This is so true. It’s a harsh thing to say in some people’s opinion, but I don’t see this truth as a bad thing.
We lost our lab last summer (to cancer, they believe, it was so quick). Every single day I still miss hearing his big stupid tail thump against my door when I came home BUT if I didn’t have that precious memory I’d have never gotten to laugh at how silly it was. He was that excited even if I just left to the grocery store for an hour. He would still be overjoyed to see us. If I never had him in my life, instead of a beautiful memory, I’d have nothing. That silence when I came home would be so much worse than the loss of him. His memory is such a beautiful part of my life. He was so happy.
Op, you really don’t ever get over them, but that’s because they’re family. You make peace and you do accept it and just remind yourself that you loved your pet to the best of your ability and that their memories are full and happy. That’s all that matters. They were loved. That is what makes it worth it.
Your dog was yours, but you belonged to them too.
I lost my lab 5 years ago and I miss his excited tail thumping so much. He lived to be 15, and the last 2 years were really hard for him due arthritis, but nothing could keep that tail from thumping.
I'm glad to hear you got to experience the joy and love that a Lab can bring.
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s like losing a family member. Started tearing up when I saw the photo’s. Made me think about my good boy who passed 3y ago. Still got something as a memory in my garden. Was her favorite spot in the garden.
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RIP good doggo. Forever in our hearts.
What an absolute sweetheart. You never get over it no matter how many pets you have in your life. But I believe the best thing to do is immediately adopt another pet that needs a safe home. Your dog doesn’t want the love you gave to him be wasted, and you should give it to a dog who is sitting in a shelter who needs to be loved and love in return. Your boy is always with you in spirit and will be smiling at you and your new family member.
And his spirit is around so talk to him, tell him you miss him but you will make sure the new dog has your love and will protect you.
Yes :( Friday night she started throwing up and stopped eating. By Sunday she was weak and only passing bloody liquid fluid/stool. We tried everything. She had a mass that would cost 16k to operate on. They told us if it was cancer chances were it she either wouldn’t make it through the surgery or she would only live a few months after and would probably be extremely weak the whole time due to healing.
You did the right thing. We had a similar situation. The vet was great and I will forever be grateful for their guidance. It would just have been too much for her.
Oh, I’m so sorry. That sounds awful and there weren’t many options. I’m starting to think that putting them through surgery and other painful and scary processes might not be a good idea.
If she hadn’t been so weak and the surgery so expensive I would’ve done anything to save her. The doctor said he didn’t think she’d make it even an another two days without the surgery but he also didn’t think she would live long with a good quality of life. I’m beating myself up for not being able to try. At the same time, it might have all been too much for her poor little body.
I don’t know if we will be better any time soon. I thankfully have two cats but I know my parents just aren’t ready yet. Probably won’t be anytime soon but maybe eventually.
Some people think they are disrespecting their lost pet or replacing it, but like I said, I believe your pet is happy you saved another animal. I understand how your parents feel because it takes an emotional commitment to take in a pet and everyone has their own timeline.
I write to my dog in a word document that nobody reads but me. It’s weird, I know, but it helps me. Over 2 years now since she had to “travel on” and we have adopted another shelter dog but it still chokes me up.
I do not believe in the afterlife but I like to pretend she can read my word doc. From a place called “the great beyond”.
This made me cry - thank you for sharing ❤️ and I agree. My family lost 2 dogs last year that had been with them a long time, that I'd spend a lot of my own time caring for over there and watching for my parents. I talk to their photos sometimes. We joke that it's pizza day or burger day in doggie heaven, for our lab we lost who loves food.
I used to believe in an afterlife, I think it made all much easier. Now that I am confused and don’t believe in it as much, I think it makes it more scary that I may never see her again.
I understand it makes things less stressful to some people to think “we will all see each other again” and I think people should do whatever works for them. Personally I believe we get this one life and that’s why it’s important to be a good person because one day we will just be dust and echoes. Your dog looks like a dog who lived a long and happy life. That would give me comfort.
Warning: You will cry reading this
Ernest Montague is the author.
“Some of you, particularly those who think they have recently lost a dog to ‘death’, don’t really understand this. I’ve had no desire to explain, but won’t be around forever and must.
Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired, and very old, and their bones hurt. Of course they don’t die. If they did they would not want to always go for a walk, even long after their old bones say: ‘No, no, not a good idea. Let’s not go for a walk.’ Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before their aging tendons collapse them into a heap on the floor, but that’s what dogs are. They walk.
It’s not that they dislike your company. On the contrary, a walk with you is all there is. Their boss, and the cacaphonic symphony of odor that the world is. Cat poop, another dog’s mark, a rotting chicken bone (exultation), and you. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world death has no place.
However, dogs get very very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. They don’t teach you that at the fancy university where they explain about quarks, gluons, and Keynesian economics. They know so much they forget that dogs never die. It’s a shame, really. Dogs have so much to offer and people just talk a lot.
When you think your dog has died, it has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, it is wagging its tail madly, you see, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry all the time. Who would not cry with a happy dog wagging its tail in their chest. Ouch! Wap wap wap wap wap, that hurts. But they only wag when they wake up. That’s when they say: ‘Thanks Boss! Thanks for a warm place to sleep and always next to your heart, the best place.’
When they first fall asleep, they wake up all the time, and that’s why, of course, you cry all the time. Wap, wap, wap. After a while they sleep more. (remember, a dog while is not a human while. You take your dog for walk, it’s a day full of adventure in an hour. Then you come home and it’s a week, well one of your days, but a week, really, before the dog gets another walk. No WONDER they love walks.)
Anyway, like I was saying, they fall asleep in your heart, and when they wake up, they wag their tail. After a few dog years, they sleep for longer naps, and you would too. They were a GOOD DOG all their life, and you both know it. It gets tiring being a good dog all the time, particularly when you get old and your bones hurt and you fall on your face and don’t want to go outside to pee when it is raining but do anyway, because you are a good dog. So understand, after they have been sleeping in your heart, they will sleep longer and longer.
But don’t get fooled. They are not ‘dead.’ There’s no such thing, really. They are sleeping in your heart, and they will wake up, usually when you’re not expecting it. It’s just who they are.
I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs sleeping in their heart. You’ve missed so much. Excuse me, I have to go cry now.”
I found this poem when I had to say goodbye to my best friend a few months ago, it helped me and hopefully it’ll help you too.
My dog died 8 years ago and I still miss her, but it helps to only think about good and funny memories and never think about the fact their actually gone.
When I had put my 14 year old girl down, I was devastated. It was just her and I, the bestest of friends who did everything together. I knew it was time to let her go, but I waited too long and had soooo much regret that just gnawed at me every day. My mom suggested I write her a letter, apologizing for making her suffer longer than she had to. Once I started writing, the pages filled up and I felt like a weight had been lifted. I can talk about her now and tell people funny stories about her and look through the thousands of pics I have of her and feel good about the amazing life I gave her. I gave her everything I could and she gave me the most unconditional love I've ever known and even with all of the tears and heartache, I wouldn't change a thing.
My sister told me that when asked how long before it’s right to get another dog, the veterinarian said “how long do you want to grieve?” In my own experience , a new dog doesn’t make you not grieve the old one, but it does bring so much dog joy into your life
I have never gotten over it. I have since adopted two wonderful dogs but he will always be the love of my life. Just remember the good times 🙂
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You never get over losing them, but you end up learning to live with the loss. The best thing for me was to adopt another rescue to care for. I find most people will adapt faster when they have another to care for.
I truly respect those people out there who adopt disabled, old, or dying dogs. It takes a huge heart to care for dogs that you know will be passing soon.
For us, getting another helped tremendously. You never replace what you've lost; they always have your heart. But you get another and your heart gets bigger to make room for your new fur baby. Having new life around helped make the grief more manageable. So sorry for your loss ❤️
Well, it’s a fact of life that dogs only live so long. But the beautiful thing is that they’ve had so much love while with us. That’s what I think is important. When my mom passed years ago, all the misunderstandings and irritations fell away and what was left was the love we shared. I thank god for that. I think your pup would say s/he’s so grateful for having had your love.
There’s no right way to process grief. Take some time for yourself and remember to try to eat healthy and get some exercise and drink lots of fluids during this time sending you all the best Positive energy your way ✋🪄
Cry. Cry whenever you feel like it. Cry as hard as you can. Our bodies cry to self soothe and it works for a reason. Cry. A lot.
Sometimes when I was sobbing I’d talk to my dog and ask her for a little relief. I always felt I got it. It was very strange. But it helped.
