My dog died

[barklayrisa]

Monday 21st November 2011 at approx 4pm my beautiful stripy girlie dog, Risa, died. There is a huge gap on my sofa and no big brown eyes looking at me any more and it hurts so much. I tried to find a site where people understand what it's like to loose a much loved member of your family. I didn't think it would be a site linked to children. I felt she was my little girl. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma just after Christmas 2010 so we have had her for an extra 11 months and she did and got anything she wanted. We even took her to the beach in May and we have lots of video footage of her. I'm upset now, but, I know I will be glad we did that and that we have her playing and enjoying her self. Does anyone know and understand how serious the pain is that I'm feeling right now? I need your help with any advise, I feel at such a loss.

She sounds like a much loved dog, I'm sure that her life with you was a happy one. It will be hard for you for a while but try to remember how happy you both made each other.

This is very sad for you, and good that you posted here.

The Pets forum on MN is very good indeed, full of excellent advice about the common griefs that pet owners feel.

It looks like you gave her a good life, which after all, is what a beast wants. Playing, as you say, and enjoying herself. What's not to like? For a dog the glass is always half-full.

I am so sorry for your loss, she sounds like a wonderful dog.

I can't offer any advice I am afraid, other than it will get better with time. When my horse was put to sleep at a young age due to injury I still burst into tears about it two years later. It does get easier with time though and the memories you have, like your videos, become really precious.

Have you tried the Horse and Hound forum? The All About Dogs room has a lot of committed doggie people who will really understand what you are going through (I am 'Booboos' on there). You can also post photos on your thread and links to videos if you think that is something you would like to do.

RIP Risa.

Yes, I do understand ... I think the hole they leave is huge, and it is just as important for us to understand the grief as it is when a family member is not there any more. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend x

I'm very sorry. My cat also had lymphoma - by the time it was detected, it was at Stage IVB, the worst it could be - and died on November 11th. It is utterly devastating, they are family members. The pain does ease with time, and what has really helped me is adopting a little cat from the RSPCA (I waited 1.5 weeks before I did this). It may feel like a betrayal of your dog but having a new little dog to focus your love and attention on is very healing and prevents you from focusing on your grief; it is also nice to give another animal in need a home and I'm sure your dog would approve of that. :) At the moment, though, with the loss so fresh, you probably just need to grieve. Lymphoma is terrible isn't it... such a hopeless diagnosis. You are so lucky you had another happy 11 months together.

This thread on Mumsnet for dog-lovers and owners may prove very helpful to you, people here would really understand your loss:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse