Man's Best Friend: 5 Considerations for Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Types of Grief and Loss / Types of Grief and Loss : Litsa Williams



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Two weeks ago my husband was playing with our dog, Amos, when he felt a lump - a huge lump - on his side.

this is amos

When I say huge, I mean a humongous golf-ball sized lump that came out of nowhere. Seriously, nowhere; a few days before there was nothing and then suddenly there's this enormous lump.  Now, I'll admit Amos is a lumpy dog.  He's had his fair share of lumps in the past and every time I've spiraled into a panic convinced it is cancer.  But until now every lump has been benign; the result of allergic reactions and fatty tumors, but never the dreaded C word.

When this lump arrived, bigger and faster than ever, I did what any normal, red-blooded American does: I took to Google.  But, in an odd twist of events, everything I found online was so promising and reassuring - something that appears and grows that large that quickly probably isn’t cancer.  Phew!

Between the past benign lumps and the ‘good news’ I received care from Google, I was disturbingly calm.  We went to the vet in the morning, they aspirated the lump, and then we waited.  It was a calm wait, something that felt totally foreign.  It would be fine, I figured.  It always is.  Besides, Google said so and we all know everything on the Internet is true.

Then the vet called and all of a sudden my calm shattered . . . cancer.  The details were fuzzy - they didn't have enough cells to know the type for sure - one possibility was really bad - the other not so bad.  The long and short was that they needed to remove the lump and perform a biopsy to know for sure. 

The irony was not lost on me.  All that anxiety all those other times had been for nothing and then the one time I should have been anxious, the one time it would have been warranted, nothing.  I had been totally calm, no constant sense of dread or chronic pit in my stomach.  Clearly, this is evidence that my anxiety and worry is the only thing protecting me and my loved ones from imminent death and/or cancer.

A few days later we took Amos to have the lump removed and we brought him home with a 7 inch stitched incision.  Then we waiting again for results.  Finally, we received a voicemail: Hemangiopericytoma.  It was the best of all possible bad news.  The best-case-cancer-scenario; if you can ever put ‘cancer’ and ‘good news’ in the same sentence.   The whole tumor was removed with clean margins and this type of cancer has a low rate of recurrence.  No need for puppy chemo or radiation or tough treatment decisions.

When we were finally able to heave a sigh of relief, my husband, who had outwardly been holding it together far better than I had been, said to me, “I really thought the dog was going to die”.  He confessed that he had left work early several days during the week because he couldn’t concentrate and wanted to spend as much time as he could with the dog.

My mind flashed back to a woman who approached us after we spoke at a grief summit several months ago; a grief professional who had lost her husband several years before.  She stopped us to say that her dog had recently died and that she was struggling immensely, that the grief seemed even worse than when she had lost her husband.  Her dog had been her comfort and her companion after her husband's death and now she was left to grieve all alone.

Now, some of you out there are reading this and saying to yourself...these must be crazy dog people.  You know, the pet owners who let their dog sit at the dinner table and keep photos of them in their wallets.   But I assure you, we are normal pet owners - our dog doesn’t even sleep in our bed, much less sit at the dinner table. You have to understand, for many people pets are like family and it hurts to see them suffering and we grieve when they die.

For as many people who don't get it, there are just as many who do, but this divide poses a challenge when a pet is ill, lost, or dies.  On the one hand, there are those people who understand the depths of the loss, on the other, there are those who think you are crazy.  

We've never written about the illness or death of a pet here, in part because there are other people who are already doing it so well.  Just the same, we are going to share a few thoughts about the loss of a pet.  If you're struggling with this type of loss we suggest you go check out our friend Marty over at the Grief Healing Blog for many great articles on pet loss.


Five Considerations for Those Grieving the Loss of a Pet

1.  Some people just won’t “get” it.

They are not worth arguing with. These people will not be particularly supportive, and you will not turn them into a pet person or someone who understands pet loss.  Some people will get it. Focus on those people! You will have friends who understand the pain that comes with pet loss.  Those are the people you want to turn to, not the friend who is saying things like, “well you still have another cat, right?”  Remember what we say about utilizing your support system effectively and just let it go when someone doesn't understand.


2.  Your grief is normal.

You are not crazy! Because pet loss isn't typically acknowledged as significant, it can make us feel abnormal when the pain is so devastating. But the pain is absolutely normal and you have the right to grieve.  Consider some of the reasons why pet loss is so difficult:

  • Your pet is with you every day, for hours a day. I spend more time with my dog than my mom, my sister, or my best friends.
  • People feel protective of their pets. It is the owner's job to take care of an animal.  When they die, despite all the rationality in the world, it can be hard not to feel a sense of failure.
  • Pets love unconditionally. Who else do you know who accepts you 100% for who you are and loves you no matter what?
  • Many times a pet is there to help you through other losses or hardship: they are a comfort when the world is turned upside down and when you feel afraid, sad or alone.  When a pet has always been your comfort in times of pain, it's hard to know where to turn when you now must grieve for the pet.
  • Pets are companions to our loved ones, especially children. Losing a pet can often mean seeing children in the household suffer and grieve, often for the first time.  In addition to your own pain, you also have the pain of seeing your child grieve.

3.  Create a grave marker and/or have a memorial.

This does not have to be a big display if you don't want it to be; I am not suggesting you put it in the paper.  I am suggesting you decide on something small to do, either by yourself or with family and close friends.  If you are burying your animal and plan to have a little stone or marker, you may wish to say a few words.  If your pet was cremated you may wish to have a box with the ashes and photo of the pet and say a few words when you display it.  You may also wish to spread the ashes at a location your pet loved – a park, trail, place to swim, etc.  Rituals are important whether you have lost a pet or a family member.


4.  There will be some especially difficult times.

When you first get home from work and your pet is not there to greet you; first thing in the morning when feeding them is no longer part of your routine (especially if you don’t have another pet); or the time you normally would have taken them for a walk, pet them, or play with them.  Be prepared, the house may feel very empty.  For some, creating a ritual or plan can be helpful during these tough moments.  When my lab Gloria died, I would come straight home and get in the shower, just to have something else to “do” during the time I would have been playing with her when I first got home from work.


5.  Dealing with the “stuff”.

When a person dies we know we will ultimately have to address their many belongings – cars, clothes, homes, etc.  Many underestimate that, though our dog or cat may have had very few belongings, their presence can be very powerful and painful.  The sight of their leash, collar, or empty bowls can be excruciating.   Check out our other posts about belongings for some ideas for dealing with this.

Alright, after you subscribe to receive posts straight to your email inbox go ahead and hug your dog, cat, bird, snake, gerbil, or goldfish.  

We wrote a book!

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After writing online articles for What’s Your Grief for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible, real-life book!

What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss is for people experiencing any type of loss. This book discusses some of the most common grief experiences and breaks down psychological concepts to help you understand your thoughts and emotions. It also shares useful coping tools, and helps the reader reflect on their unique relationship with grief and loss.

