Grief of losing our dog

[Katesburnerphone]

Our elderly dog was pts two days ago and the feelings of loss are almost overwhelming.

The reminders in the house are everywhere and constant. I’m constantly thinking it’s time to feed her or let her out or check where she is. It’s a thousand times a day I’ve thought of her for 15 years. You don’t realise until they’re gone.

I feel like someone is missing. The house is empty. I keep thinking I’ve heard her or seen her then remember she’s gone.

It’s harder than I thought it was going to be. I thought I was prepared and I wasn’t.

💐 for you. You have lost a loving member of your family. Your grief is entirely natural.
It will ease, in time, as I am sure you know.
Do you want to talk about her ? What her quirks were, her favourite toys?

My heart goes out to you. We will be facing this soon, our elderly lab is a very geriatric 14. Take one day at a time. Allow yourself to grieve.

So sorry

it's so hard, my last GSD'd death just about broke me, very traumatic and he was "the one dog" for me

It slowly gets easier, so be kind to yourself and remember her funny ways and habits.

It is incredibly difficult I’m sorry you lost her.
It does pass, I promise. The happy memories will become more frequent than the sad ones.
We rearranged some areas where the space was too painful. Let ourselves cry whenever we needed to, avoided anyone who said “it’s just a dog”.

Thank you and I’m sorry for the losses you have suffered too.

She was such a beautiful girl, always full of energy, she just wanted to be with us all the time. She was lovely with the children, especially if they were sharing food. She was so soft and cuddly. Always sneaking onto the sofa when she was younger. She did the usual dog things that drive you crazy like rolling in fox poo. Jumping on the bed when she was filthy.

She was young for so long that it didn’t feel like she’d had an old age. Up to being 14 it was like she was never older than 7. Her energy and mobility were so good.

I'm sorry for your loss . We lost our elderly dog ten months ago. It was a long time before we stopped thinking 'time to walk the dog' at his usual walk times.

I made the decision to tidy away all the 'reminders' in the house - his bed, lead, bowls, toys which I think was helpful. What happened to me was that gradually I went from thinking about him all the time, to most of the time, to some of the time ... the sense of loss doesn't go away but it becomes less overwhelming.

We still miss him, especially if we go on an outing he'd have loved. But we remember the happy times and we feel glad to have had him in our lives for so long.

I’m sorry for your loss. You have to grieve just like you would for a human bereavement, the loss you’re feeling is no less intense because it was ’just’ a dog.

She was obviously a very loved and happy girl. You gave her a lovely life, try and take comfort from that.

So sorry for your loss x. When I lost a dog years ago I was heartbroken, it really helped me to think about what a happy life she had, so spoiled with love and cuddles. Lots of dogs and people come to think of it go through their life never being loved and adored. Sounds like your dog was showered in love and had a fantastic life and you made that happen. Take comfort in that, and your dog was so happy and loved xx

So sorry for your loss 🐾 they really are another member of the family. My girl is getting on in years and I am already dreading the day when it comes. Keep talking about her here whenever you want

I'm so sorry for your loss, be kind to yourself you have lost a much loved family member

So sorry to hear this - it will get better in time 💐💐💐💐

Thank you.
I tidied away her bed and bowls straight away. I knew it would be easier to not see them. Now I keep looking at the space where they were and crying.

I can’t believe she’s actually gone.