New Routines needed. What to do?

[whiteroseredrose]

We were heartbroken to lose Ddog on Sunday.

All of our routines have centred around Ddog for over 13 years. Feeding, walking, games. There is a huge hole in our lives.

DC are at Uni so now it is just us.

We need to change our routines otherwise we will go mad. Any suggestions as to what we could do?

I've thought about learning Spanish in Manchester but we are very different levels which may be different days.

Any other suggestions would be welcome. At the moment my mind is blank.

Aw sorry about the loss of your dog. Maybe you could volunteer at an animal shelter - maybe not working with dogs at the start if it's too raw? But would keep you linked with that nurturing animal loving part of you.

Thank you @Smellyoldowls that is a really good idea. A friend does something similar. I will ask her about it.

I’m very sorry to hear of your loss.
Is the ‘we’ you and your partner? I would keep talking as he may have very different ideas to you about, effectively, being Empty Nesters now.

Maybe give yourself a little time to grieve first?
Go on some of your favourite walks together. It’s sad but might start to help you process.

Sorry for your loss. We said goodbye to ours before Christmas and I think about him every day.
Small with a big personality.

Have you considered fostering? Charities are crying our for fosterers for their UK and Romania dogs. It may be too soon for you to have another dog in the house but it is so very rewarding.
I handed over my little foster rescue to her forever home yesterday and the joy is real, to see her in her new home after years on the streets ...she will blossom with all the attention. DM me if you would like the details.

Yes. 'We' is me and DH.

And 'small with a big personality' sums up Ddog very well too ♥️.

@Cottagepieandpeas I think we might try some different walks as DDog's favourite walks would be too hard. He was slowing down a bit anyway so they were shorter walks. We have a backpack for him for when he needed a rest.

A big chunk of DH's social life involved dog walking too. A group of what were school dads go dog walking on a Saturday morning then have a lunchtime pint. I'm sure DH will still be able to go when he is up to it but it will be hard.

DH is so strong, but he is inconsolable at the moment. It's really hard.

@Snakeplisskensmum fostering might be an idea when it becomes bearable.

I think Pickle will be our only dog. He grew up alongside DC and was my baby. To me he is irreplaceable.

It breaks my heart to see dogs that have been in care for so long but isn't it hard to give one up when he has been with you for some time?

@whiteroseredrose I totally get it...I've lost them before and the heartbreak is real but bit by bit you live with the grief and sometimes find some room in your heart for another soul.
Mine was only with me for 5 weeks and was adopted. I see my role as one of assessment to identify what sort of home the my would need and getting them ready for their brilliant new life. It can be difficult when they go but seeing the photos of them snuggled on the sofa makes it worthwhile.
There are many failed fosters though