You can find What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss wherever you buy books:

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69 Comments on "Man's Best Friend: 5 Considerations for Grieving the Loss of a Pet"

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  1. Amber  August 26, 2023 at 5:54 am Reply

    It’s been two days since I lost my 8 yr old chi he was mauled to death by four big dogs in my front yard. He was my best friend I had him since the day he was born my heart feels empty and crushed. All I can remember is picking him up he was like a deflated balloon his eyes wide open and his teeth showing with lots of teeth marks in his stomach the dogs that killed him live right next door I can’t stand to hear those dogs bark play etc knowing they killed my baby I just don’t know how to forgive myself he was there protect me where was I when he needed me I don’t know what to do I miss him more then words could have say

  2. Sarah  May 13, 2023 at 6:52 am Reply

    As a pet owner, losing a beloved pet can be a devastating experience. If you’re struggling with the pain of pet loss, know that you’re not alone. I recently found a helpful guide at petloss.online that offers practical advice and support for pet owners who are grieving. This resource has been a source of comfort and guidance for me, and I wanted to share it with others who may be going through a similar experience. If you’re looking for ways to cope with pet loss, I highly recommend checking out this guide: http://petloss.online.

  3. Elisha  November 29, 2021 at 10:00 am Reply

    I lost three of my four pets this year. One was the family cat, who had been with my family for 12 years. The other two were my guinea pigs, who I owned personally. They were all taken by illness, the guinea pigs’ more suddenly. My home feels empty without my cat lurking about. It’s getting colder and at this time of year my cat Ariel would be hanging out on top of the radiators, or underneath the Christmas tree. My guinea pigs were my boys. Patrick was the strong silent type. Sam was boisterous and sassy. I miss them all. They were constants in my world and drove me when nothing else could.

  4. Sally Carveth  June 8, 2021 at 7:47 pm Reply

    I have just read this excellent article, 3 weeks after our most beloved greyhound Addi died as a result of a sudden accident. My grief has been overwhelming & I am triggered at various times during the day. I also find myself thinking back to the lead up to her accident & thinking if only I had done something different, so that what happened would have been avoided & she would still be with us. I know that this & all my sadness & grief is completely normal, but its just so hard. I am tearing up as I write this.

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  5. Charmaine  June 8, 2021 at 6:46 pm Reply

    I really needed this today, as I sit here in my car crying my eyes out I decided to check my email and it was this. I have belonged to WYG for quite a long time, when I lost my dog I just felt like if I posted, people wouldn’t get it, and it’s true, there are people who just don’t get it, but there’s also so many who do and I am just very grateful to have got this email today. It’s been almost a year and I still get physically sick when I look at photos and think about him, I still have his bed beside mine, I know I’m not helping the grief process but I just can’t let go. I just still fel so shocked that I’m never going to see h ever again, it still doesn’t feel real 😞

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  6. Pat  June 8, 2021 at 1:24 pm Reply

    I just lost the best dog I have ever known in my 60 years on this earth. He was only 7 years old and had diabetes and went blind about a year ago. His name was Bronco and he was the cutest min pin and full of energy and spunk – always entertaining us. He was also so sweet and loved all of us and anyone he met, including other dogs. Somehow his digestive system failed and he would not eat and got so bad, my wife had to put him down. The worst part for me is that I was out of town and could not get a final goodbye with my little friend. The grief is like nothing I have felt before and I hope I can get over him but everywhere I look, I am reminded of him. I went on our daily walk by myself yesterday and cried the whole time. I don’t think I will ever get over him as he was one of a kind. God bless all who are going thru this kind of pain. This is horrible.

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    • Denise Rae  August 19, 2021 at 7:45 pm Reply

      I am very sorry for your loss as well your wife’s of your sweet kind Pup.
      I too recently said goodbye to my Best friend family of 13 yrs.
      Sunny whom Came into my life in 2009. My ex husband and I adopted him in Pensacola @Escambia Animal Shelter. We actually were on way to buy Fish@ Joe Patti’s fish Market we both said let’s look at Dog:)
      I walk to right of kennels not knowing which Precious Pup I connected to then came to Sunny this beautiful boy Bassett Hound Griffon Vendeen.

      His eyes.

      He was one at this time.

      He is the reason I became Better and he saved me.

      I could write endlessly but my comment to you and others is our Pups our Pets are gifts.

      Healers angels.

      They will forever be near watching over us as God does.
      We have reunions with our Family and Our Pups:)

      Grief is a Force.
      Comes like the waves. And healing memories are comforting

    • James  March 19, 2022 at 9:51 pm Reply

      My dog got stolen 3 year’s old now I’m crying every day there’s not a day goes by every day I really miss her

  7. Anonymous  May 20, 2021 at 12:18 pm Reply

    Does anyone have advise when your partner, in this case my husband just doesn’t understand?

    We lost our family doggy and the grief has been overwhelming, however my husband and I are newly weds and he never understood my bond with our family dog. We lost her a month ago and he was amazing at first even though he didn’t understand he was still there. Recently his mom lost her dad, and he was never close with his grandpa so did not effect him much but suddenly is comparing how she feels and her loss and how my grief is insignificant making moments like “it’s just a dog get over it”. It seems to be brought up out of no where and idk what to do. I tried to tell him not to compare and irsbokay he doesn’t understand but it leads to arguments, most recently call me “fucking regarded for grieving the loss of dog and I’m trying the best I can to go on with my day to day but some days are harder than others. Our doggy was a big part of our family’s life and we love her so much. I know it’s okay to grieve and some people won’t understand and thats okay but how am I the bad guy for grieving?

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    • Denise Rae  August 19, 2021 at 8:09 pm Reply

      I am sorry for your loss…
      I lost my Pup Sunny a family member
      He had been in my life since my Ex husband and I adopted him in 2009
      Sunny was more than the beautiful sweet Boy Basset Hound Griffon Vendeen he was my healing joy Constant Companion
      My now ex Hubby PhD left me and Sunny homeless after I filed for Divorce in 2017.

      It was actually n inadvertent 🎁 Gift.
      Sunny and I made our Humble Home My Mazda 6i
      Enough room plus many many Travels and Adventures
      Endless Walks Dog park time Trails
      Survived a CAT 3 Hurricane after 12 yrs in Pensacola FL
      First hurricane since 2004
      I knew exactly where to hunker down the three decker Hospital Garage on third level

      We parked there on roof over two years
      Sunny was a Happy kind loving Dog
      He ended up with Nasal respiratory Illness this year in April the test concluded cancer.
      He was suffering for 5 months with Antibiotics and Steroids to Help.

      Said goodbye until I see him again

      Reunions are real
      Hope and our memories are what we have of our friends our sweet Pups:)

      Lastly.

      Your new Hubby is cold.

      He will let you down…
      He needs therapy

      Advice to you. Grieve for your Pup.
      And Divorce now.

      Think of the Dynamics…if you are able to have children and lost a Baby… which I did second born 20 yrs ago…someone very close to me said the words of a ruthless Cold-hearted human..
      Get over it.
      Thankfully the Family that told me to get over the death of my second son a newborn Within a week…Ha.
      They became my ex inlaws and happy they are not in my life.
      Advice your not going to like.
      Move on. Pray for God to give you strength to end the marriage

      He called you retarded which is sick ignorant and hateful.

      He is obviously a Moron.
      Not retarded just evil.

      Your needing a loving Man in your future whom loves you grieves with you and loves Pups…
      Red flags are signs to get out now

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  8. Zoe Campos  December 4, 2020 at 9:01 am Reply

    Thanks for letting me know that some people will still get and understand my grief. My dog is on his deathbed and I’m still having a hard time letting him go. It would probably be better to let him run free and look for clinics that can put my pet to permanent sleep.

    https://agiftofpeace.com/cost-of-services-1

    • IsabelleS  December 4, 2020 at 1:49 pm Reply

      Zoe, I completely understand how difficult it is to lose a pet. It truly is like losing a best friend. I also get how hard it can be to let go, even when you know that that’s what’s best. You’re not alone in this.

  9. Janet  May 1, 2020 at 7:42 pm Reply

    Thank you for this post. Our 13-year old beagle mix had a seizure 8 weeks ago, and was fine until last Saturday when he had two in one day. He went to the emergency vet for 2 nights/1 day, put on anti-seizure meds and new food. That day he had two more and we knew that given the 90% likelihood it was a brain tumor, those meds and food weren’t going to do a thing – it progressed too quickly. On Monday night we took him to the emergency vet again for his final rest, and during our last walk he seized in a cold parking lot. We knew we made the right choice. I’d give anything to see him be “him” again but I know that would’ve made it even harder. My husband and I have been breaking down randomly, every time we see a hair in our food (we will never get rid of it all, I’m certain) and have to pick up our own crumbs. Having an anxious dog meant everything we did was for him – get home on time, walk on schedule, etc. Such an “inconvenience” yet we’d give anything to have it back. We’ll get through this – thought the last 3 days with him were horrible, we have 10 years of love and wonderful memories.

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  10. David  April 8, 2020 at 3:24 pm Reply

    I just lost my “little bother” & best friend Louie. a cat, early this morning to cardiac arrest as repeted resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful He was being treated for A very rare cancer for cats call multiple myeloma that came out of nowhere two months ago, And in the last two weeks can you disease all of a sudden started showing up in addition to his lifelong EBD whic and in the last two weeks can you disease all of a sudden started showing up in addition to his lifelong IBD which has always been successfully kept under control . He quit having bowel movements after March 26 and then being treated for it started becoming unstable aoff and on the last 48 hours. The chemo was working very effectively controlling the cancer and sending it into remission Louie is 17 yrs 5 months old. With being an indoor cat, receiving yearly and after turning 10 bi yearly wellness exams & teeth cleanings I really thought he had a good chance of making it into his early 20’s. I’m really devastated that he wasn’t able to die at home peacefully in my arms instead of s hospital alone with strangers. I’ve been down this road before and I understanding I’ve lost the equivalent of a child. Louie is all I have in this world and I’m just tired of death, disease and suffering in this world and I’n tired, tired of suffering and pain.?In the last 6 yrs I’ve had a brother die of early onset Parkinson’s and ’14, a sister in law of early dementia. in ‘15, being diagnosed with bladder cancer in ‘16 and a reoccurrence in ‘17, and just this last 8 months my nephews cat, my nieces dog, & 2 friend s cats have died. Louie was so loving & caring when I would come from the 21 immunotherapy treatments and required to lay still in bed for 2 hours each time, Louie would always faithfully lay on a leg and part of my stomach the entire time and never move. In July ‘18 when I came from a in the middle of the night emergency appendectomy he was right there waiting for me at home and when I Laid down in bed with still a lot of pain he immediately got up on the bed and lay down next to me without moving for about four hours I was able to get up. When I was watching A ball game on TV and something really took me off or if I got mad with what’s going on in the world watching the news you could always come over lay down on my lap on the sofa start purring basically saying I’m gonna calm you down Like all of you I could go on and in definitely about Louie, but I do have to tell you I’m getting tired really tired of all the death and suffering in pain in the world and I’m getting tired of being in it. I’ve been cancer free for three years now, but I’ve made the decision not to go back for any more regular check ups and if I ever get it again no treatments, I’m just tired of this world and all this pain from death and I’d much rather be with Louie, my family members and my other pets in heaven. I’m sure a lot of you haven’t gotten there yet or don’t understand, but if you have enough things happen to you or if you’re around long enough, you just eventually run out of the “life juice“ and had enough, I’m all alone, Louie is my family. I’ve given of myself all my adult life through teaching, coaching, rescuing and caring for vulnerable homeless animals, hurting people, and I’m tired, really really tired and want out of this place.

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    • Denise Rae  August 19, 2021 at 8:22 pm Reply

      David.
      I am truly sorry for all you’ve endured.
      Louie:(
      He is still with you. He is from God.

      Don’t give up.
      God has plans even now when the world is dying.

      Our beloved families and Cats and my Pup Sunny whom just passed in April of a cancer nasal respiratory
      He was 13 a beautiful Sweet boy
      Basset Hound Griffon Vendeen
      I adopted him in 2009.
      My now ex husband John was in the picture then and we took him home from Escambia Animal Shelter.
      He was a gift from above.
      God knows the souls and companions we need.

      Louie is near still.
      And reunions are coming.

      Don’t give in the towel.

      Feel Louie’s closeness now.

      He wants you to continue living until God decides your final day.

      Xxxx
      Love and hugs David.

      Denise

  11. William M.  March 29, 2020 at 5:20 pm Reply

    I just lost my cat Sweetie yesterday. I had her euthanized as she was suffering from a myriad of health ailments. Now I am suffering from all of the feelings that I have read about. Wondering if I did the right thing, at the right time, the inevitable guilt feelings that follow euthanasia. Sweetie had been a young feral cat when my Father and I brought her into our home. She turned out to be exactly as her name implies, a real Sweeite. I feel bad because she was only 12 years old, which I don’t feel is very old for an exclusively indoor cat, but I guess it can happen at any age. I miss her immensely already, and I’m sure I’m in for some intense grieving. Her ties to my Father only make things worse as he passed only about a year after we brought her in. I’m checking out the grief advise sites no the internet, hopefully they will help me to deal with this loss.

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  12. Kevin Ringstaff  March 12, 2020 at 4:54 am Reply

    Pet loss is one of the most painful experiences we can face. Not only have we lost our companion and friend, but often times we also lose the only constantly positive support and comfort we have in our lives.

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  13. Sarah  October 30, 2019 at 2:40 am Reply

    It’s been almost 2 years since my Springer spaniel, Buddy passed. He had always had little benign lumps, we could feel all around his tummy. It was never anything the vet said to worry about. The one thing we didn’t consider was that there was a lump inside of him. The autopsy said that he had a tumour in is brain and it had been developing for only a couple months.
    I was celebrating new years (2017-2018) with my friend and I can remember hearing whimpering from upstairs, but I didn’t think much of it. My dad took buddy to the vet and he texted me that something was wrong later I went upstairs to ask my dad if he wanted to celebrate with us but when I saw him he was sitting in his chair. I think I knew what had happened but I asked anyways. I asked where’s buddy? And my dad told me that buddy wouldn’t be coming home.
    I remember the first week being an absolute trainwreck for me. It was pain and grief I’ve never experienced before. I couldn’t stop thinking about the what ifs and the facts. I never got to say goodbye to buddy. The last time I saw him was after I helped clear the dinner table. He didn’t make it to 2018. Just a mere hour away. There was one on call vet (who would want to work a midnight shift on New year’s?), And he said that buddy’s condition was deteriorating very fast, and he would have to perform surgery to try and find what the problem was. Even then he didnt think there was a high chance of survival. My dad made the decision to put him to sleep. In was there until the very end. Buddy knew he was loved.
    My dad told me that it hurts and it will hurt for a bit. But it will get better with time. There will be times when I’m older that I’ll think about him and feel similarly, but all I can do is try to keep the memory of buddy happy in my mind instead of him in pain.
    Anyways, it’s been over a year, and I don’t think about Buddy everyday anymore. I came across a photo of him as a puppy and broke down. It feels like he died just yesterday. I miss him. I wish I could throw his ball and cuddle him one more time or hear his bark. I feel like it’s wrong to feel this intensely about his death because it’s going to be 2 years this December. Regardless I’m sad thinking about him being gone. And I know that’s okay 🙂

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  14. Sandy  October 10, 2019 at 2:58 pm Reply

    Hi my name is Sandy. My long haired dachshund girl went to sleep 2 weeks ago.. she had bladder cancer and although we tried forever to fix it it, it was time. Gem was17 a fighter and cheerful to the end, our vet confirmed that that Gem would have suffering in the near future. So we let her go. I am guilty that we killed her, she trusted me to look after her….I let her down.

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    • Toby  December 24, 2019 at 6:57 pm Reply

      You didn’t kill her. You let her go peacefully, with dignity and respect. Don’t ever think that you killed her.

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  15. Keven  August 8, 2019 at 6:06 pm Reply

    I lost my beloved 11 year old adorable Chihuahua, Chelsey suddenly 2 days ago. We had lived with her congestive heart disorder (daily medication at regular intervals) for a couple of years and I knew she would be taken from me sooner rather than later. But….. it happened in under two hours from breathing problems to her passing. I feel like I have had my insides ripped from me. After she passed I held her in the emergency vet and didn’t to let her go. I have nursed her from a puppy and she was my constant (I have worked from home for the past 9 years) and spent every possible moment sat next to me, or waiting for me to arrive. Unconditional love from her and towards her. I am utterly lost without her presence, smell and needs. I have another dog (who my daughter dotes on) and am finding it very hard to be around him as it is a constant reminder of my loss. My wife is sad but secretly feels it is an opportunity for us to focus on other things – and I feel angry inside for that. I know the pain of her loss will diminish but right now I am devastated and it is going to be a long journey. I have never felt this pain for any living thing in my life. I am 50. I never got to say “goodbye” and I want her to know she was/is the best friend I ever had and I loved her with all my heart.

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    • Karen  August 23, 2019 at 7:57 am Reply

      My sweet 13 yr old dog Sami also died 3 days ago and I feel the worst pain I have ever felt in my 51 yrs of life. She was also on 13 meds a day plus insulin injections twice a day. I left my job to stay home with her the last 2.5 yrs.
      What do you do and how do you cope with this?? It is unbearable.

      1
      • Keven  October 7, 2019 at 1:25 pm

        Karen, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope the past weeks have been gentle on you and friends and family are understanding your grief and separation. Yesterday represented two months since Chelsey passed and it’s been a very difficult period. I wish I could say “time heals” (and I am sure time does indeed lessen the loss) but how do you replace “irreplaceable”? I have gone from counting days, to weeks and now monthly. But I still do not feel remotely interested in learning to “move on” from my soul-mate. I came back to the webpage today as a mark of respect to yesterday’s “anniversary”. The best I prepare for is adjusting to a new “normality” without her. I wish I could say more to alleviate your journey……every one of ours is a unique process. The following have helped me and I include as follows for your consideration. Write a letter saying everything you would have done so had you had the chance. Put up some photos (I hesitated as I thought the pain would be too much, but seeing her helped me). Engage your family in conversation about her too. Keeping Chelsey in the present helps me to bridge the distance time is creating. And cry. Lots. Whenever you feel like it. Good luck to you and all animal lovers of the world. x

        In memory of Chelsey. xx

        – which at times feels a lonely one

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    • Toby  December 24, 2019 at 7:01 pm Reply

      Keven, make no mistake… Chelsey knew you loved her. Even if you didn’t get to say goodbye, she knew that. There’s no way she didn’t.

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      • Keven  August 6, 2020 at 11:11 pm

        Thank you Toby. I revisited the website today on the exact same day of Chelsey’s passing a year ago. It’s been a hard year – the quickest and slowest – of my life. I keep her urn next to a framed photo, and pick flowers daily from the same garden she loved, to place next to it, in our/her home. My daughters also do so on their own initiative and it helps to know the family all carry her inside them. I am sure she is with us in many ways, through a lot of the “coincidences” this past year that have signposted this. I feel privileged to have shared our bond and the memory of that now drives me to be the very best version of what I can be. Even now this incredible, patient and unconditionally loving friend I had/have is still giving me more than I could ever ask her for. To her continued cherished memory, and to everybody on a journey of grieving a loss of an animal soulmate, may life be kind to you.

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  16. Aaron  July 25, 2019 at 5:04 am Reply

    I had to say goodbye to my almost 12 year old Dobe Samson today. Ifound this page and the first coment I read was of someone who had lost their “Samson”… As I buried my face in his neck I could feel the piece of my heart I was about to leave behind breaking away as he took his last breath. I had literally been his full time carer for the last 3 months but last night it was obvious to me that he would only be suffering from that point until I let him go. I spent the night on the couch with him and all I can do is ride this wave of pain and grief caused by the gaping hole in my life and in my heart. Peace and love to all who endure this, its a terrible hwy to travel for however long it lasts. It took me 9 years to get over my first “Juno”…Samson was my saviour after Juno.

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  17. Dorothy Stanley  July 10, 2019 at 8:43 pm Reply

    I lost by baby 2 days ago. Samson was my family from the start. He was 15 years old. He was the sweetest most loveable dog. He was fine one day and then he went into heart failure. I am so heart broken. I just want my boy back. I don’t know how to be at home without him now.

    1
    • Samantha Harlow McGinnis  July 13, 2019 at 9:33 pm Reply

      Please know that you are not alone. Our 4 year old Lhasa was killed in a road abuser accident last Sunday (7th July). This week has been so hard. We are absolutely drained, devestated and miss her so much but we know that in time, these feelings will become easier to manage. You won’t ever forget your special baby but one day you will be able to look back on your memories with a fond heart and smile. Take care .

      • Jacqueline ryan  July 22, 2021 at 1:13 pm

        This is helping me recover from my loss of my dear oogie of 12 years.

  18. Donnnie  April 4, 2019 at 2:47 pm Reply

    I lost “my Bestfriend/4 legged ex wife” of 10 years on her birthday. She was the sanity in my life she was the happiness in my darkest moments and losing her made me snap from the grieving. Day by day by hour I wanted to give up on a lot of things that we did but I had just been trying to get my friends who don’t understand advice a chance. But sadly I got worse it’s been two year mark April 1 and I still think and hold on to her every thinking moment. I hope everyone can find a way to start filling that gap in your heart ♥️ and one day I hope I can too

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  19. Lawrence  March 27, 2019 at 12:54 am Reply

    Cool stuff to check out – Thanks!

  20. Vu Trinh  February 6, 2019 at 7:24 pm Reply

    Hi everyone, i find this article when I am struggling to cope with the sadness of leaving my lovely bird. One of my friend rescue him/her, but He unable to take care for him/her so I take over because I have another rainbow lorikeet. I am just with a thought they would make a good companion so I brought him/her home with my bird. They became absolutely lovely couple: kissing, playing talking all the day. Yesterday, I left the door open as usually he/she went out as usual, but when i call her back for the food he/she didn’t come back, he/she flew around few times before went to a high tree near my house, I try to persuade he/she to come back. He/She did like these few time before, but this time he/she had never come back. I think he/she might find his/her old friend in the area so he/she went with them. I know it is good for him/her because it is where he/she belonging to. But I still feel very sad, me and my bird missing he/she so much, we just don’t know what to do :((.