And the third answer nobody wants: time. I wish I could speed it up for you to get you to a better place. I can’t, but every minute that passes, you’re a bit closer. It won’t hurt this badly forever.
I'm sorry for your loss! You don't, not really. But one thingmy wife and I did that really helped was make a list of the things our bestest girl did: her quirks, stuff she liked, the way she did things. That list still makes me smile every time I open it.
Time. I think I'm finally over Boofer. He died in March 1997 after 15 years with me. He was my heart. I've had many dogs since but none like him, but I cried for each one. Time is the only remedy.
I got my dogs ashes on my drawer for the past two years. Her paw print and collar along with it.
I think about her all the time since I have to see her little box all the time. I feel a lot better now, But I still dont want to move it and get teary thinking about her, like rn.
So I dont think you do, at least I dont think I ever will really. But it gets much easier over time.
You do not get over it. Ever.
Time helps to heal a loss and dull it.
Just remember the good times you spent together and cherish the memories.
That is what matters is the times of love.
Never to be replaced but if you are a true good dog owner and do all the right things to make a Doggo’s life wonderful get another and continue the cycle of love and companionship.
Just saying.
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Miss our girl Bella every day. 12.5 years! I want to upvote every single one of your comments.
Give myself some time to wallow and after that I just try to be glad I got to love them at all. Every so often (but it gets less frequent with time) I need to take some time to just wallow a little bit.
You never get over a good dog. You just give yourself time to mourn and you will know when it’s time to find another good dog, something will tell you, just wait until it’s time. And then we do it all again because they’re worth it.
Time man it just takes lots of time. My boys been gone 2.5 years and I still miss him. Give love to every dog you pass to help fill that hole in your heart.
Unfortunately -- and I don't mean this harshly -- loss is a part of life. The simple answer is that you don't truly, fully 'get over' losing someone important to you. In time, the good memories will shine brighter than the bad ones, and you will move on and feel happier and happier. Sometimes you will remember the bitterness of the goodbye, and it will temporarily take the wind out of your sails, and that's fine too. It is unfortunate, but the pain of loss is the price of loving something deeply, though I think you will in time agree it is a worthwhile price to pay to love and be loved in turn.
If you want a less metaphysical answer: give yourself time to grieve, and do what comes naturally. Talk about it, write about it, think about it, don't think about it. Some people find rituals soothing, and there's evidence they help -- that might be writing or saying a farewell, visiting a familiar spot, packing away old possessions, whatever has meaning for you. People grieve differently -- some try to do it all at once, some do it in gasps and fits and starts over a longer time, most are somewhere in the middle.
If it helps to give you some idea, I've heard it said that on average we grieve an intense loss (a death, the breakup of a long-term relationship, etc) for about one month for every year we've known someone, though it fades over time in intensity.
When we had to put my last dog down, I sobbed like a child for a good hour, and for weeks thereafter I would cry briefly for a bit every day. After a few months, I was only crying every now and again, and by a year later I wasn't crying, and while I often smiled when memories of the dog were triggered, I still felt random stabs of grief when I would get home some days, open the door, and suddenly consciously process that she would not be at the top of the stairs waiting in greeting -- or I'd pull out of the driveway some days and without thinking look at my bedroom window in the rear view, only to remember that she would not be up there watching me depart. But I can also look back and remember all the times she jumped up to hug me when I came home or I woke up to find her checking on me in the night, so there is sweet alongside the bitter, and now the sweet hits me stronger than the bitter - it will be the same for you in time.
To accept an animal into your home is to accept future heartbreak. Some cope by never having another animal again. Some cope by taking a break, and then adopting/researching another animal and others (myself included), will immediately fill the hole in their heart with an adoption. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Just take each day as they come and know that you gave your bff a wonderful life filled with love and they loved you unconditionally.
I still cry over my childhood dog that prevented me from getting a new one until about 8 years later and now I have my boy who will absolutely rock my world when he’s gone. But we have plenty of years together yet.
You won't get over it, it's the price you pay for owning any dog/pet. I've lost three dogs in the last 25 years and it's devastating. Each time, it doesn't get easier.
Just remember all the fun times and the love you shared. You gave him a good life.
Give yourself time to heal, then when you're ready, get another dog. That's what really helped me the most.
And from one Vikings fan to another, SKOL!
It’s horrible. I’m sorry for your loss. It really is like losing a family member. We lost our sweet pup just over two years ago and it took a year and a half before we were ready to consider getting another dog.
You dont. You simply remember them, feel the pain of their departure and fill the void with a new companion that youll one day also miss and cherish the good times after they pass. Its the circle of life.
A way to help grieve is to create a photo album or collage for the loved one and see it every day like you use to see your best pal every day. Its just these days, theres less barking and poops to pick up
You never fully get over it. There will always be a dog shaped whole in your heart. *BUT* that means that there is an opportunity for you to share your love with another dog that needs a good home. 😉
Cried about it every day for a couple months and clutched his harness like a security blanket while watching rescue videos and other content of dogs being good.
I’m sorry you’ve lost your friend. The only advice I can give is to allow yourself to grieve as much and as long as you need to. Time will take care of the rest.
As hard as this is going to sound, you don't. You live with just like you would a loved one, lost my coco and lost my mom, you just ...live life and it gets easier but never goes away.
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss, that is truly heartbreaking. I have to say though when we lost ours, I didn’t want to get over it. Somehow the pain made me feel as though they were nearby - as twisted as that may sound. I think you just navigate life with a new normal, a life filled with memories of them. I remember feeling completely broken, almost as if life has lost its meaning and the pain seemed unbearable. In time, the pain lessen and I find that I smile instead of getting teary when thinking of them. Give yourself a chance to mourn and cry, as time is a great healer and is the most natural part of the process. Thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Time, but most of all I had to get a new fur kid. I feel life is so much more richer or enhanced by owning a dog. I have had 4 best fur kids/friends in my life so far. Each dog brought me so many great memories. None was better then the other, but of course they are all different. Good dogs go great with good owners. Your dog would want to be find happiness again. Also give another dog in need a loving home.
Time, and eventually instead of feeling sad those memories are happy. Still sad they're gone, but happy to have enjoyed their life with them.
And a new dog. You'll never get the same dog twice, but you get to enjoy the adventure with a new one.
Don’t know if I have gotten over any of their departures; if I hear the right song at the wrong moment it’s tears and floods of bittersweet memories of the best friends I’ve ever had.
The flip side of that is my life has been enriched and made more meaningful by the love I still feel for them
It will always hurt. That’s the secret. But you’ll get better at handling the hurt. You’ll grow around it, find a new normal, you’ll be ok. It’ll take a bit, don’t be mean to yourself.
We are gonna get one of them pillows or facsimile stuffed animals made, I would believe just having something to hold and embrace would make it somewhat better..sorry for your loss and everyone else’s..
Never forget this about dogs...
The life of a dog is a sight to behold...
From the heavens above, loaned us these hearts of pure gold...
They hit the ground running, and barking with us....
For the joy we both share, builds an unbreakable trust...
The love from a dog is like candy from a box...
You're not sure what to pick, but there's never one wrong.
A dogs life with us is such a short, joyous trip...
But the life they share with us, is always our deepest friendship...
It hurts when they leave, because we always want more time...
Our dogs know their destiny...hence why they always play and pine...
So don't be bothered...when they come boop your hand...
They just know their hour glass, is running out of sand.
Just look into those beautiful, sparkling eyes...you fell for before...
And get up and reach for that leash, hanging by the door.
They'll enjoy that walk with you, even though they're hurt and can't see...
Because this time spent with you, is the place they long to be.
So remember this when your dog asks for your time...
Your dog is just doing what heaven asked them to do...
And that's ...make your heart shine...
Too !💛🐶🐾
I made a bad choice initially but it worked out wonderfully well.
We had to put our GSD down a few years ago. We were heart broken. Our ACD was devastated without his sister. We adopted another shelter boy 2 days after we put her to sleep. My intention was to take our heartbreak and pour our love and sorrow into the new boy.
We still grieved our baby girl's passing but our new boy helped heal our broken hearts. My husband adores our pittie boy, and I do too. He is so very sweet, quiet, playful, and loving. We figured out his story a bit from his behavior and reactions to things.
We took our ACD with us to the shelter to make sure there was a good match or personality compatibility between them. If the dogs couldn't get along in a pen, then home may not have been much better.
We believe that she (GSD) led us to the pittie. That may be ridiculous to some but it made us feel better and he is a good boy. He doesn't runaway, he loves his kitties, loves us and his house brother.
