Help getting through after losing my boy today.

[PinkJacketBlueGlasses]

My boy was put to sleep today after a short but very nasty cancer battle. He was so, so much more than a dog, he was my light, my sunshine and my reason for getting up in the morning.

I am just wondering how I go on now - I genuinely don't know what to do. It's the first major loss in my life and I honestly don't feel like I know how to be now.

Please could someone with experience of loss tell me what I do now? How do I fill my time? How do I keep going?

He was my beautiful, beautiful boy.

I’m very sorry for your loss, they really are part of the family and I’m dreading the day my 5 year old schnauzer shuffles off the mortal coil.
What kind of dog was he? Take comfort in knowing that he had a lovely life and was very loved.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I know exactly how you're feeling right now - I lost my 6 year old American Bulldog in 2019 very suddenly - we were away on holiday and the time and had a horrible and unexpected phone call.

It remains to this day the worst grief I've ever gone through, including after losing family members. It's difficult to talk about because a lot of people just won't understand how deep and profound the loss of your dog is.

Just know that it does get easier - I can now remember Howard fondly with a smile - but for months I couldn't look at a photo of him or see his white hair around my house without crying. Allow yourself the proper time and space to grieve properly and talk to people who understand if you can and you feel it helps.

Do you want to tell us about your boy?

I’m so very sorry for your loss

I’m so sorry to hear about your boy. I’ve lost three dogs now, most recently in November, and every time it is like the worst pain I can ever imagine.

In the short term I find that allowing myself to wallow really helps. It is a horrible situation, and you are really sad, you don’t need to be brave about it so allow yourself to mope, eat ice cream, watch tv til the middle
of the night, whatever helps. It won’t last forever, and you’ll soon start to feel a little better, even if it feels unreachable just now.

In time you’ll look back at photos and although you’ll cry you’ll enjoy the memories. Then you’ll be able to do it without crying (most of the time).

I found that I didn’t do much for the first week or so, I felt lost as I didn’t have the routine of having to get up early, walk the dog etc. I’ve found a new routine of sorts for now, but I know it’s only a matter of time before I get another, whereas after my second I left it 5 years before I felt ready for another.

However you find it best to get through it, you will get through it. I still miss all my boys but it’s a nice nostalgic feeling rather than the raw grief that you’re feeling now x