  21. Len Claus  February 5, 2019 at 11:19 pm Reply

    I am a 65 yr old male and have lost my 3 1/2 yr old dog to vaccine induced IMHA. She was totally healthy and active until her yearly booster shot at which time her own immune system began attacking her red blood cells. She was my 24/7 dog, my friend and my life. The pain and agony will not stop. The heart ache is unbearable.

    You think your doing the right thing and you end up killing your own dog. So there is guilt as well.
    She died Christmas day (2018) after 4 days in ICU.

    Her name was Liberty (www. vaccine induced diseases in dogs.com)

  22. Derreck D  January 15, 2019 at 9:59 am Reply

    I lost my baby yesterday. His name was Harley. I had him for 9 years he was my everything and I was his. He would have depression and anxiety when i left him alone. If I had to work out of town he wouldnt eat. I miss him so much. Hes been sick with liver failure for a year and I just didn’t have the money to fix him and it hurts me so so much … I regret not being able to keep him alive longer but yesterday I was in the restroom he walked in and fell straight at my feet. He had a stroke and died right there and the worst part is I was on my phone and did not get to look him in the eyes before he left. He came to me because he knew he was going and to tell me bye.i miss him so much I just dont know what do . I just pray there is a heaven and a place where we will meet again.

    • Linda  June 12, 2019 at 2:00 am Reply

      I lost my 12 year old cocker spaniel yesterday,she died of a stroke, just the day before she was. Ok! She had slowed down , but we contributed it to her being a senior! It was so hard,there was nothing I could have done! I had no insurance,and it hurts inside that I didn’t take better care of my best friend!I am disabled,she was my truest friend! Her favorite song Was Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton,she would howl every time she heard it! My baby suffered,and now she’s in a place where she’s no longer in pain,I am at peace knowing that!! Lizzy ,Thank you for being my best friend,and leaving so many memories for me to treasure!

  23. Tricia Pell  December 27, 2018 at 1:00 am Reply

    We just had to put our darling cat, Buffy, down on the 23rd of December.

    We adopted him over 14 years ago. Neither my husband or I had ever owned a cat. My 3 year old daughter (at the age of his adoption) was infatuated with cats. We were going to get her one for her 4th birthday but ended up with him a couple months early because we found him at an adoption day at a local pet store and he was perfect.

    As a kitten loved to play fetch, which the vet assured us was not a cat “thing”. He actually asked me if I had ever had a cat or only dogs. 😀

    My daughter would dress him up in doll clothes which we wouldn’t have let her do if we thought it bothered him, but it didn’t. He loved any and all attention. He would come when we call, wait at the window for us to get home, and greet us at the door when we got home.
    When we first brought him home he would nibble on my neck after my husband went to sleep, almost like he thought I was his girlfriend but knew that I was married. LOL!

    He was the perfect, sweet companion. He loved everyone that came into the house. Unlike pets you will shut behind doors when a maintenance person came to the house, there was no need to lock Buffy out. In fact, it was such a delight for him to be able to meet people.

    It wasn’t often that he even slept when we were home. If we were awake, he wanted to be awake and around us. He would always lay on the couch by our heads or between us on the cushions if we were home.

    For the past several months he had lost quite a bit of weight and, being that he wasn’t showing any signs of pain, and that he was an older cat, we didn’t want to pay expensive, diagnostic tests so we just kept an eye on him, changed his diet to soft foods, and watched for signs of decline and/or pain. He began to not be able to jump up on the couch but would lay on the floor by my husband’s feet.

    Sunday morning his legs weren’t working well. We went to church and to dinner and were worried about him the whole time. We came back and he was really struggling and we knew it was time to take him in, as much as the whole family was ugly crying and just not ready.

    The emergency vet we used couldn’t have been better. They did just a couple of tests to make sure there wasn’t anything they could do to help. They brought him out to me in a blanket because he didn’t want to go back in the carrier (my daughter had carried him in a blanket for the 1/2 hour drive there and we put him in the carrier just to bring him inside. We didn’t want him in distress inside the carrier). They had a tiny iv in his arm and it was in a blue bandage with a purple heart on it. They said he didn’t have any problem with the test and just wanted to be petted (as usual). They brought him out to me in a blanket because he didn’t want to go back in the carrier (again, very typical to just want to be with people…anyone).

    They diagnosed him with end-stage kidney failure. After the brief testing, and going over everything with us, they supported us, walked us through everything, and they even asked us if there was anything they could bring him. My husband asked for fresh water because he hadn’t had anything to drink and absolutely loved drinking water right out of the faucet or fresh from the tap. The ended up bringing him water and a plate with squeeze/spray cheese, tuna fish, and treats. He stood right up and ate the cheese like he hadn’t eaten for days. It was such a blessing to see him so happy. He got very tired, though, and it was time to let him go. The vet comforted us and given the horrible situation, it couldn’t have been better (if you know what I mean).

    His passing was peaceful. He was surrounded by my husband, my daughter, and me. They made prints of his paws for us which is so sweet and sad.

    It has been so hard to come home and not have our greeter at the door. It’s been quiet and lonely. How can one little “fuzz butt” make such a difference in your whole life?

    My daughter doesn’t remember life without him here. Frankly, I hardly do either.

    We are missing our little buddy tremendously. We have another cat at home and while she’s lovable and sweet, she just isn’t like he was. She cuddles with us when she wants to climb up. He cuddled with us all the time. She chooses when she wants to be around. He never wanted to be away from us.

    It feels sad and lonely and just plain odd to not have him in our house. Thanks for letting me share my story about my perfect Buffy cat.

    • Ned  September 1, 2019 at 4:16 am Reply

      I’m so sorry about the loss of your boy. I had to search for a forum because I feel like I can’t go on without my boy. We had to say goodbye 3 days ago and I’m absolutely heartbroken. I feel like I am getting deeper into a hole. I miss everything about him, he was cuddly, he followed me everywhere and slept with me every night. He was 3 months off his 14th birthday. He had been turned off his food and been vomiting for a number of days then I had the courage to take him to the vet. After ultrasounds and xrays he had tumors around his heart and it was spreading rapidly to other organs. The vet said it was best if my boy Harry went to sleep. I was not ready but we gave him loads of kisses and cuddles before he went to sleep. I’m devastated. I miss him so so much. He’s buried in our garden in his favourite spot but I still find it hard to visit his little grave.Will it get easier over this loss? I don’t want to feel like this forever.

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  25. Dan Green  October 29, 2018 at 11:18 pm Reply

    I lost my cat two days ago. I live alone and work from home, she was the only thing that kept me from going crazy. She’d get in my face and make me pet her, I got at least ten minutes of quality quiet time, just petting her. Thankfully, my sister has more cats than me and understands very deeply the sense of loss I feel. It’s very difficult, though. My bad habits have grown worse, and I don’t have time for therapy. It often feels like I’m climbing a mountain just to get up in the morning. Two of my friends have told me it was nothing to grieve about, and I’ve shut them out. I don’t need that negativity right now.