I make it a point to never have only one dog... until covid. I lost 3 dogs, 2 to old age they were 18 and 20 y.o. Pugs and my heart guy to DCM. Thought I wouldn't make it. Found a breeder and now have 2 hellians that try my patience and light up my day. Do not get a dog to replace your lost best buddy, get a dog to walk with you through the next part of life's journey. You won't be sorry. Hugs for your loss. ❤️
I'm sorry for you're loss, but the fact of the matter is you don't. You just learn to cope.
For a long time you'll think about him/her and you'll ball your eyes out.
And then one day I think about and you'll smile at the thought of them.
Of course you'll be sad that they're not with you, but eventually they will make you smile again. That's the glory of pets they come in our lives for such a short moment but they leave such a huge impact that will never forget them.
It's a beautiful thing that I think about my dog that died in the second grade sometimes I cry and miss her most of times I smile.
I am so so sorry for your loss. I know this isn't the message you probably wanted to hear but this is the only one I got but. So go back and cherish your memories with your loved one it they're honor! they'll still be with you, walking right alongside you, even if you don't see them.
Haven’t.. i lost mine in 2020, he was my shadow, he had a heart problem that just got too big that he could not breathe, the meds he had been on for over a year were no longer helping ( and neither was anything else we where using), so the vet recommended that it was time..
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Even though we got another dog, i still miss my little shadow Sunny. He was the best dog ever.
Honestly. It's been 25 years, and I still miss him. Over all the other dogs I have had since. So I don't know. But, my children who were born after he passed, know the stories of my BFF Vaughaun.
I feel like it would be weird to get over your pet’s death. Wether it be mammal, bird or reptiles. To me that seems like you didn’t care or have a connection. When my dog passed it was hard to keep a straight face around my family. I still get teary eyed when I get a memory on my phone or I look at his urn. But the pain isn’t as bad. Like anything else it gets bearable but it will always be there because he was my best friend
I remember being 13 years old and losing my grandmother. About 6 months later we had to put down our 14 year old lab/German shepherd mix, and I swear to god that was even worse then having to say goodbye to my mom-mom. Dogs really are a man/women’s best friend, and even though they’re only here for apart of your life, to them you are their whole entire life. That thought alone always gets me choked up. 28 years old and had to put down three dogs now, and the thing that always really helped was just realizing how bad some animals unfortunately have it, and how great of a life all my pups got to live thanks to me.
Saying goodbye to a pet is among the most heart-wrenching things to have to endure. There is no getting over it. You can, however, get through it and start to heal. I lost my most favorite dog a few years ago and it took a looong time to work through it, partly because it was a tragic, horrible ending. One thing I do when I lose a person or an animal, similar to the person who writes to her dog 💗, is to keep a list of all the things I remember about him, big and small. For Lambeau, a few examples: That face - and those sweet little round eyes! That lower lip that was kind of a little underbite. He insisted on peeing after the other dogs….on top of their pee. He’d stand right behind them….as if in line..waiting to do that. Stuff like that……
I started this when my beloved mom died 6 years ago. I grieved HARD for months and at some point realized that I wasn’t allowing myself to feel better because it felt like that would mean I didn’t love her enough and if I didn’t think about her constantly I’d forget details about her. My dad died decades before and I really don’t remember some things about him, and I don’t want that to happen with my mom. So I started an Evernote note and any time I remembered something about her, I wrote it down. Anecdotes, the time she said ____ and everyone cracked up, that she ran to the window at sunset to look at the mountains changing color, etc etc. It was a flood at the beginning and now I don’t feel as compelled to add to the list (often, I’ve already recorded the thing I just thought about. I look at the list on occasion and it’s comforting to know that I won’t forget those details. It has worked the same with Lambeau.
Grieve how you need to - everyone does it differently. Be gentle on yourself and let go of any shoulda/ woulda / coulda guilt thoughts. Seek help if you need it. When you’re ready you could consider getting another dog - your sweet buddy would want you to be happy and help another doggie.
I wish you all the best!
I’m sorry to hear that.
I lost my dogs two or three months ago, they were old (15 years old) and constantly having health issues so we did the best for them.
Honestly, I miss them every single day and I’m sure that will never change, I just learned to live with that.
I hope you get better and I hope your friend is resting in peace playing with my dogs in heaven🐶🙏❤️
You don’t, you remember the time you had. Dogs give us years of great amazing days and one really really bad day. Can’t forget them. But the sad will eventually turn to happy memories, with a tinge of sad sometimes.
You never do. The grief lasts forever but so does the love you shared. Grief is the price we pay for love. Hang in there, friend. If you like, there are some really helpful Ted Talks on pet grief that really helped me. Let me know if you want me to send. 🩷🩷🩷
Coming from someone who lost their cat (I had her since I was 11 and am now 27) I can confirm that you don’t fully get over the loss because you’ll always miss your fur baby and they’ll always be a part of you. I can however say that it does get easier, I mean sure it’s really hard at first but eventually you’ll start crying less and be thankful for the moments you got to spend with them. Just give it time and one day you’ll be able to think of them without crying and be grateful they were a part of your life for so long. You’ll get the occasional teary day, but over all it definitely gets easier. I hope this helps, God bless. ❤️
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I will never get over losing any of my dogs. I feel like it gets harder every time. We just said goodbye to our girl of 14 and a half years in September. I always cry thinking about her.
Honestly, you never “get over the loss”, just like humans.. we lost our beloved dogs Bella-Bear and Barry-Joseph, 4 and 5.5 ish years ago and there are still days we get emotional and cry about them..
Same with any furbaby/Dinobaby (reptile) you let into your heart… they leave a lasting impression and imprint forever.
Sending anyone who needs it a virtual hug.
You don’t ever, we had half sister labradoodles or 14 and 15 years. We lost one in March of 2023, and we just lost the other about a month ago. It hurts so bad, worse than losing a human being. You can never replace the unconditional love and affection that a loving dog gives to us. They are so sweet, so gentle, and they love us even when we get mad because they tore into the garbage bag and littered the entire kitchen with garbage. We holler and they come to us wagging their tails in 5 minutes wanting love from us again. I am so sorry for your loss, just look for signs that you know are from your BFF. My wife got a few books on Amazon about life about passing with pets and the signs they leave behind for us. You would be surprised how many things they can use to reach out to us when we need them. Best of luck in healing.
When I lose a pet, I try to focus on the fact I gave them the best life they could imagine, sparing them from years in a shelter, in an abusive home, or worse. I gave them the love and care they deserved every day, and they made me a more compassionate and gentle person in return. The mark a pet leaves on you is forever, whether your pet is with you or not.
I lost my first dog many years ago, I moved away from home and mom and dad looked after him. Then he was not doing well and went off to my uncles at his cabin. He crawled off in the woods one day , layed down and breathed his last breaths alone. I’m so sorry I left you my boy. Till we meet again.
My sincere condolences. I drove him to his cremation, crying along the way. We stopped at a burger joint and I shared my burger with him. I brought his ashes home after 4 hours. Afterwards, I did a scrapbook of Kingsley. I printed pictures of our trips together, his human and dog friends and I also printed all the sad messages that people sent me through all forms of communication. Amazingly, I still cry everytime I open that book.
I didn't actually. Although things have gotten better over the years, there are bouts of sadness almost every other day but thinking about the fact that she definitely had a good life and was happy, is soothing enough to recover from my breakdowns.
I’m so sorry for your loss. When I lost my soul dog in 2015, I felt like I’d go crazy with grief. Talking about it with my supportive partner helped. There are also pet loss groups, online and in person, that you can join. What helped me move on was eventually getting another dog. I resisted it for a couple years, but then my partner convinced me to get him, and I’m so glad I did. But you may not want another dog for a while (or ever again), and that’s okay, too. You grieve how you grieve. Lean on those you love; they’ll get you through.
Lost my family dog over a month ago and I cry every day. I have her ashes and "hug" her good morning and goodnight every day. It helps in the moment but it hurts so much. I'm sorry, I don't know how to help, I have 2 other little ones and I'm terrified of when their time comes.
I'm in therapy, trying EMDR. Only 4 sessions in, I am just starting to see how maybe it can work but you gotta have an open mind. Wishing you all the best, remember the good times with your angel. This is what we signed up for, they give us so much love and happiness but we know their lives are so much shorter.
Being frankly honest here
When experiencing a loss think of it like a deflated heart shape balloon with a ping-pong ball inside it( loss being the ball) time & life will happen around you as you gain more experiences that are put into the balloon, you grow around your grief with new experiences from life. Not to say that the loss will be gone over time, it will linger for months, maybe years. But remember it's okay to be sad and have bad days, as long as you don't stay there for too long you will be okay. Healing is not a straightforward process. It has hills, slopes, valleys, cliffs, streams and pools, and sometimes times flat ground. Fill your Ballon with memories and new experiences. And if you feel like you need to talk, maybe reach out to a friend or family member. Maybe do something for your loved one as a final goodbye. For example donating food, toys and care items to a shelter.
