I am sure that a lot of people think that the grief experienced from the loss of a long time companion is crazy, but I can tell you, mine is real, very real. My wife and I had to put down our 14 year old shis tzu (Casey) yesterday. This was one of the most excruciating, painful things that I have ever experienced. This is the 2nd time we have had to go thru this horrible experience. Both times, these loveable, cuddly dogs, contracted glaucoma, causing them to become blind. Our 1st shis tzu had back problems her entire life. Our 2nd one was basically healthy his entire life until his blindness. Both of these adorable creatures filled our life with joy and happiness. They would meet us at the door every day coming home from work. They could not wait for us to pick them up and hug them. They would shower us with "kisses". They were not pets, not dogs, they were our children, as we weren't blessed with any human children. Unfortunately, Casey had developed a cough, almost a crupe cough sound, that he could not shake. He had been on a couple types of medication for about 6 weeks. At one point, I thought that he had gotten over it, but it returned even worse. When he was enduring one of these coughing spells, it broke my heart. I'm not sure if it caused him to be in pain, but it had to hurt him every time they started. He was also on drops for his eyes, and some mild pain relief for arthritis. Before this cough, he would lay beside us on the couch all night, content to be in our lap or cuddled up beside us, especially the wife. After he developed the cough, he was unable to do that. He would rest for a short time and then he would have to move around before he could settle down again. Maybe that was a sign of pain, and I just wouldn't see it. In bed, he would sleep between us, with his head on one of our pillows. You can't believe how this caused us to love him even more. This morning, I awoke at 5 a.m. and saw the snow coming down. My first thought was that Casey didn't like the snow, then it hit me, he was gone, never to see the snow again, and I will never see him again. Funny he didn't like the snow, as he was snow white, with a soft cottony coat and a touch of gold on his ears. We called him our angel, and know he is with the angels, and my parents. Sorry for the ramblings of a 67 year old man that can't stop crying over his best friend's passing.
Grieving the loss of a pet..........my best friend
- Thread starter bnewt
- Start date
Thank you for sharing. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Very sorry for your loss.
I help with a rescue and I'm sort of a doggie hospice guy for nice old dogs that just want a couch to crash on for their few remaining years. It sucks every time one of them have to go. Never gets any easier. Most recently my old buddy I had for 3 1/2 years passed last month. Best old man ever. I miss him every day, but I know he wouldn't have wanted me to stop helping dogs in his spot, so I'll keep fostering.
But yeah, it sucks a whole bunch. I hope it gives you peace knowing what a great life you gave your boy.
I help with a rescue and I'm sort of a doggie hospice guy for nice old dogs that just want a couch to crash on for their few remaining years. It sucks every time one of them have to go. Never gets any easier. Most recently my old buddy I had for 3 1/2 years passed last month. Best old man ever. I miss him every day, but I know he wouldn't have wanted me to stop helping dogs in his spot, so I'll keep fostering.
But yeah, it sucks a whole bunch. I hope it gives you peace knowing what a great life you gave your boy.
I feel your pain. My cat of 19 years past away last Monday from kidney failure. Her mother had bandoned her in my garage when she was 2 weeks old so started bottle feeding her and she imprinted on me as her "person". She past away in my arms peacefully. I am having her cremated and will have her ashes back tomorrow.
Our dog is almost 15 years old. Absolutely dread the day she passes. She is like a daughter to us. I had a Cuddle Clone made of her and plan to give to my wife after she is gone.
We lost Maddie 7 years ago. She was a boxer. Boxers are known as the clowns of the dog world and she was a barrel of laughs. We took daily walks of one to two hours. If I was late, she would bring me her leash. She loved everybody and despite her size, she thought she was a lap dog.
Sorry for your loss bnewt, I know it's tough, as we love them almost like our own flesh and blood.
I lost a dog 10 years ago and told myself at the time that I would never go through that again. Two years ago I "semi retired", and after a couple of months of being alone quite a bit, ( my son had just started his first year at the university), I decided to adopt another one at our local shelter. He was surrendered to the shelter with his litter mates, and spent his first 11 months living there until I came along and just immediately knew we were meant for one another. He's my buddy.
I would just say, try to think of all the joy your dog brought to you, but perhaps more importantly, the joy and love you and your wife gave in return. I'll be thinkin' of you my BBN brother; you'll get through it, and it won't be easy, but you and your wife have each other to lean on in this difficult time.
WW.
I lost a dog 10 years ago and told myself at the time that I would never go through that again. Two years ago I "semi retired", and after a couple of months of being alone quite a bit, ( my son had just started his first year at the university), I decided to adopt another one at our local shelter. He was surrendered to the shelter with his litter mates, and spent his first 11 months living there until I came along and just immediately knew we were meant for one another. He's my buddy.
