Hi mummies pls no nastiness as I was hoping to get some support- I am really struggling after the death of my pet dog.
My sweet little dog, who was rescued from a puppy farm and lived with me for 7 years suddenly died recently. He was not ill leading up, it was a tick (despite being tick treated :( )
Like all good dogs he was loyal, gave wonderful cuddles and was my little shadow. We spent our evenings snuggled together and walked together daily.
Since his death life must go on but at night and due to certain other reminders I become very teary and regularly cry, I miss him a lot. He was a very special part of my life.
I am no stranger to death and have had many profound losses in my life- 3 siblings, my grandparents, a very close uncle and my own pregnancy loss. However with those deaths there was an outpouring of love and support and family gathered around and plenty of people to share the grief (including my dog who always seemed to be there for me!)
But with my dog there is nothing. I have expressed my grief to friends and family to be met with vacant stares and awkwardness. I have been told he was "just a dog" and to get over it. My husband told me to stop blubbering and go get another dog. But I am not ready. I want to mourn my furry friend and I want it to be acknowledged.
I feel like I am carrying this on my own and feel very alone.
Has anyone felt like this after losing a beloved pet?
6 Replies
Yes, just over one week since I had to have my furry friend put down after almost 18 years. My partner understands tho, he is also missing her even though she was my pet and responsibility. It's awful, just mourn your pet in your own way and (as long as it doesn't interfere with work etc) it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
This is a huge fear of mine as my dogs are everything to me. All I can say is I'm so so sorry for the loss of your best little mate. Of course you feel this way, your baby showed you unrelenting love and devotion for 7 long years and never left your side. It will take a while to adjust to life without him.
Unfortunately not everyone can understand the grief or may seem able to cope with it better. That's ok, it doesn't mean there is something wrong with you that you feel this way. I believe it means that you are more aware of just how much love there is (or can be) between us and our animals. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that your grief is very much valid no matter what anyone else says.
In time you will adjust and one day feel ready to offer another chance at life to a dog that is waiting for you.
This made me all teary ? I totally understand. Big BIG hugs to you xoxo
You poor thing I feel for you. I love my dogs as much if not more than humans. They are my family and give nothing but love and happiness. I felt tremendous grief when I lost my first dog. Your feelings are so normal. So sorry you havent received love and support after your loss xx
This sounds like something I would have written a year ago when I lost my beautiful little dog. She was sick her whole life and because of her illness I had such a huge bond with her. She and I were hardly ever apart. My little girl passed away in our backyard, I was the one who found her. I remember that feeling of dread wash over me when I realised she had been quiet for some time, sure enough my worst fears had come true, I started screaming the house down. I was inconsolable for weeks. It felt like nobody else understood my pain. The amount of times I was told "she was just a dog, it's time to move on". I was so angry that not even my husband, who loved her very much, could understand my grief. The fact is, there is no right way or wrong way to handle grief, regardless of whether it's a pet or not. I cried myself to sleep every night for weeks. I had her cremated and she sits on my bedside table in a beautiful box with her photo on it. I talk to her every day. My son is very much the same as me and he still mourns her.
It will take time but I promise it will get easier. We decided to get a dog 3 months after our girl passed away because our house felt so empty. I did feel guilty that I was "replacing" my girl but our new baby has brought us so much joy and we love her just as much as our girl. Her presence in this family has taken a little bit of the pain away.
Last week marked 1 year since her death. I have only just been able to bring myself to properly watch videos we have of her. As a family we lit a candle and said a few words. I've also decided to get a small tattoo of her name and paw print. I know it's not for everyone but this is my way of honouring her memory.
I really wish you all the best. Please know that you aren't alone in feeling this way. Your boy wasn't just a dog. He was your baby. Sending you love and hugs. xo
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I received the following poem from a friend after the loss of my two *kids* and I hope it brings you a little peace. We have lost two pet kids and I still miss them...
The Rainbow Bridge.......There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.