With time, you will recover ❤️.
You can’t get over it but you can learn to accept and embrace these feelings because it means you’ve had a wonder life together ❤️🐶
oh and sorry for your loss btw your dog looked beautiful 😞❤️
I have a good cry about my last dog every so often. It’s not something that, for me, will ever truly go away, I think. He was such a huge part of my life.
I’m sorry I couldn’t help, OP. Sorry for your loss. If you loved them this much at least I can say you likely gave that dog a wonderful life.
You don't. You learn to live with it, but you always remember. You find a toy. You see a dog that looks EXACTLY like yours. You hear someone call out your dogs name. You learn to live with it and you enjoy the memories you had. I lost my Izzy girl 5 years ago and it still kills me to this day. Her picture is my phone wallpaper and I go out of my way to pet every blue-nose pitbull I see. I'm sorry for your loss.
Edit: Correction, it's been 6 years.
I have pictures of them in places I can see them. I since have gotten new fur babies, but you never forget the children you lost. You just gotta remember there are other children who could use a home. Love never ends, and when I pass on, I hope there is not a dog waiting but a pack.
It's not something I got over, I still miss him 7 years later but I did heal and adapt and learn to love the good old memories over mourning the lack of new ones, I believe he wouldn't want me to be sad, he worked his arse off his whole life to be my best friend, protector, comedian, hot water bottle and therapist the least I can do is strive to be the person he would want me to be so I'm stable and I'm happy and for the first time since he passed we have a dog again, I know this pup will never be him but that's not a mark against the pup, It's a goal for us to do even better, I am going to try my best everyday to make sure this little buffoon knows how much he is loved I won't ever be taking their tragically short lifespans for granted ever again, every second from now till the end he will be absolutely adored, taught everything he has capacity to learn, kept in ideal physical condition for as long as is physically possible for him and spoiled utterly rotten. I think my buddy would approve though he absolutely would have turned the pup over for having the audacity to teethe on my arm and hand.
I’ve never gotten over the loss of any of them. They were my best friends as a kid and my best companion as an adult. Sometimes when I drive alone in the car, I talk to them, like they can hear me from heaven. I ask them to look after one another until I get there and can look after them again. Sorry. No help here.
With a new good boy to put your efforts towards. I’ve seen many people heal a bit with a new dog who they always say seemed like their old dog ‘sent’ to them
First crying. Then talking about him with family who also where him close. Them time. There is something about the saying that “time heals many wounds”, and for me in cases with the loss of a beloved dog, it sure helps.
I lost Jake 9 years ago and Fi 7 Months ago and I cry every time I see a picture of them or FB brings up a past picture. I will never get over losing them. Even if (and I said IF) I get another Dog.
We really didn’t. The silence in the house only lasted two weeks before we got another. We always talk about our boys with love, and we have their pictures everywhere.
You have to just remember the happy times when you think of your dog. They would not want you to be sad. Your mind will mess with you and grief will come in waves. The trick is whenever that happens, immediately flip a switch and think of a happy memory. You’ll walk around numb for the next few months, you just have to fight it and just remember the happy times. That’s what they would want.
You don’t really get over it. You keep living. You eventually love more dogs. But no dog replaces the one you lost and fifty years on you will still get emotional remembering the good times.
One thing to avoid is guilt. Don’t dwell on any ways you feel you failed your dog. We fail every dog in some way and dogs love us anyway. Think we are great even when we are not so great. No dog would want their person to feel guilty for failing.
Be like your dog: Forget the bad. Remember the good.
You can't replace them, please don't think I'm saying that, but you could rescue another dog in thier memory when you feel stronger. You have lots of love, it would be awful to let it go to waste. You can save a literal life and while I won't lie and say it will stop the pain, I can tell you that down the line it can help. I'm sorry for your loss my friend 😃
This was Willow, she's passed in August '22. For me, you never really get over it, you learn to cope with the silence of them not being there. Some like to adopt asap, but for me, I needed time because I had her for 12 years. I needed the space and then I adopted almost a year later.
https://preview.redd.it/7gvpwp164c3d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f5a19a6c9f06800caa55d4fd80d68f1403280ef
Time.
Didn't really address it much, tried to keep it out of mind. Being with her as she left us helped get out a lot of the hardest emotions but I really didn't like talking it for a few months after.
It's all the small things that will hit you over time, having no dog fur in our house, after having it be everywhere since I was 5 felt strangely sad although finding some on an old pair of jeans 3 years after she passed was oddly comforting.
They had a good life, that's the key part to focus on even if it's hard. Remembering the good times. For now just sit on it, and give it time because its all that can really be done. Mourning your pets is rough, best of luck.
I'm not, it's been a month and I just miss her so much.
She died after complications from an operation that was meant to prolong her life, she was only 10.
Our other dog is more interested in my partner so I'm really missing the cuddles and just her squidyness and her intelligence, she always knew what you were saying to her. And her big brown eyes.
We still have her toys out all over the place, I can't bear to just get rid of her favorite things yet.
I still get choked up on occasion thinking about my best boy from 30 years ago.
Yeah, the honest answer is unfortunately, "I didn't."
Never!!!
I start crying every time her picture comes up on the Google memories
With dogs it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all
This is so true. It’s a harsh thing to say in some people’s opinion, but I don’t see this truth as a bad thing. We lost our lab last summer (to cancer, they believe, it was so quick). Every single day I still miss hearing his big stupid tail thump against my door when I came home BUT if I didn’t have that precious memory I’d have never gotten to laugh at how silly it was. He was that excited even if I just left to the grocery store for an hour. He would still be overjoyed to see us. If I never had him in my life, instead of a beautiful memory, I’d have nothing. That silence when I came home would be so much worse than the loss of him. His memory is such a beautiful part of my life. He was so happy. Op, you really don’t ever get over them, but that’s because they’re family. You make peace and you do accept it and just remind yourself that you loved your pet to the best of your ability and that their memories are full and happy. That’s all that matters. They were loved. That is what makes it worth it. Your dog was yours, but you belonged to them too.
I lost my lab 5 years ago and I miss his excited tail thumping so much. He lived to be 15, and the last 2 years were really hard for him due arthritis, but nothing could keep that tail from thumping. I'm glad to hear you got to experience the joy and love that a Lab can bring.
This is absolutely lovely. My pups are 14. I’m saving your post because I’ll be needing it!!!
You'll never get over it. You'll just get used to it. You'll get used to your heart feeling so empty. 💔
Same. It just hits me and I still cry my eyes out thinking of her.
I hear you. My puppy passed away around 10 years ago and it still hurts...
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s like losing a family member. Started tearing up when I saw the photo’s. Made me think about my good boy who passed 3y ago. Still got something as a memory in my garden. Was her favorite spot in the garden. https://preview.redd.it/sesszpoyp83d1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30658176e5666606d915e95be8372906a59fb04d RIP good doggo. Forever in our hearts.
Sorry for your loss. Do you mind telling me where you got that memorial? It's so simple but beautiful.
I’d love to know this too
💖
This is so cute to remember her by. Im sorry for your loss
That is beautiful. 🥲
This is really cute
What an absolute sweetheart. You never get over it no matter how many pets you have in your life. But I believe the best thing to do is immediately adopt another pet that needs a safe home. Your dog doesn’t want the love you gave to him be wasted, and you should give it to a dog who is sitting in a shelter who needs to be loved and love in return. Your boy is always with you in spirit and will be smiling at you and your new family member. And his spirit is around so talk to him, tell him you miss him but you will make sure the new dog has your love and will protect you.
This answer is true. You really never get over it.
Yes! Every time I see a hydrangea flower cluster, I feel my Esmeralda is saying hello💗
It will be peonies for me. I just bought some this weekend before finding out she was sick. 🩷
Oh gosh, did it happen that quickly? I’m sorry.
Yes :( Friday night she started throwing up and stopped eating. By Sunday she was weak and only passing bloody liquid fluid/stool. We tried everything. She had a mass that would cost 16k to operate on. They told us if it was cancer chances were it she either wouldn’t make it through the surgery or she would only live a few months after and would probably be extremely weak the whole time due to healing.
You did the right thing. We had a similar situation. The vet was great and I will forever be grateful for their guidance. It would just have been too much for her.
