Lost my dog of 11 years yesterday... :~(

Me | 1/5/2022 | MountainWalker

[PghBaldy]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what it is like.

[Bonemaker]

Sincerest condolences. From my own experience I have never experienced a grief as harsh as the loss of a dog.

[Jonny7797]

God bless you. I understand the pain.

We focused on the great life our 15 years old Aussie lived to help deal with the loss. It takes time. Time heals all. It was also nice that we have 2 other Aussies to care for, that also helped a lot.

[rlmorel]

We become so attached to our pets. The do provide things for us that is harder to get from our fellow humans. Most of all, they are there and available all the time for us when we need love and affection. (Most of them, at least)

There are no strings attached (most of the time, and when there are...those strings usually involve food!) with animals, and the love is often unreserved and freely given.

That is a valuable thing, not to be underestimated.

We become so attached to our pets. And when they leave us, as they almost invariably do unless we go first, it leaves a real, black hole in the heart. And the best indicator that this is not a one-way street is when we go first, and the animal shows clearly their heart is broken.

So, we have a two way street.

The pain is real, normal, and it lasts. I had a cat who, against all my better instincts, burrowed its way into my heart, and when he left us, I suffered for some time, going about my daily routines, all the while feeling that terrible emptiness.

My wife, God bless her, just went out one day without asking me and brought home two kittens, two brothers from the same litter, and a day doesn't go by where I don't feel that gratitude to her in my heart, when I don't openly thank her.

You can never replace a loved pet. But you can more easily, over shorter time, be grateful for the time you spent on this world with them, and remember them with a smile rather than pain.

Yes. They are animals. But I believe animals, especially our companions, do have souls. And I believe God unconditionally accepts them all, unlike our relationship with God which has conditions contingent upon us.

As such, they share our time on this world with us, bring us joy, provide us comfort when we need it, and ask so little in return.

My advice would be: Grieve. And bring home a young companion for your older dog who I have no doubt misses its companion. It will do all of you good.

[DallasBiff]

My deepest sympathies. I know it’s very tough.

[max americana]

“Humans don’t deserve dogs.”

Yer’ right.

that’s why I have an aquarium. I dont need to waste my damn time walking a stupid animal EVERY HOUR and picking up their sh*t at the same time.

Imagine that..YOU, THE HUMAN picks up sh*t from a lower species of animal.I’m guessing you know who’s the real “pet” here is right ;)

[GaltAdonis]

The memories -

"Daisy, want to go Swimming????"

She would take off across the yard to the creek and SPLOOSH!!
With no further prompting needed.

Daisy was a black lab. adorable, lovable, playful, loyal - and dumb as a rock.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I feel for you. The pain does pass. But it seems harder because a good dog is a jewel. They don't judge you. They just love you.

I lost my Charlie when he was 19 years old. He was a really tough sonofagun. Same symptoms as you described. We had to do the right thing for him. But it's still hard. But as I said, the pain fades.

Wait a while and then consider your next pooch. We did and we found a treasure. She's now 2 years old and is so faithful to us it's astounding...it has really helped.

Best of luck to you.

[Veto!]

So sorry to hear about losing your precious pet. We all go through that, most of us many times, and it’s always heartbreaking.

I don’t know how old you are, but there are tons of older pets up for adoption.

[peggybac]

I am so, so sorry, and teared up while reading. I put my dementia puppy down the end of September, and his sister last month. I finally quit crying but ache like there’s no tomorrow. Am slowly looking at rescue pups. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

[whinecountry]

Prayers for you as the wife and I have gone through this several times. The only medicine we’ve found to somewhat lessen the pain is to get another rescue.

[The Great RJ]

Our dog of 11 years is still in good health, but we know soon we too will be faced with that decision that it is time for him to go. Tiberius is our first dog and while we have had several cats that we have lost, the relationship with a dog we know is very special and will make that time more difficult. However we still enjoy everyday he is with us. We look forward to taking him to our cabin this summer where he can enjoy the peace of the lake with us.

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

[Churchillspirit]

So sorry for your loss. It hurts like hell, I know. Sully crossed the rainbow bridge and has no pain or discomfort now. Sounds like you gave him all the love and support you could. God bless you. I will pray to St Francis of Assisi to comfort you.

[Hatteras]

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

- Will Rogers

[TexasM1A]

Very sorry to hear it, I lost my 16 year old cat 3 months ago, its like the air got sucked out of my house.
My Condolences.

[OLDCU]

I understand the pain of losing your devoted, faithful friend. Recently lost my 16 yr. old black lab. It was terribly painful, but I had 16 wonderful years God blessed me with her. Prayers up!

[bramps]

I’m very sorry. I think crying is therapeutic. I wouldn’t fight any tears.

[DLfromthedesert]

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. I’ve been there and it is heartbreakingly painful. With time you will remember the good times and smile.

Take solace in the fact that he had a good life because of you. Blessings

[fishtank]

Hello, Losing a good dog is ALWAYS tough.

This song “Goldie’s Last Day” is always on my list when I lose a doggie.

Track 06 “Goldie’s Last Day” - Album “Goldie’s Last Day” - Artist “PFR”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyLTi6dTUB4

P.S. ... and if you recognize the Beatles-Queen mashup in the song, it helps to laugh when you cry.

[Churchillspirit]

Really, Max. On this thread?

Shame !