    I hope I start getting better soon.

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  27. J  September 24, 2018 at 9:02 pm Reply

    I lost my Bruce (great dane/pit mix) about 4 days ago. The way he passed was something out of a horror movie. Seven years wasnt long enough for me. He was my soul mate. Im completely lost. It doesn’t seem to be getting any better. My other fur babies are all grieving. I pray it gets better for all of us missing our babies.

  28. Patricia DeWald  September 20, 2018 at 9:52 am Reply

    I have loved and lost many pets through the years. After the first died I also said I’d never have another pet. I just couldn’t go through this grief again. But I finally realized that my deceased cat would never have wanted this for me. She wanted another cat to enjoy the same life with me as she had. I think it also helps to not dwell on their final moments of life. We humans tend to “re-live their passing” over and over again. Wouldn’t our pets rather be remembered for the happy, healthy times than their final exit? It’s such a small percentage of our lives together. I’ve gone on to adopt other pets, not as replacements, but to help fill the vacuum left in my heart. No pet is ever the same, no love is ever the same, but it’s a treasured experience that I couldn’t live without.

  29. Lena  July 10, 2018 at 1:20 pm Reply

    I’ve lost my favourite cat of 6 years 7 months ago. I lost another one (barely 3 months old) today… I’m not even sure how to cope with it anymore. It’s gotten to the point I no longer want any pets. I don’t want to go through this again…

  30. Lisa  April 8, 2018 at 2:36 pm Reply

    After the loss of a pet, or anyone significant in your life, absolutely everything brings some kind of memory. Thankfully (I know from experience), it DOES get better with time. It never feels like it will at the time, but it does.

  31. Lisa  April 8, 2018 at 2:36 pm Reply

    After the loss of a pet, or anyone significant in your life, absolutely everything brings some kind of memory. Thankfully (I know from experience), it DOES get better with time. It never feels like it will at the time, but it does.

  32. Jeanne Young  February 10, 2018 at 1:58 pm Reply

    Thank you so much for this post. My two cats were a tremendous source of support and comfort for me when my parents were ill and passed away these last few years. One of my cats passed last year. The other passed last night. This latest loss feels the most crushing. Today there was no loving being here when I got home and needed comforting. I have a lovely human support system (a few per havers who understand, too) but there is something so special about the unspoken support of just being together in the comfort of a loving animal friend. It was my honor to comfort her these last few weeks as her health declined and these last few days as her body failed. My animal friend who always comforted me is not here to offer comfort and her loss is compounded. I know not everyone understands, and that’s OK. I’m grateful for those who do and for this safe space to share <3

  33. Jeanne Young  February 10, 2018 at 1:58 pm Reply

    Thank you so much for this post. My two cats were a tremendous source of support and comfort for me when my parents were ill and passed away these last few years. One of my cats passed last year. The other passed last night. This latest loss feels the most crushing. Today there was no loving being here when I got home and needed comforting. I have a lovely human support system (a few per havers who understand, too) but there is something so special about the unspoken support of just being together in the comfort of a loving animal friend. It was my honor to comfort her these last few weeks as her health declined and these last few days as her body failed. My animal friend who always comforted me is not here to offer comfort and her loss is compounded. I know not everyone understands, and that’s OK. I’m grateful for those who do and for this safe space to share <3

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  35. Shawn  August 20, 2017 at 10:09 pm Reply

    Thank you Deb. It has gotten better. Bear is home sitting above my fireplace and I know he is there. I see cloud formations all thd time that look like him so he is telling me he is there. I just look up and smile and tell hkm I see him and that I love him and will see him soon. You always know that day will come when theg leave you so you dont think about it and ignore it cause it scares the crap out of you. But he knows what J was feeling and he has given me the signs to lessen the pain. It still hurts like hell, but I know he is there. I draw his face now on all my bolf balls now to mark them. I do whatever helps. Thank you again fof replying. I really appreciate it.

    • Deb  August 21, 2017 at 2:34 pm Reply

      Isn’t that a wonderful thing, Shawn — you had already intended to “look up in the sky…” so Bear knew that and therefore sent you signs exactly where you’d be sure to look! 🙂 (isn’t Spirit just brilliant?!)
      I, too, experienced several cloud formations that looked JUST like my own furgirl, and always precisely when my heart and soul were feeling EXTRA bereft…once they were even passed onto me by another person (who knew of my girl’s story and my pain), having taken 2 pictures of these cloud images and posting them online for me.
      Our loved ones will always find a way to connect with us, as long as we remain ready and even just a wee bit open-minded enough to notice. As one of Wayne Dyer’s book title’s says, “you’ll see it when you believe it.” But I’d even add, you might also see such signs UNTIL you “believe it” / in them! I’m very glad what you’re seeing AND doing for yourself is aiding you in your grief. Hang in there.

  36. Shawn  July 14, 2017 at 2:31 am Reply

    I had to put my Bear (chow) down 2 days ago. I was hoping that if i googled how to cope with losing man’s best friend, Iwould find something that would comfort me and I am very thankful for finding this blog. After reading all your posts and responses, I feel like I found a place to express my excrutiating grief. I had Bear since he was exactly 2 months old and I had to put him down 14 years, 3 months, and 11 days later. I was already in tears the morning watching him from above the stairs sleeping so sound and peacefully. I called my boss to let him know I had to take my bubba to the doctor and that I would probably not be in that day. He heard the cry in my voice and said I hope everything goes okay. This is the first time I have ever had to do this and the pain I imagined, hoping that would prepare me for the worst, was the size of an ant compared to the size of an elephant, which was what i felt that day. It would have been more comforting to have been eaten by a shark alive then to have gone through that. I saw it coming a couple nights before and I prayed each night for God to take him in his sleep when he was ready. It still would have hurt like hell to have lost him passing in the night while he was dreaming of chasing bunnies, but having to pull the trigger and take him in, fearing the end result, has turned my life a complete 180. It took every ounce of my emotional being to not pick him up and just take him back home. The tears and mucas falling from my face was like a severe thunderstorm and there was no use wipping because it would not cease. I must have told him 1000 times I loved him before the final injection. I told the vet he has one of the strongest hearts and souls in any living creature. it took 2 doses of the serum because his heart wouldnt stop after the 1st one. I looked at her and told her “I told you his heart was strong!” After it was over, I picked him up from the carpet he was laying on and brought him back to the room where they prep for cremation and laid him on the table. I told him I loved him one more time, probably a few times, grabbed his face and planted one more kiss on his mouth. I remember every moment of that process so vividly and it was the absolute worst thing anyone has to go through. My kid and my best friend are gone now and it has turned my entire life a 180. Everything I eat, when I can eat, tastes like crap. I am a huge Clash of Clans player and now thats no interest. Nothing is funny or interesting and I just find myself pacing the house when I get home after work feeling empty inside. I realize time will be the only thing that will lessen the pain and I realize it will never fully go away. I agree with Deb wholeheartedly…They are not “LIKE” family members, they ARE your family, they ARE your best friend, they ARE your true love. There is no comparing them to anything of nature…they just ARE. I am scared to stop feeling like this, for the fact he will might think I am over him and have moved on. Right now that’s not even an option if I wanted it it to be. I am wrting a poem for him to post in Facebook. I never go on that site anymore to post, but I want the entire world to know how great he is/was. I told him everyday how muched I loved him and it feels like it wasnt close to enough. I wanted to do more. I was his protector and he was mine. It just really hurts like no pain I havd ever experienced. He is and will always be my true love till the day I die. And one day he will great me at Heaven’s gates. Until then my friend, I will look up in the sky each and everyday and tell you how much I love you and miss you! Even if no one reads this, it was comforting to express this on your blog. Thank you again for making it available.