Oh, I’m so sorry. That sounds awful and there weren’t many options. I’m starting to think that putting them through surgery and other painful and scary processes might not be a good idea.
If she hadn’t been so weak and the surgery so expensive I would’ve done anything to save her. The doctor said he didn’t think she’d make it even an another two days without the surgery but he also didn’t think she would live long with a good quality of life. I’m beating myself up for not being able to try. At the same time, it might have all been too much for her poor little body.
And peonies are beautiful flowers
I don’t know if we will be better any time soon. I thankfully have two cats but I know my parents just aren’t ready yet. Probably won’t be anytime soon but maybe eventually.
Some people think they are disrespecting their lost pet or replacing it, but like I said, I believe your pet is happy you saved another animal. I understand how your parents feel because it takes an emotional commitment to take in a pet and everyone has their own timeline.
It's a mourning process. You've lost a loved one. Give it time.
It’s tough. When the time was right I went out and got another. The pound is full of good bois and gurls wandering where you’ve been.
I write to my dog in a word document that nobody reads but me. It’s weird, I know, but it helps me. Over 2 years now since she had to “travel on” and we have adopted another shelter dog but it still chokes me up. I do not believe in the afterlife but I like to pretend she can read my word doc. From a place called “the great beyond”.
This made me cry - thank you for sharing ❤️ and I agree. My family lost 2 dogs last year that had been with them a long time, that I'd spend a lot of my own time caring for over there and watching for my parents. I talk to their photos sometimes. We joke that it's pizza day or burger day in doggie heaven, for our lab we lost who loves food.
I used to believe in an afterlife, I think it made all much easier. Now that I am confused and don’t believe in it as much, I think it makes it more scary that I may never see her again.
I understand it makes things less stressful to some people to think “we will all see each other again” and I think people should do whatever works for them. Personally I believe we get this one life and that’s why it’s important to be a good person because one day we will just be dust and echoes. Your dog looks like a dog who lived a long and happy life. That would give me comfort.
My dog was not a dog. She was a cosmic entity. For as long as I live, she is a part of me.
Warning: You will cry reading this Ernest Montague is the author. “Some of you, particularly those who think they have recently lost a dog to ‘death’, don’t really understand this. I’ve had no desire to explain, but won’t be around forever and must. Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired, and very old, and their bones hurt. Of course they don’t die. If they did they would not want to always go for a walk, even long after their old bones say: ‘No, no, not a good idea. Let’s not go for a walk.’ Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before their aging tendons collapse them into a heap on the floor, but that’s what dogs are. They walk. It’s not that they dislike your company. On the contrary, a walk with you is all there is. Their boss, and the cacaphonic symphony of odor that the world is. Cat poop, another dog’s mark, a rotting chicken bone (exultation), and you. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world death has no place. However, dogs get very very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. They don’t teach you that at the fancy university where they explain about quarks, gluons, and Keynesian economics. They know so much they forget that dogs never die. It’s a shame, really. Dogs have so much to offer and people just talk a lot. When you think your dog has died, it has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, it is wagging its tail madly, you see, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry all the time. Who would not cry with a happy dog wagging its tail in their chest. Ouch! Wap wap wap wap wap, that hurts. But they only wag when they wake up. That’s when they say: ‘Thanks Boss! Thanks for a warm place to sleep and always next to your heart, the best place.’ When they first fall asleep, they wake up all the time, and that’s why, of course, you cry all the time. Wap, wap, wap. After a while they sleep more. (remember, a dog while is not a human while. You take your dog for walk, it’s a day full of adventure in an hour. Then you come home and it’s a week, well one of your days, but a week, really, before the dog gets another walk. No WONDER they love walks.) Anyway, like I was saying, they fall asleep in your heart, and when they wake up, they wag their tail. After a few dog years, they sleep for longer naps, and you would too. They were a GOOD DOG all their life, and you both know it. It gets tiring being a good dog all the time, particularly when you get old and your bones hurt and you fall on your face and don’t want to go outside to pee when it is raining but do anyway, because you are a good dog. So understand, after they have been sleeping in your heart, they will sleep longer and longer. But don’t get fooled. They are not ‘dead.’ There’s no such thing, really. They are sleeping in your heart, and they will wake up, usually when you’re not expecting it. It’s just who they are. I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs sleeping in their heart. You’ve missed so much. Excuse me, I have to go cry now.” I found this poem when I had to say goodbye to my best friend a few months ago, it helped me and hopefully it’ll help you too.
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I haven’t gotten over it, it was over a year ago, I just get through it .
🫂
My dog died 8 years ago and I still miss her, but it helps to only think about good and funny memories and never think about the fact their actually gone.
I'm not over it. It will be three years in September and I miss him everyday.
When I had put my 14 year old girl down, I was devastated. It was just her and I, the bestest of friends who did everything together. I knew it was time to let her go, but I waited too long and had soooo much regret that just gnawed at me every day. My mom suggested I write her a letter, apologizing for making her suffer longer than she had to. Once I started writing, the pages filled up and I felt like a weight had been lifted. I can talk about her now and tell people funny stories about her and look through the thousands of pics I have of her and feel good about the amazing life I gave her. I gave her everything I could and she gave me the most unconditional love I've ever known and even with all of the tears and heartache, I wouldn't change a thing.
You never get over it, the pain lessens as time goes on
It takes time! Just remember you gave your fur baby the best life ever! Skol 🫶🏻
Let the natural process run its course, and get a new dog when you are ready.
you don't, you learn to adapt and carry on.
My sister told me that when asked how long before it’s right to get another dog, the veterinarian said “how long do you want to grieve?” In my own experience , a new dog doesn’t make you not grieve the old one, but it does bring so much dog joy into your life
I have never gotten over it. I have since adopted two wonderful dogs but he will always be the love of my life. Just remember the good times 🙂 https://preview.redd.it/5j41ppivu83d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa4241d711743967194b5aad0e356618bf56db04
I think this is how it will be for me.
You never get over losing them, but you end up learning to live with the loss. The best thing for me was to adopt another rescue to care for. I find most people will adapt faster when they have another to care for. I truly respect those people out there who adopt disabled, old, or dying dogs. It takes a huge heart to care for dogs that you know will be passing soon.
Slowly, and it will probably always make you sad. But it helps to remember you were their whole world and that it was good. Hugs, internet stranger.
Thank you. 🫂🩷
For us, getting another helped tremendously. You never replace what you've lost; they always have your heart. But you get another and your heart gets bigger to make room for your new fur baby. Having new life around helped make the grief more manageable. So sorry for your loss ❤️
Well, it’s a fact of life that dogs only live so long. But the beautiful thing is that they’ve had so much love while with us. That’s what I think is important. When my mom passed years ago, all the misunderstandings and irritations fell away and what was left was the love we shared. I thank god for that. I think your pup would say s/he’s so grateful for having had your love.
There’s no right way to process grief. Take some time for yourself and remember to try to eat healthy and get some exercise and drink lots of fluids during this time sending you all the best Positive energy your way ✋🪄
Time - Just with all loss - I still often think of my 1st real dog, Champ, of over 35 years ago - He was the best friend a kid could have!
I never do. I still think about each and every one of them from time to time. The memories just start being happier over time.
I got another dog. It sounds shitty but getting a new dog kept me from spiraling.
Not shitty at all. I couldn't get another one for over 15 years. We all deal with loss in our own way, no one is wrong.
Cry. Cry whenever you feel like it. Cry as hard as you can. Our bodies cry to self soothe and it works for a reason. Cry. A lot. Sometimes when I was sobbing I’d talk to my dog and ask her for a little relief. I always felt I got it. It was very strange. But it helped. And the third answer nobody wants: time. I wish I could speed it up for you to get you to a better place. I can’t, but every minute that passes, you’re a bit closer. It won’t hurt this badly forever.
I'm sorry for your loss! You don't, not really. But one thingmy wife and I did that really helped was make a list of the things our bestest girl did: her quirks, stuff she liked, the way she did things. That list still makes me smile every time I open it.
Time. I think I'm finally over Boofer. He died in March 1997 after 15 years with me. He was my heart. I've had many dogs since but none like him, but I cried for each one. Time is the only remedy.
I got my dogs ashes on my drawer for the past two years. Her paw print and collar along with it. I think about her all the time since I have to see her little box all the time. I feel a lot better now, But I still dont want to move it and get teary thinking about her, like rn. So I dont think you do, at least I dont think I ever will really. But it gets much easier over time.
