how do you get over the loss of a pet that you have had for 10 years?

Question

my blind dog Angel was put down last night because her kydneys failed. so i took her collar and put it on my ztuffed zebra that i sleep with and i have been carrying it around and holding the zebra like it was Angel. but everytime the tags jingle i think of her even more and my other dog comes running with this hopeful look on his face and jumps up to smell the collar on my zebra. but everytime i just look at my other dog that is still alave (Teddy) i just start crying. i dont know how i can do this. because i cant just go everyday of my life not looking at Teddy or thinking about Angels happy little snorts and those last kisses she gave me. how do i get over this?=[ =[ =[ =[

Answer 1

Awe, I'm so sorry about your loss. I know it can be really hard. I've had several pets in my life and I've lost a lot of them, from old age and illnesses. First of all, you need to realize that putting Angel down, while hard, was the best thing for her. It's really hard, but it does get easier and you do get over it, as aweful as that may sound. That doesn't mean you have to forget her though, I've never forgotten any of the pets I've lost. Just remember all the great things about her and all the fun you had with her while she was here. You gave her a good, loving home while she was alive and I guarantee you she is so thankful for that.

I don't know if you've ever read the "Rainbow Bridge" poem, but I absolutely love it, so I'm going to post it for you.

"The Rainbow Bridge"
(inspired by a Norse legend)

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

Answer 2

I had two cherished dogs put to sleep. So I understand what you are going through.

Believe it or not, you will get over it just like I did. But it will take time. Each person is different so each person needs a different amount of time to grieve for their lost pet.

First of all, click on http://www.dogsgotoheaven.com/Default.aspx. At that web site, click on PRAYER CENTER (in the left column). There you can post a message to Angel. It's free. Make sure you save the web site so you can visit it again.

Next, I would make a poster with photos of your Angel during happier times. Attach Angel's collar to the poster. That way it won't jingle anymore. Then hang the poster in your room. This will help you to concentrate upon the happier times when Angel was healthy. If you keep your memories positive, that should help you.

May Angel rest in peace.

Answer 3

Oh Great...I Was In A Good Or Should I Say Terrific Mood But Now You Makin Me Sad.....But Anyways A Loss Like That I Think You Should Just Wait Until You Get Over It But Visit The Dog Grave k

Answer 4

Time is a hearly sweetie. We all loose someone we love and we have to move on. Your other dog still needs your love and kindness. Please don't deprive him of what he deserves.

You have had 10 great years with your Angel. If it weren't for you, he may not have had such a good life. Be glad you were able to do that for him. I am sure he was.

Think of him, still love him, and cry, you need it. Just don't forget he is gone (only in body) his love, spirit, and memories will live on forever. never regret.

maybe you may want to start looking the websites for some other dog that is abused or neglected and needs your love as well.
Angel would like that.

I am sorry, I didn't notice he was a she.

Answer 5

Get a new puppy. Time will heal. You will always love her, but as I look at the dogs I have now, I can't say that I'd give them up to get back the dogs I used to have. In time you'll learn to love a new dog just as much, but in a different way, because they are all individuals.

There are homeless puppies out there right now, looking for good homes.

Answer 6

It's worse if you've had the pet for 20 years, when my cat got cancer he had already been with me for 3/4 of my life, it was devasating to go through.

Cry. Let yourself cry whenever you feel it coming on. Without the greiving, you won't be letting it out. It'll stick with you for a long time, but at least you'll be working through it all.

After enough time has passed, allow yourself to think about getting another dog. It helps.

Answer 7

I understand what you are feeling.....it will take time for the pain of losing Angel to subside......dont give up. Think of happy times you had with Angel and love Teddy just as much as you did Angel. Teddy is there to comfort you.....I know Teddy cant replace Angel....but just remember...Angel is with you no matter what......Angel is there in spirit with you. Keep her in your heart.......you can make it through this. The pain will soften.......hugs to you..

Answer 8

All you can do is cherish the memories you had and pray for confort. Jesus will reach out and comfort you in this loss. It will take time as it would with loosing any friend or family member. For many, animals are just as much of a family member as a human. Time will heal your pain eventually but Jesus will help comfort you during that time. :)

Answer 9

:\ this made me feel so sad and badly for you..but all i can say is don't think that she is gone now..think of the happy times you had with her..im not going to tell you that it's going to be easy and you'll be alright..because it will be hard..but just hang on to the collar and a small piece of her will always be with you..and as far as your other dog knows, angel is just gone..so give all of your love to your other dog and soon your heart will heal itself.

Answer 10

Write about how much you loved her and how wonderful she was. It will make you WAY less sad. Other than that, just cry and wait. It will get easier, I swear. It always does, even with the ones you forget what it was like living without.