    1
    • Deb  July 14, 2017 at 6:08 pm Reply

      Shawn, your love for Bear is tangible in the telling of your story, and I can relate to that feeling of not wishing to have that excruciating pain leave, as if that means you’ve “moved on,” as if that would somehow dilute your love. But trust me, NOTHING short of maybe Alzheimer’s or some condition like that beyond your control, could lessen or dissipate such a great love. Nothing. Not even time. Even IF the pain goes away entirely and all you’re left with IS the love. Love is not merely a feeling but a CHOICE, and that choice is always available.

      In my experience though, for most people, the pain of loss never completely leaves, it just softens to a less excruciating level, and to feeling more bearable, over time AND with the appropriate grief-work in tandem. Also, it has been my experience many times now, that my furbabies always KNOW how I’m feeling, even many years after their transitions, and even if how I’m feeling isn’t directly related to their passings. They always show up and support me, by giving me signs that they’re still with me, still loving me, still caring about me. That of course gets me missing them more all over again!, but at least I know our souls are still irrevocably connected and cannot be torn asunder.

      So I believe your “true love” status will always be so, and Bear will know precisely how you’re doing, and will always be able to experience all the love behind your pain. As is said, the measure of your pain is ALSO the measure of your love — just different sides of the same coin. And whatever times you can manage to live without that agony, to whatever degree, that love will simply shine brighter and Bear will feel that, too. I consider it rather a “can’t really lose either way” formula, for which I’ve become very grateful.

      My sincere condolences to you in especially these early days, which certainly ARE “elephants,” as you say. But your poetical tribute to your Bear is a wonderful idea for your healing, and I wish you every good thing with that endeavor.

    • Shawn  August 20, 2017 at 10:04 pm Reply

      Thank you Deb. It has gotten better. Bear is home sitting above my fireplace and I know he is there. I see cloud formations all thd time that look like him so he is telling me he is there. I just look up and smile and tell hkm I see him and that I love him and will see him soon. You always kbow that day will come when theg leave you so you dont think about it and ignore it cause it scares the crap out of you. But he knows what J was feeling and he has given me the signs to lessen the pain. It still hurts like hell, but I know he is there. I draw his face now on all my bolf balls now to mark them. I do whatever helps. Thank you again fof replying. I really appreciate it.

      Shawn

    • Mandy  March 7, 2019 at 9:20 pm Reply

      Shawn,

      On the 22nd of december i made the hardest desision of my life when i decided today was the day that my baby Boris could not go on, he had been living with bone cancer for 10 months. A week before i had been at a friends house and one of her chickens had walked into the room and he did not move, my Boris was a full on hunter and lived to hunt. He was a very handsome german wire haired pointer. I knew in my heart that he was i pain but i did not want to let him go, I preyed that he would go in his sleep on a night dreaming, but he was so strong and and had always been so fit. The cancer was in his shouder bone and his leg would shake when we walked, but he was so staunch he did not want me to see he was in pain, the lump was so big he banged in to the door frames when he was walked. The day i called the vets to come to the house haunts me, i dont know why i done it, i wish i had not, i wish i would have let him have another week, another month who knows. The vet told me the cancer had gone to his lungs. I lay on the floor with him and huged him and sobbed like i have never sobbed i was close to vomiting, just as the vet went to intect him i shouted for her to stop that i could not do it, all this time Boris just lay there and looked at me, he was so calm, he trusted me so much, we had spent 13 yeear together from him being 6 weeks weeks old, we were each other best mates. I sobbed more and said to the vet to go and she did, the smell of the injection was a suprise to me and Boris done three big breaths like he was breathing me in, i looked into his eyes and hated that i could see the life leaving him, it was the biggest regret of my life, how could i decided the last breath of my mate. When we picked him up and his head flopped i could bearly stop my legs from going out under me, I put him in the van and sobbed more. When i walked back into the house and could see his foot prints in the carpet it broke me. Everyday i miss him, i have not been out to any of our walking / hunting spots. i talk to him still, he never did answer me back anyway. i feel what you are going through it is the worst pain. I loved my boy, i love my boy.

  37. JOSEPH J NAAS  June 16, 2017 at 3:56 pm Reply

    One more thing . . .I have to tell you that one of the ways that I coped with all that loss was via photography and quotes. Every month for a year I would put together a “collage” of photos along with a meaningful quotes or lyric that I was especially moved by or feeling at the time. I then posted it on Facebook to my friends who knew what was going on and their responses were a big help. Now you don’t have to post on social media but you may want to share with family members or friends so that they can understand what you are going through and how you are feeling.. Their responses may surprise. you. It was sorta cathartic for me, I hope something like this can be for you too!

  38. JOSEPH J NAAS  June 16, 2017 at 3:49 pm Reply

    Hi Everyone: This is Joe , I’m the guy who left the post in Apr 2015 about the losses of my partner of 18 years and then our beloved dog “Buddy” a week later. Just wanted to leave an update and hopefully some words that may help those that have recently had to part with their best friend. That year was a tough one, I lost our 2nd Wheaton, Clementine later that same year. The good news is that I received a gift from God that Spring, another male Wheaton. His name is Saemus and he is now the brightest light in my life. The sadness I still carry over the loss of Buddy and Clem will never go away. The going does get a little bit easier but I still cry, no weep over the losses I sustained that year. Saemus will never replace Buddy or Clem as he is a new friend who made me realize that my heart could still love….and boy do I love him. He has been a God-send in every aspect of the word. So, the loss of a pet is devastating and life will never be quite the same, but you never know what lies just around the corner…so keep your eyes and feelings open!

  39. Tracy Morgan  June 16, 2017 at 9:44 am Reply

    I had a dog for 8 years and last month we parted ways. I’m reading as many blogs as I can to find a solution for this pain but it’s really hard. I love that you pointed out that most people spend more time with pets than with a member of the family, that was my case. I had him cremated so I can keep the ashes close to me, maybe that was even a selfish move but I just can’t let go. Recently a friend of mine told me that there is a company that turns ashes into diamonds and then you can wear the diamond in a form of ring or bracelet. Honestly, I’m giving this a hard thought and I maybe even do it but I would love to hear your advice. Please let me know what you think about this idea, it would mean so much!
    Thanks

    • Deb  July 14, 2017 at 5:23 pm Reply

      Tracy M., I say, “why NOT?!” I’ve seen these and think they’re a wonderful idea if you can afford them! And after all, a diamond is not very easily damaged, so can surpass other forms of memorial jewellery, such as a locket with their fur in it, as I chose to do at the time. Other people have a bit of their ashes inserted into locket-type pendants that are then soldered shut.

      I went the other route mainly so I could still remove the protective plastic liner and see and touch their fur whenever I wanted. It’s not at all the same as when they were alive of course, and I try not to do that too often, as I don’t want to lose even one piece of fur(!), so it requires taking much care.

      But whatever suits your needs in grief is just fine. Follow your own heart, because this is YOUR grief, not anyone else’s.

