How can I process the sudden loss of our family dog?

[hollyjolly12]

As the title says, our 6 year old family dog passed away this morning. He had his fair share of health issues (both food and environmental allergies, plus at 4 years old he had surgery to remove an object he swallowed).

This morning was a usual Monday; me and the kids got up, I fed the dog, made the kids breakfast, everything was fine. Then out of nowhere the dog collapsed and had some sort of seizure. I held him but there was nothing I could do. I thought he'd wake up but he just didn't. I was a mess when it happened and the kids were distraught. My husband left work and arranged for him to be collected, then we had to say goodbye to him. The kids still went to school but Mondays are my day off. The house has been so quiet all day. I feel broken. I know he's a dog and losing people is so so much worse but I loved him so much. What can I do to help me process this?

I’m so sorry, you must be feeling totally shocked and lost.

Thank you so much everyone for your messages, I have read and appreciate them all. I will listen to the podcast that was suggested. This morning getting up for school felt very strange, but we managed it. I'm now sat on the sofa having a cry but will crack on with things soon. I'm sure every day will get a little easier. I think I'll plan something for us to do this weekend to get us out of the house. To the poster who suggested another puppy, we had actually been talking about that in recent months as we think our dog felt the loss of MIL's dog last year and we thought a puppy might give him a new lease of life sort of thing. Perhaps in time its something we will still consider but for now I'm not sure.

Nothing prepares you for the sudden loss of a youngish dog. We lost ours after the sudden onset of an acute leukaemia. Three days, and it was horrible but now we've recovered, we cherish his memory and all his silly foibles. Sending kindest sympathies.

Losing a companion animal can be worse, much worse sometimes than a human death. It’s likely you are in shock so be prepared for it to feel worse for a while when the shock wears off.

I can only now think of one of mine without feeling physical pain, and it was over 18 months ago.

The Blue Cross pet bereavement helpline is very very good.

I am so, so sorry.