. Hope you and your puppy consider bigger
2016-09-05 18:13:38 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's ok to be sad, and it's OK to love your animal/dog alot. I sure do, and I would be devastated. All you need to do right now is just spend time with your dog.
2007-10-21 03:14:41 · answer #8 · answered by k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is true for every owner of a beloved dog. Its like loosing a member of your family.
2007-10-21 03:00:11 · answer #9 · answered by sunbunnie72 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its ok to love an animal this much. i do for mine.
there are groups out there to help you through this. even talk to some shelter volunteers and they can help walk you through it.
a good group is the dog scouts of america talk list. they are on yahoo groups.
2007-10-21 02:55:16 · answer #10 · answered by ashleybredesen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