  40. Sandy castello  July 24, 2016 at 5:45 pm Reply

    Our dogs, will be a part of our lives forever, they shared their lives with us and they love us like no other person will ever love us, when they die, our lives will never be the same, they teach us about love, something many humans don’t know, but there’s a purpose for them being in our lives, we found out happines in life through them, so at the end we will reunite our selves with them in the kingdom of heaven cause our heart’s belong to them, always and FOREVER.

  41. Diana  June 3, 2015 at 2:49 am Reply

    It’s taken me a while to write a comment about this post of yours but I would like to thank you so very much for writing this. On 29 January 2014, I lost the love of my life, my child, my beloved kitty Samson who was the closest being that I would ever have to having a child of my own. My Samson was always there for me for 12 & 1/2 years and while he was an absolute terror at times, and boy did he know it, he was full of life, cheeky, and an amazing animal. He saw me through so many tough times and I also saw him through tough times that he went through. He was sick, and I was working for months with an amazing vet to try to get him better but he had too many things wrong and was not improving and I had to make THAT horrible gut wrenching decision. Not a day goes by when I don’t miss my baby so terribly much and for months I cried every day and most days I still cry, missing him so much it literally does hurt. I have tried support groups, talking to a couple of people who lost their animals, but a lot of people just don’t get it and don’t get how important an animal can be to someone, that their animal is their child and their reason for going on and is pretty much the only thing that brings them any happiness. I still cry over our beloved doberman that we lost 30 years ago. Animals are so pure in their love, totally unconditional, total devotion, never judge you – their love is so precious. I loved my Samson for so many years and he’s been gone for almost a year & half and I still love him with all my heart and that will never change. My life, my love, my heart… The pain of loss and heartache is so terribly strong still. I wish I would wake up & find out it was all a bad dream and he’s still here and would see his face coming around the corner & hear his voice again and see his eyes again. Thank God for photos and video so that I can still see and hear him and remember so many wonderful times over the years.

    • Eleanor  June 14, 2015 at 12:36 pm Reply

      Ahhh Diana I’m so sorry about Samson 🙁 I’m sure you miss him all the time. 12 & 1/2 years is a long time to come home to a companion only to have them gone. My heart goes out to you and I hope you find a little bit of comfort here.

  42. Rachel  April 28, 2015 at 12:50 pm Reply

    So sorry to hear that Joe. This past October my father died very suddenly and then one month later my beloved dog of 15 years died. And often I find myself mourning and missing my sweet dog more than my dad. But she was always there and loved unconditionally. To add to that, one month after she died my relationship ended because he could not understand why I was grieving so much. Three losses in three months, and still somehow life goes on.

  43. Deb  April 28, 2015 at 11:00 am Reply

    A few points to share:
    (sorry in advance for the use of caps for emphasis, but there are no italics available)
    1) I can SO relate to your feeling that ” Clearly this is evidence that my anxiety and worry is the only thing protecting me and my loved one’s from imminent death and/or cancer.” My jaw dropped when I read that, as I thought I was “the only one” who did this! It seems crazy, yet that ‘formula’ has born out more times than I care to count! I’ve even experimented with it at a few worrisome times, yet most of the time, a worse outcome HAS come about from NOT worrying, and I hate that! I figure it must be that inner belief in this that I developed over time, that keeps it “working” as is….seems impossible to break that problematic habit now. 🙁

    2) Respectfully, I have to say it greatly bothers me that anyone ever feels the need to make disclaimers, such as saying you’re “normal pet owners”…as if those who AREN’T seen as “average” in this regard, such as myself, ARE indeed “crazy.” Meanwhile, I consider it MORE “normal” AND totally appropriate, and even more loving, to (for just one example) sleep WITH one’s furbabies, rather than delegate them to another spot as if they somehow don’t “deserve” anything better. I also don’t believe any does or even CAN really “own” any other living being, so have never called myself an “owner” of any of my fur-family members.

    3) In the same vein, I have a big problem with hearing people say our animal companions are “like” family, as if they are automatically relegated to some arbitrary “lower” rung just because they’re not glorified humans. All my relationships with animals who have been beloved to me have been SO deep, loving, and rich, they aren’t “like” family, but in every way, shape and form, ARE family, and much more so than the vast majority of humans I’ve had in my life, particularly those who were blood-related! This all-too-common means of creating a subtle, yet distinct, lowering of their perceived “status” in society (“like” family, but not “real” family) is an insidious part of WHY grief over their loss is “disenfranchised” in the first place, and is therefore counterproductive to having animal loss respected, as it ought to be.

    The words we use are powerful and far-reaching tools and we should use them as wisely as possible.

    4) I, too, feel so bad for you Joe, and can’t imagine how incredibly shocking, sickening and heartbreaking two such losses, one following right on the heals of the other, must be for you. I know it would feel utterly “impossible” for me to cope with all at once, too. But obviously, someone like me would fully (and even gratefully) acknowledge that there is absolutely nothing abnormal or wrong with sometimes grieving more for Buddy than for your partner, or experiencing flipping back and forth between each. There’s no need to make any of that a ‘contest’ in our minds, though. EACH of the two losses must certainly be excruciatingly painful, and that’s all perfectly acceptable and understandable. Just give yourself the gift of great compassion for yourself in your pain, even if no one else does.

    I also “get” the whole Magical Thinking protective mechanism. In fact, I’m experiencing that phenomena again myself and have been for months now, just allowing it to stay there until “whenever.” It will help to shield me from the deepest parts of my pain until “if or when” I can gradually let it go…which, so far, has only been for the odd few seconds at a time.

  44. Joe  April 27, 2015 at 3:59 pm Reply

    tHANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR POST. MY PARTNER OF 18 YEARS DIED SUDDENLY ON 01/04/2015, ONE WEEK LATER OUR BELOVED PET BUDDY DIED IN MY ARMS UNEXPECTEDLY..NEEDLESS TO SAY, I HAD TO BE PUT INTO A HOSPITAL FOR 2 WEEKS OF OBSERVATION..NOW I JUST CRY EVERY DAY..AND YES SOMEDAYS MORE FOR BUDDY THAN MY PARTNER. I KEEP SAYING TO MYSELF THAT THIS IS NOT REAL, ALMOST LIKE MAGICAL THINKING…I ALSO DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN LIVE WITH SUCH PROFOUND SADNESS!!

    • Litsa  April 27, 2015 at 8:13 pm Reply

      Oh Joe, I am so sorry. That is so much loss to come all at once. I can’t even begin imagine. After such a short period of time it is no surprise that the pain feels impossible and that the tears come every day. Sometimes it is just a matter of getting through one moment at a time. Have you been getting any continued professional support after coming home from the hospital, of have you gone to any grief support groups? They aren’t for everyone, but for some they can be extremely helpful. Please know you are not alone – I hope you find some support here on our site . . .

  45. Marty Tousley @GriefHealing  April 27, 2015 at 12:02 pm Reply

    Litsa, my dear, you already know how I feel about this topic ~ and I’m so happy to read that Amos is out of the woods! Blessings to you, and thank you for writing this ♥

  46. Dietrich Gruen  April 27, 2015 at 11:27 am Reply

    thank you this is hepful. I have a blog related to lessons learned from loving and losing our dog to cancer. She just died on Satruday. I would love to submit it as my “What’s Your Grief” story. Not sure how.

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