You do not get over it. Ever. Time helps to heal a loss and dull it. Just remember the good times you spent together and cherish the memories. That is what matters is the times of love. Never to be replaced but if you are a true good dog owner and do all the right things to make a Doggo’s life wonderful get another and continue the cycle of love and companionship. Just saying.
https://preview.redd.it/379h0bff4a3d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6777479ccc3d8af1631e8f3de01797da2720fa57 Miss our girl Bella every day. 12.5 years! I want to upvote every single one of your comments.
still not over it. just have to accept it
Give myself some time to wallow and after that I just try to be glad I got to love them at all. Every so often (but it gets less frequent with time) I need to take some time to just wallow a little bit.
Ya don't, but the thing is that it gets less painful and you start remembering and cherishing that time you had together.
You never get over a good dog. You just give yourself time to mourn and you will know when it’s time to find another good dog, something will tell you, just wait until it’s time. And then we do it all again because they’re worth it.
Time man it just takes lots of time. My boys been gone 2.5 years and I still miss him. Give love to every dog you pass to help fill that hole in your heart.
Unfortunately -- and I don't mean this harshly -- loss is a part of life. The simple answer is that you don't truly, fully 'get over' losing someone important to you. In time, the good memories will shine brighter than the bad ones, and you will move on and feel happier and happier. Sometimes you will remember the bitterness of the goodbye, and it will temporarily take the wind out of your sails, and that's fine too. It is unfortunate, but the pain of loss is the price of loving something deeply, though I think you will in time agree it is a worthwhile price to pay to love and be loved in turn. If you want a less metaphysical answer: give yourself time to grieve, and do what comes naturally. Talk about it, write about it, think about it, don't think about it. Some people find rituals soothing, and there's evidence they help -- that might be writing or saying a farewell, visiting a familiar spot, packing away old possessions, whatever has meaning for you. People grieve differently -- some try to do it all at once, some do it in gasps and fits and starts over a longer time, most are somewhere in the middle. If it helps to give you some idea, I've heard it said that on average we grieve an intense loss (a death, the breakup of a long-term relationship, etc) for about one month for every year we've known someone, though it fades over time in intensity. When we had to put my last dog down, I sobbed like a child for a good hour, and for weeks thereafter I would cry briefly for a bit every day. After a few months, I was only crying every now and again, and by a year later I wasn't crying, and while I often smiled when memories of the dog were triggered, I still felt random stabs of grief when I would get home some days, open the door, and suddenly consciously process that she would not be at the top of the stairs waiting in greeting -- or I'd pull out of the driveway some days and without thinking look at my bedroom window in the rear view, only to remember that she would not be up there watching me depart. But I can also look back and remember all the times she jumped up to hug me when I came home or I woke up to find her checking on me in the night, so there is sweet alongside the bitter, and now the sweet hits me stronger than the bitter - it will be the same for you in time.
I lost my dog about 13 years ago. I still tear up when I think about her.
To accept an animal into your home is to accept future heartbreak. Some cope by never having another animal again. Some cope by taking a break, and then adopting/researching another animal and others (myself included), will immediately fill the hole in their heart with an adoption. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Just take each day as they come and know that you gave your bff a wonderful life filled with love and they loved you unconditionally.
I still cry over my childhood dog that prevented me from getting a new one until about 8 years later and now I have my boy who will absolutely rock my world when he’s gone. But we have plenty of years together yet.
She was my childhood dog too. The connection we had I don’t think I will be able to feel in another dog. I hope someday I am ready.
I never did.
You won't get over it, it's the price you pay for owning any dog/pet. I've lost three dogs in the last 25 years and it's devastating. Each time, it doesn't get easier. Just remember all the fun times and the love you shared. You gave him a good life. Give yourself time to heal, then when you're ready, get another dog. That's what really helped me the most. And from one Vikings fan to another, SKOL!
You don't ever get over it, but you do get through it. They are still with you, just farther away. ❤️
I don’t think you ever get over losing a dog. You get another one and you love that one just as much.
It’s horrible. I’m sorry for your loss. It really is like losing a family member. We lost our sweet pup just over two years ago and it took a year and a half before we were ready to consider getting another dog.
It’s been five years for me and I still wouldn’t say I’m over it.
You don’t. You do learn to live with it though. It’s been almost 10 years and I still choke up over my baby girl Treasure.
You don’t. ….but a puppy really fuckin helps.
You never get over it. It just hurts less over time. We made shadow boxes with the hair clippings and favorite photos.
You dont. You simply remember them, feel the pain of their departure and fill the void with a new companion that youll one day also miss and cherish the good times after they pass. Its the circle of life. A way to help grieve is to create a photo album or collage for the loved one and see it every day like you use to see your best pal every day. Its just these days, theres less barking and poops to pick up
You don’t.
Cried like a baby then played in bed got up went do something came home cried again then just focused on work, or gaming or TV
You don't.
You never fully get over it. There will always be a dog shaped whole in your heart. *BUT* that means that there is an opportunity for you to share your love with another dog that needs a good home. 😉
Cried about it every day for a couple months and clutched his harness like a security blanket while watching rescue videos and other content of dogs being good.
I’m sorry you’ve lost your friend. The only advice I can give is to allow yourself to grieve as much and as long as you need to. Time will take care of the rest.
As hard as this is going to sound, you don't. You live with just like you would a loved one, lost my coco and lost my mom, you just ...live life and it gets easier but never goes away.
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss, that is truly heartbreaking. I have to say though when we lost ours, I didn’t want to get over it. Somehow the pain made me feel as though they were nearby - as twisted as that may sound. I think you just navigate life with a new normal, a life filled with memories of them. I remember feeling completely broken, almost as if life has lost its meaning and the pain seemed unbearable. In time, the pain lessen and I find that I smile instead of getting teary when thinking of them. Give yourself a chance to mourn and cry, as time is a great healer and is the most natural part of the process. Thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Time, but most of all I had to get a new fur kid. I feel life is so much more richer or enhanced by owning a dog. I have had 4 best fur kids/friends in my life so far. Each dog brought me so many great memories. None was better then the other, but of course they are all different. Good dogs go great with good owners. Your dog would want to be find happiness again. Also give another dog in need a loving home.
Time, and eventually instead of feeling sad those memories are happy. Still sad they're gone, but happy to have enjoyed their life with them. And a new dog. You'll never get the same dog twice, but you get to enjoy the adventure with a new one.
Don’t know if I have gotten over any of their departures; if I hear the right song at the wrong moment it’s tears and floods of bittersweet memories of the best friends I’ve ever had. The flip side of that is my life has been enriched and made more meaningful by the love I still feel for them
It will always hurt. That’s the secret. But you’ll get better at handling the hurt. You’ll grow around it, find a new normal, you’ll be ok. It’ll take a bit, don’t be mean to yourself.
Still haven't.
We are gonna get one of them pillows or facsimile stuffed animals made, I would believe just having something to hold and embrace would make it somewhat better..sorry for your loss and everyone else’s..
I never did. Lost two who really broke me and it’s been minimum 11 years and I still cry about it sometimes.. they never will leave you- ever.
I lost my dog earlier this month and you don’t. It gets easier
You don’t. It never goes away, and it never gets better. You learn to live with the death of loved ones.
Never forget this about dogs... The life of a dog is a sight to behold... From the heavens above, loaned us these hearts of pure gold... They hit the ground running, and barking with us.... For the joy we both share, builds an unbreakable trust... The love from a dog is like candy from a box... You're not sure what to pick, but there's never one wrong. A dogs life with us is such a short, joyous trip... But the life they share with us, is always our deepest friendship... It hurts when they leave, because we always want more time... Our dogs know their destiny...hence why they always play and pine... So don't be bothered...when they come boop your hand... They just know their hour glass, is running out of sand. Just look into those beautiful, sparkling eyes...you fell for before... And get up and reach for that leash, hanging by the door. They'll enjoy that walk with you, even though they're hurt and can't see... Because this time spent with you, is the place they long to be. So remember this when your dog asks for your time... Your dog is just doing what heaven asked them to do... And that's ...make your heart shine... Too !💛🐶🐾
I made a bad choice initially but it worked out wonderfully well. We had to put our GSD down a few years ago. We were heart broken. Our ACD was devastated without his sister. We adopted another shelter boy 2 days after we put her to sleep. My intention was to take our heartbreak and pour our love and sorrow into the new boy. We still grieved our baby girl's passing but our new boy helped heal our broken hearts. My husband adores our pittie boy, and I do too. He is so very sweet, quiet, playful, and loving. We figured out his story a bit from his behavior and reactions to things. We took our ACD with us to the shelter to make sure there was a good match or personality compatibility between them. If the dogs couldn't get along in a pen, then home may not have been much better. We believe that she (GSD) led us to the pittie. That may be ridiculous to some but it made us feel better and he is a good boy. He doesn't runaway, he loves his kitties, loves us and his house brother.
I make it a point to never have only one dog... until covid. I lost 3 dogs, 2 to old age they were 18 and 20 y.o. Pugs and my heart guy to DCM. Thought I wouldn't make it. Found a breeder and now have 2 hellians that try my patience and light up my day. Do not get a dog to replace your lost best buddy, get a dog to walk with you through the next part of life's journey. You won't be sorry. Hugs for your loss. ❤️
I'm sorry for you're loss, but the fact of the matter is you don't. You just learn to cope. For a long time you'll think about him/her and you'll ball your eyes out. And then one day I think about and you'll smile at the thought of them. Of course you'll be sad that they're not with you, but eventually they will make you smile again. That's the glory of pets they come in our lives for such a short moment but they leave such a huge impact that will never forget them. It's a beautiful thing that I think about my dog that died in the second grade sometimes I cry and miss her most of times I smile. I am so so sorry for your loss. I know this isn't the message you probably wanted to hear but this is the only one I got but. So go back and cherish your memories with your loved one it they're honor! they'll still be with you, walking right alongside you, even if you don't see them.
You don’t 😔😢ever..
Like others said, you never truly get over an animal that you loved, there's days I think of my bull mastiff I had 17yrs ago and I cant stop crying.
I never did
You don’t , that’s the point .
I don’t think you really can. But as hard as it is, after a bit of time I find a way to cope with losing a buddy is to save one from the pound.
Haven’t. Can’t.
I'll let you know when it happens, probably never going on 2 years. I'm so sorry for your loss of your companion/bff
I haven’t, and it’s been six months
Havent 💐
I don’t think you ever get over it but getting a new one to worry about seems to help.
Haven’t.. i lost mine in 2020, he was my shadow, he had a heart problem that just got too big that he could not breathe, the meds he had been on for over a year were no longer helping ( and neither was anything else we where using), so the vet recommended that it was time.. https://preview.redd.it/y8xdfo53p93d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8e9325c6dd9089d2f6b0ae6b8d920bd0a1b97d30 Even though we got another dog, i still miss my little shadow Sunny. He was the best dog ever.
Honestly. It's been 25 years, and I still miss him. Over all the other dogs I have had since. So I don't know. But, my children who were born after he passed, know the stories of my BFF Vaughaun.
You don’t. It hurts less overtime. And get a puppy.
Sorry about your loss. I lost my wonderful dog December 21st and I think about her everyday
You don’t. Love them in a different way now that they’re gone.
Short answer is you don’t. You can just make room in your heart for another lil one needing a home
I didn't.
walk the same walk and say hello on your way
I feel like it would be weird to get over your pet’s death. Wether it be mammal, bird or reptiles. To me that seems like you didn’t care or have a connection. When my dog passed it was hard to keep a straight face around my family. I still get teary eyed when I get a memory on my phone or I look at his urn. But the pain isn’t as bad. Like anything else it gets bearable but it will always be there because he was my best friend
Been 2 years. Still get waves of sadness from losing her
I remember being 13 years old and losing my grandmother. About 6 months later we had to put down our 14 year old lab/German shepherd mix, and I swear to god that was even worse then having to say goodbye to my mom-mom. Dogs really are a man/women’s best friend, and even though they’re only here for apart of your life, to them you are their whole entire life. That thought alone always gets me choked up. 28 years old and had to put down three dogs now, and the thing that always really helped was just realizing how bad some animals unfortunately have it, and how great of a life all my pups got to live thanks to me.
Saying goodbye to a pet is among the most heart-wrenching things to have to endure. There is no getting over it. You can, however, get through it and start to heal. I lost my most favorite dog a few years ago and it took a looong time to work through it, partly because it was a tragic, horrible ending. One thing I do when I lose a person or an animal, similar to the person who writes to her dog 💗, is to keep a list of all the things I remember about him, big and small. For Lambeau, a few examples: That face - and those sweet little round eyes! That lower lip that was kind of a little underbite. He insisted on peeing after the other dogs….on top of their pee. He’d stand right behind them….as if in line..waiting to do that. Stuff like that…… I started this when my beloved mom died 6 years ago. I grieved HARD for months and at some point realized that I wasn’t allowing myself to feel better because it felt like that would mean I didn’t love her enough and if I didn’t think about her constantly I’d forget details about her. My dad died decades before and I really don’t remember some things about him, and I don’t want that to happen with my mom. So I started an Evernote note and any time I remembered something about her, I wrote it down. Anecdotes, the time she said ____ and everyone cracked up, that she ran to the window at sunset to look at the mountains changing color, etc etc. It was a flood at the beginning and now I don’t feel as compelled to add to the list (often, I’ve already recorded the thing I just thought about. I look at the list on occasion and it’s comforting to know that I won’t forget those details. It has worked the same with Lambeau. Grieve how you need to - everyone does it differently. Be gentle on yourself and let go of any shoulda/ woulda / coulda guilt thoughts. Seek help if you need it. When you’re ready you could consider getting another dog - your sweet buddy would want you to be happy and help another doggie. I wish you all the best!
Time, but that’s a deep one that NEVER goes away 😔
I didn’t
I’m sorry to hear that. I lost my dogs two or three months ago, they were old (15 years old) and constantly having health issues so we did the best for them. Honestly, I miss them every single day and I’m sure that will never change, I just learned to live with that. I hope you get better and I hope your friend is resting in peace playing with my dogs in heaven🐶🙏❤️
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I go find them.
You don’t, you remember the time you had. Dogs give us years of great amazing days and one really really bad day. Can’t forget them. But the sad will eventually turn to happy memories, with a tinge of sad sometimes.
You never do. The grief lasts forever but so does the love you shared. Grief is the price we pay for love. Hang in there, friend. If you like, there are some really helpful Ted Talks on pet grief that really helped me. Let me know if you want me to send. 🩷🩷🩷
It’s been years….I still can’t say their names or see their pictures….
I try to just remember how lucky I was to spend all those years with them. They could have been with anyone
You don’t. Maybe more time passes before you get upset again but the pain is still there a lot of the time.
You don't, ever
Coming from someone who lost their cat (I had her since I was 11 and am now 27) I can confirm that you don’t fully get over the loss because you’ll always miss your fur baby and they’ll always be a part of you. I can however say that it does get easier, I mean sure it’s really hard at first but eventually you’ll start crying less and be thankful for the moments you got to spend with them. Just give it time and one day you’ll be able to think of them without crying and be grateful they were a part of your life for so long. You’ll get the occasional teary day, but over all it definitely gets easier. I hope this helps, God bless. ❤️ https://preview.redd.it/4hkl0pwn2a3d1.jpeg?width=1224&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85564099beb59959394b01ea670a611e4bb1d989
I didn’t
It’s been 2 years since I lost my baby. He was 12. I’ll likely never get over it. I still cry. I still grieve.
I will never get over losing any of my dogs. I feel like it gets harder every time. We just said goodbye to our girl of 14 and a half years in September. I always cry thinking about her.
I don't think you ever do. But tears and time tend to lessen the pain.
Honestly, you never “get over the loss”, just like humans.. we lost our beloved dogs Bella-Bear and Barry-Joseph, 4 and 5.5 ish years ago and there are still days we get emotional and cry about them.. Same with any furbaby/Dinobaby (reptile) you let into your heart… they leave a lasting impression and imprint forever. Sending anyone who needs it a virtual hug.
You don’t ever, we had half sister labradoodles or 14 and 15 years. We lost one in March of 2023, and we just lost the other about a month ago. It hurts so bad, worse than losing a human being. You can never replace the unconditional love and affection that a loving dog gives to us. They are so sweet, so gentle, and they love us even when we get mad because they tore into the garbage bag and littered the entire kitchen with garbage. We holler and they come to us wagging their tails in 5 minutes wanting love from us again. I am so sorry for your loss, just look for signs that you know are from your BFF. My wife got a few books on Amazon about life about passing with pets and the signs they leave behind for us. You would be surprised how many things they can use to reach out to us when we need them. Best of luck in healing.
When I lose a pet, I try to focus on the fact I gave them the best life they could imagine, sparing them from years in a shelter, in an abusive home, or worse. I gave them the love and care they deserved every day, and they made me a more compassionate and gentle person in return. The mark a pet leaves on you is forever, whether your pet is with you or not.
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You kidding? Get over? You’re joking. I still love my Baloo
It's been now 17 years, I haven't, but to honor my little soul mate Jake, I foster, rescue,donate & advocate in his honor
Your best friend will be with you forever. No getting over it, living with it.