I would just say, try to think of all the joy your dog brought to you, but perhaps more importantly, the joy and love you and your wife gave in return. I'll be thinkin' of you my BBN brother; you'll get through it, and it won't be easy, but you and your wife have each other to lean on in this difficult time.
WW.
We don't deserve dog (or cats), we have always had pets since my daughters we're tiny. They are grown women now with kids of their own and we have had many fur babies in our lives.
Hated each time we have had to make the decision to let them go.
Never let anyone make you think the loss is insignificant, the pain and the loss are real.
When you are ready/able, get another dog, each are special and the love will be different, but just as real.
Peace be with you!
Hated each time we have had to make the decision to let them go.
Never let anyone make you think the loss is insignificant, the pain and the loss are real.
When you are ready/able, get another dog, each are special and the love will be different, but just as real.
Peace be with you!
We've had 4 cats and 3 dogs in 37+ years of marriage and having to put one down has never been easy. Most of our pets have lived 14+ years and, of course, we got very attached to them. While I'm not an advocate of family leave for a pet death, I was heartbroken 7 times. Our current dog is 9 and very much a lap dog. He's very small (~ 10 lbs) and is a great companion. I'll be inconsolable for days when he goes (hopefully, not for another 10 years). Sorry for your loss. Every one hurts immensely.
Sorry about your loss. It'll get better but that's easy for someone not yourself to say. Since my Wife and I have been together we've had to put down a pair of buddies in a cat and dog. We're on our 2nd pair of buddies now. Our sweet Bichon is about 14 years old and she's going blind and just had more teeth pulled a few weeks ago and her blood work was great. The cat is about 10. They both like to cuddle up with us on the couch and like their lovins we give them. I don't want to think about the future without them but know that it'll come.
Tough to lose a pet. One thing that helps is to realize that you did a good thing by providing them a good home. There are plenty out there not so fortunate, when you are ready for another friend.
thanks for the kind words, as well as your own memories.
it truly is remarkable how loving our pets are
just another gift from God that we take for granted
we are fortunate that we have a companion for Casey.
she is usually very loveable, but now she just stays in her bed, and isn't very anxious to eat. I believe that
she is missing him as well. They were best friends as well.
it truly is remarkable how loving our pets are
just another gift from God that we take for granted
we are fortunate that we have a companion for Casey.
she is usually very loveable, but now she just stays in her bed, and isn't very anxious to eat. I believe that
she is missing him as well. They were best friends as well.
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I have one now that is just over 14 years old that we picked up from a rescue shelter that was the last one of 6 puppies that were dropped off there. She was the odd one out of 6 Pyrenees mixes that was left that did not look like a Pyrenees. She had no tail and very short fur. She has turned out to be the best dog me and my wife have had so far and is on her last leg. She struggles to get up now so we know she will not be here much longer. When she is gone she will be greatly missed as she is part of our family, and we are part of her pack.
I've had more dogs and cats than I can count, but this is why I have none now. The process of going through grief after having them put down or them dying is just something I'm not willing to go through anymore.
The last pair of dogs I had was an Aussie and border collie. They were inseparable until I had to put the border down because she lost her mind at fourteen. The Aussie lost all interest in life after she died, wouldn't eat, wouldn't do much of anything but look for her. He died two months later.
I had a Siamese cat since I was ten. The Chinese killed her with their poisoned pet food many many years ago. Knowing that I fed her that food kills me. I still feel that loss.
Sorry for the loss of your pet. Just remember that you provided them a good home while they were alive and that you gave them a better life than they could have otherwise expected. They know.
The last pair of dogs I had was an Aussie and border collie. They were inseparable until I had to put the border down because she lost her mind at fourteen. The Aussie lost all interest in life after she died, wouldn't eat, wouldn't do much of anything but look for her. He died two months later.
I had a Siamese cat since I was ten. The Chinese killed her with their poisoned pet food many many years ago. Knowing that I fed her that food kills me. I still feel that loss.
Sorry for the loss of your pet. Just remember that you provided them a good home while they were alive and that you gave them a better life than they could have otherwise expected. They know.
Completely understand. I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know you gave Casey the best life he could have possibly had.
Pets bring us immeasurable joy. The worst part about owning a pet is knowing that one day losing them will break your heart into bits. I take solace in knowing that while pets are part of our lives, we are their entire lives. Humans could learn from animals about unconditional love.
I still have a hard time getting over our most recent loss in 2020. Had an 8 y/o female beagle who was the best girl in the world. In May of 2020 I was petting her and noticed a huge lump on her throat. Took her in. She was biopsied and they found rapid spreading lymphoma. They estimated she had another 6 months. Within 5 weeks, our girl was dead (Tumor ruptured in her stomach causing internal bleeding.)