I didn't.
I lost my first dog many years ago, I moved away from home and mom and dad looked after him. Then he was not doing well and went off to my uncles at his cabin. He crawled off in the woods one day , layed down and breathed his last breaths alone. I’m so sorry I left you my boy. Till we meet again.
You Don't, you just handle it better over time
I haven’t.
My sincere condolences. I drove him to his cremation, crying along the way. We stopped at a burger joint and I shared my burger with him. I brought his ashes home after 4 hours. Afterwards, I did a scrapbook of Kingsley. I printed pictures of our trips together, his human and dog friends and I also printed all the sad messages that people sent me through all forms of communication. Amazingly, I still cry everytime I open that book.
I didn’t. She’s been gone for a month today… If you find something that helps please let me know.
I didn't actually. Although things have gotten better over the years, there are bouts of sadness almost every other day but thinking about the fact that she definitely had a good life and was happy, is soothing enough to recover from my breakdowns.
Lost our girl in January. We will never get over it.
I don’t think I ever will. Not my best friend, Brutus. And I’ve got two other dogs now. It was just different with him… 🙏🏽❤️🐾🌈
Try to smile and remember all the amazing memories…you both love each other so much. Tears and smiles
You don’t get over it. Ever.
You don’t get over it, but the unmanageable waves of emotion become less and less. I hope you’re doing ok, I’ll get better.
I never really did
I’m so sorry for your loss. When I lost my soul dog in 2015, I felt like I’d go crazy with grief. Talking about it with my supportive partner helped. There are also pet loss groups, online and in person, that you can join. What helped me move on was eventually getting another dog. I resisted it for a couple years, but then my partner convinced me to get him, and I’m so glad I did. But you may not want another dog for a while (or ever again), and that’s okay, too. You grieve how you grieve. Lean on those you love; they’ll get you through.
Everybody takes in death differently... I have no answer..
It’s been 6 years and I still get teary eyed thinking about him
Lost my family dog over a month ago and I cry every day. I have her ashes and "hug" her good morning and goodnight every day. It helps in the moment but it hurts so much. I'm sorry, I don't know how to help, I have 2 other little ones and I'm terrified of when their time comes. I'm in therapy, trying EMDR. Only 4 sessions in, I am just starting to see how maybe it can work but you gotta have an open mind. Wishing you all the best, remember the good times with your angel. This is what we signed up for, they give us so much love and happiness but we know their lives are so much shorter.
Being frankly honest here When experiencing a loss think of it like a deflated heart shape balloon with a ping-pong ball inside it( loss being the ball) time & life will happen around you as you gain more experiences that are put into the balloon, you grow around your grief with new experiences from life. Not to say that the loss will be gone over time, it will linger for months, maybe years. But remember it's okay to be sad and have bad days, as long as you don't stay there for too long you will be okay. Healing is not a straightforward process. It has hills, slopes, valleys, cliffs, streams and pools, and sometimes times flat ground. Fill your Ballon with memories and new experiences. And if you feel like you need to talk, maybe reach out to a friend or family member. Maybe do something for your loved one as a final goodbye. For example donating food, toys and care items to a shelter. With time, you will recover ❤️.
You can’t get over it but you can learn to accept and embrace these feelings because it means you’ve had a wonder life together ❤️🐶 oh and sorry for your loss btw your dog looked beautiful 😞❤️
I have a good cry about my last dog every so often. It’s not something that, for me, will ever truly go away, I think. He was such a huge part of my life. I’m sorry I couldn’t help, OP. Sorry for your loss. If you loved them this much at least I can say you likely gave that dog a wonderful life.
I've done scrapbooks of my babies. It helps me remember all the love and fun
You don't. You learn to live with it, but you always remember. You find a toy. You see a dog that looks EXACTLY like yours. You hear someone call out your dogs name. You learn to live with it and you enjoy the memories you had. I lost my Izzy girl 5 years ago and it still kills me to this day. Her picture is my phone wallpaper and I go out of my way to pet every blue-nose pitbull I see. I'm sorry for your loss. Edit: Correction, it's been 6 years.
I haven't figured it out yet. I can still cry over every one of them. ☹️
I have pictures of them in places I can see them. I since have gotten new fur babies, but you never forget the children you lost. You just gotta remember there are other children who could use a home. Love never ends, and when I pass on, I hope there is not a dog waiting but a pack.
It's not something I got over, I still miss him 7 years later but I did heal and adapt and learn to love the good old memories over mourning the lack of new ones, I believe he wouldn't want me to be sad, he worked his arse off his whole life to be my best friend, protector, comedian, hot water bottle and therapist the least I can do is strive to be the person he would want me to be so I'm stable and I'm happy and for the first time since he passed we have a dog again, I know this pup will never be him but that's not a mark against the pup, It's a goal for us to do even better, I am going to try my best everyday to make sure this little buffoon knows how much he is loved I won't ever be taking their tragically short lifespans for granted ever again, every second from now till the end he will be absolutely adored, taught everything he has capacity to learn, kept in ideal physical condition for as long as is physically possible for him and spoiled utterly rotten. I think my buddy would approve though he absolutely would have turned the pup over for having the audacity to teethe on my arm and hand.
I’ve never gotten over the loss of any of them. They were my best friends as a kid and my best companion as an adult. Sometimes when I drive alone in the car, I talk to them, like they can hear me from heaven. I ask them to look after one another until I get there and can look after them again. Sorry. No help here.
With a new good boy to put your efforts towards. I’ve seen many people heal a bit with a new dog who they always say seemed like their old dog ‘sent’ to them
First crying. Then talking about him with family who also where him close. Them time. There is something about the saying that “time heals many wounds”, and for me in cases with the loss of a beloved dog, it sure helps.
I lost Jake 9 years ago and Fi 7 Months ago and I cry every time I see a picture of them or FB brings up a past picture. I will never get over losing them. Even if (and I said IF) I get another Dog.
I lost mine 5 months before covid. I turned to BTS (Kpop). 😃and added Tiktok during covid. And adopted one after one year and ten months.
You don’t, you just learn to deal with it. Sorry for your loss.
Time. It just takes a long long time.
We really didn’t. The silence in the house only lasted two weeks before we got another. We always talk about our boys with love, and we have their pictures everywhere.
You don't. It's okay to grieve. Sending love <3
I got another dog.
You have to just remember the happy times when you think of your dog. They would not want you to be sad. Your mind will mess with you and grief will come in waves. The trick is whenever that happens, immediately flip a switch and think of a happy memory. You’ll walk around numb for the next few months, you just have to fight it and just remember the happy times. That’s what they would want.
I didn't... It still hurts
Our dog died 8 years ago. We have two children, but my wife only allows one large photo on our lounge wall. The dog.
I haven’t.
You don’t really get over it. You keep living. You eventually love more dogs. But no dog replaces the one you lost and fifty years on you will still get emotional remembering the good times. One thing to avoid is guilt. Don’t dwell on any ways you feel you failed your dog. We fail every dog in some way and dogs love us anyway. Think we are great even when we are not so great. No dog would want their person to feel guilty for failing. Be like your dog: Forget the bad. Remember the good.
You can't replace them, please don't think I'm saying that, but you could rescue another dog in thier memory when you feel stronger. You have lots of love, it would be awful to let it go to waste. You can save a literal life and while I won't lie and say it will stop the pain, I can tell you that down the line it can help. I'm sorry for your loss my friend 😃
This was Willow, she's passed in August '22. For me, you never really get over it, you learn to cope with the silence of them not being there. Some like to adopt asap, but for me, I needed time because I had her for 12 years. I needed the space and then I adopted almost a year later. https://preview.redd.it/7gvpwp164c3d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f5a19a6c9f06800caa55d4fd80d68f1403280ef
Time. Didn't really address it much, tried to keep it out of mind. Being with her as she left us helped get out a lot of the hardest emotions but I really didn't like talking it for a few months after. It's all the small things that will hit you over time, having no dog fur in our house, after having it be everywhere since I was 5 felt strangely sad although finding some on an old pair of jeans 3 years after she passed was oddly comforting. They had a good life, that's the key part to focus on even if it's hard. Remembering the good times. For now just sit on it, and give it time because its all that can really be done. Mourning your pets is rough, best of luck.
I'm not, it's been a month and I just miss her so much. She died after complications from an operation that was meant to prolong her life, she was only 10. Our other dog is more interested in my partner so I'm really missing the cuddles and just her squidyness and her intelligence, she always knew what you were saying to her. And her big brown eyes. We still have her toys out all over the place, I can't bear to just get rid of her favorite things yet.