This happened at the height of COVID and the vet wasn’t going to let us come inside for euthanasia. We begged and pleaded as two crying grown adults. My wife mentioned that this dog had severe separation anxiety and we couldn’t leave her to die alone. They relented and let us be there for her final moments. We held her so tightly. I will never forget leaving that place in a snot-covered COVID mask. We still feel cheated that we didn’t get to have her for 12-16 years like most dogs. I still heard her little paws going across the linoleum floor in the kitchen for weeks after she passed. I’m getting choked up retelling the story now.
Pets bring us immeasurable joy. The worst part about owning a pet is knowing that one day losing them will break your heart into bits. I take solace in knowing that while pets are part of our lives, we are their entire lives. Humans could learn from animals about unconditional love.
I still have a hard time getting over our most recent loss in 2020. Had an 8 y/o female beagle who was the best girl in the world. In May of 2020 I was petting her and noticed a huge lump on her throat. Took her in. She was biopsied and they found rapid spreading lymphoma. They estimated she had another 6 months. Within 5 weeks, our girl was dead (Tumor ruptured in her stomach causing internal bleeding.)
This happened at the height of COVID and the vet wasn’t going to let us come inside for euthanasia. We begged and pleaded as two crying grown adults. My wife mentioned that this dog had severe separation anxiety and we couldn’t leave her to die alone. They relented and let us be there for her final moments. We held her so tightly. I will never forget leaving that place in a snot-covered COVID mask. We still feel cheated that we didn’t get to have her for 12-16 years like most dogs. I still heard her little paws going across the linoleum floor in the kitchen for weeks after she passed. I’m getting choked up retelling the story now.
your painful memories of lost pets are helping me thru this nightmare. I grew up on a farm, surrounded by horses, cows, pigs and dogs. My mom was very strict that no dogs were allowed in the house. It wasn't until after I was married that this changed. My wife had a small mixed dog that she loved dearly. It passed in her arms of heart failure. It wasn't long before we had our 1st shih tzu. These "pets" truly are man's best friend, and it is devastating when they pass.
I lost my dog almost a year ago after 15 years and I still miss him like crazy. He, too, was my best friend and there will never be another quite like my Riley.
Our dog Norman has laryngeal paralysis. It can cause him difficulty breathing unless he’s kept very calm. He’s about 13. We scheduled his last day twice now, but he managed to rally. I know he’s only got months left.
Ironically, we got him for our daughter. She was an only child. Our thoughts were that a dog would be a good companion for her in case something happened to me or my wife. Our daughter gained her wings almost 6 years ago, so Norman has been a comfort for me and my wife.
Ironically, we got him for our daughter. She was an only child. Our thoughts were that a dog would be a good companion for her in case something happened to me or my wife. Our daughter gained her wings almost 6 years ago, so Norman has been a comfort for me and my wife.
I am sorry for your loss bnewt. It is never an easy thing to go through. Casey was very loved. I hope you and you wife may find comfort in your memories of him. Shih Tzus are very adorable and loving dogs. I have lost 2 dogs in the past 2 1/2 years, one a 16-year-old Shih Tzu and miss them ever so much. The only thing that has helped me get through has been saving the life of another one that needs it from an animal shelter after losing my white shepherd back in June.
I'm so sorry. I fully understand and what you're going through is heartbreaking. Time will help but for me I feel like I lose a bit of myself with each one I lose.
that is a great description......losing a piece of yourself, it is really true, just never feel whole again
as much as you think you love them, they love you more, it is amazing the loyalty they show
as difficult as it is to lose a pet, I can not imagine the sorry and grief in the loss of a child
I am so deeply sorry for your loss
Many of us have had the unpleasant experience of having to say goodbye to a loved animal companion as they cross the Rainbow Bridge. I personally have found some solace when that happens in giving a donation to a local animal shelter or other animal welfare organization in memory of my lost pet. In my mind it just gives more meaning to my pet's life.
We had a white boxer named Bill. He was my wife's shadow. We had rescued Bill and his mother when he was a pup. His mother (Gracie) was blind and full of buckshot. Bill was scared to death of men, but eventually he became my friend. Maddie (I posted about her earlier) had to teach Bill how to play. The day Bill died, a black lab showed up at our back door. She had been hit by a car and was in bad shape. The wife said Bill had sent her to us.
I'm 60 years old and I've had numerous canine companions. Absolutely rips your heart out when you have to let them go.
My wife and I - have been married for 25 years - have lost 3 dogs and 1 cat. 2 Lab sisters and a Dauschand rescue. The cat was a ‘rescue’ that lived in two states and 3 houses. Loved all 4.
Now have 2 dogs - both rescues - and they are loved. Hate the pain of losing them, but love what they bring to our lives and believe they love us. Worth the risk of pain
Now have 2 dogs - both rescues - and they are loved. Hate the pain of losing them, but love what they bring to our lives and believe they love us. Worth the risk of pain
Otis the Dog
There's something about losing a dog that hits you the hardest. This video was from ESPN and the best tribute I've seen. I cried and I don't even like the guy..
There's something about losing a dog that hits you the hardest. This video was from ESPN and the best tribute I've seen. I cried and I don't even like the guy..
Brutal having to make the decision to end things for your pet. Once you see they don't want to be here anymore, you are able to pull the trigger, but its still brutal.
yes, it is
this is the 2nd one that I have had to make that decision..........just never know if it is right or not
so hard to describe that terrible feeling of life passing from their body.......just a haunting thing
I was with both of my parents when they took their last breath.....just something that I can NEVER forget
@bnewt
I am so sorry for your loss. I had to put my girl down 3 months after I started a brand new job that took me away from her for longer hours (but paid better). That was nearly 4 years ago. I've since lost that job and I still feel guilty.
I know how hard it is. She was the last connection to my late mom. When I had to let her go, it was like my entire family was gone. I thought I hurt when my mom died. lol no. I had never felt true anxiety before then. Since then, I've had it nearly every single week.
I say all that to say, you're not alone. And you're not crazy for loving a living creature you spent years with and that gave you NOTHING but LOVE. And anyone who says otherwise? Screw em.
I miss my girl every day. And I have her ashes by my bed. They take up SUCH BIG places in our hearts; and yes, they are FAMILY.
Hugs to you. The grief ball gets smaller, but, I'd be lying if I said it every truly goes away. It just doesn't hit as often.
I know in my heart of hearts, the Father takes them into His loving arms and we will see them again at that beautiful Rainbow Bridge where an old familiar jingle of a collar will cause the only tears to be shed in Heaven.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had to put my girl down 3 months after I started a brand new job that took me away from her for longer hours (but paid better). That was nearly 4 years ago. I've since lost that job and I still feel guilty.
I know how hard it is. She was the last connection to my late mom. When I had to let her go, it was like my entire family was gone. I thought I hurt when my mom died. lol no. I had never felt true anxiety before then. Since then, I've had it nearly every single week.
I say all that to say, you're not alone. And you're not crazy for loving a living creature you spent years with and that gave you NOTHING but LOVE. And anyone who says otherwise? Screw em.
I miss my girl every day. And I have her ashes by my bed. They take up SUCH BIG places in our hearts; and yes, they are FAMILY.
Hugs to you. The grief ball gets smaller, but, I'd be lying if I said it every truly goes away. It just doesn't hit as often.
I know in my heart of hearts, the Father takes them into His loving arms and we will see them again at that beautiful Rainbow Bridge where an old familiar jingle of a collar will cause the only tears to be shed in Heaven.
Whelp. I didn't need that tonight. Him talking about driving home for work just gutted me. When my girl had to be put down, my supervisor was awesome and gave be a couple of days to work remote just so I wouldn't have to make my hour long commute each way. That first drive home from work the following Monday? I didn't want to go home. I would've rather driven to Hell to be honest. But I drove home, and the sound of just silence as I opened my door was.....so deafening.
Pets are family. Period.
Unexpectedly had to put down our sweet 15 year old golden yesterday. She was obviously declining but didn’t think yesterday would be the day. First time having to do it. Awful but today is worse.
Got her in San Francisco. She moved cross country with me to Charleston, SC a couple years later (we had an epic road trip on the way). Then to Chapel Hill and eventually Raleigh.
She saw me getting married, build and sell two businesses. She welcomed home two little human girls (first one she was unsure about) then two cats whom she immediately befriended.
True water dog though hilariously hated baths (assume she didn’t like feeling confined).
15 years was a great run. Will never be another dog like her.
Condolences to all the rest in this thread on their losses. The timing of the OP and subsequent stories have been helpful.
Got her in San Francisco. She moved cross country with me to Charleston, SC a couple years later (we had an epic road trip on the way). Then to Chapel Hill and eventually Raleigh.
She saw me getting married, build and sell two businesses. She welcomed home two little human girls (first one she was unsure about) then two cats whom she immediately befriended.
True water dog though hilariously hated baths (assume she didn’t like feeling confined).
15 years was a great run. Will never be another dog like her.
Condolences to all the rest in this thread on their losses. The timing of the OP and subsequent stories have been helpful.
what a great tribute and testament of your devotion.
the additional connection to your mother is something I thankfully didn't have to experience. Although my boy Casey helped me thru the
loss of both parents.