Our dog died and I'm heartbroken

[Labtastic]

Yesterday came the time to pay the price of owning a dog. Our old gorgeous lab went off over the rainbow bridge after having a sudden collapse which was thought to be a ruptured undiagnosed tumour. He was too old for us to consider operating (particularly as even a successful operation would only have given him an extra 1-2 months) so we let him go. He died peacefully with us all with him, and really I couldn't have asked for a "better" death for him as he was still himself less than 24 hours before he went.

But god. The pain is indescribable. I can't stop crying. DH can't stop crying. I think he's cried more in the last 24 hours than he has in the last 10 years.

Posting here because people on this board get it, I think. I can't express the pain properly to people who don't own dogs, or even to those that do, but haven't yet lost one.

Just writing this has helped. I'll try and look out a picture of him if I can do so without bursting into tears again!

What a lovely boy. I sympathise with you as I was absolutely devastated when my girl passed away a few years ago. I still miss her. It doesn’t get easier though and you’ll have your happy memories of him forever.

We're almost 3 weeks on from where you are now and it's been the most unbearable time of our lives. It's a grief and a pain like no other and was almost too much to cope with in those early days. But today is the first day that I haven't cried... well until I read this thread but I'm still counting it as a small victory.

Be kind to yourself and take your time. I've only just been able to start moving and tidying up some of his things. Don't rush. Let yourself grieve. I'm so sorry, it hurts so bad 😢

Well I've decided his bed is staying. It feels right being in its usual spot, I even make the bloody thing, make sure the blankets are as they should be. I can imagine him side eyeing me thinking WTF!

We've talked about it and have decided to look for a new puppy towards the end of the summer. Time to grieve, but also to feel the reassurance that we won't be dog-less for ever

@Labtastic I hope that your new puppy (when you get him / her) brings you much love and joy. You won't forget your old boy but you will look back with love remembering the wonderful times you had.

We went to a place where we used to walk and play ball with our old Border Collie the other day and I felt her presence there, if that doesn't sound daft. It was sad but comforting at the same time.

I read your post earlier today and then when i came home tonight to walk my 2 dogs, 1 being a black lab too, i found my thoughts were still with you. I am so sorry for your loss. I understand totally how painful it is. It will get easier but it does take time. They leave such a huge hole in your life. ❤️

So sorry ,I understand what you mean about stroking those ears .

I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a beautiful boy. What a lucky boy to have had you x

My boy died unexpectedly yesterday. He found a hole in the fence ( that I didn't know about) and was run over by a car. He died instantly. He was only 7.

I haven't stopped crying since it happened. We took him to be cremated this morning.

We have a younger girl dog who is absolutely beside herself. They loved each other so much. It breaks my heart even more seeing her like this. I know it's early days but I'm worried about her now.

Any advice?

Sorry. I didn't mean to hijack your post. Hoping you and those further on in the grieving process can offer some advice

@johnworf I am so sorry for your loss. You must be absolutely heartbroken. Such a terrible tragedy to happen to a young dog. I have no advice other than look after yourself and your other dog. She must be so confused and upset so will need lots of love from you

@johnworf I do apologise I don't know what that strange face is on my message. I was actually trying to send you flowers but I've pressed the wrong thing x

Thank you. People who don't have dogs don't seem to understand. It's like losing your best friend.

Ah that's heartbreaking , so sorry x

So sorry @johnworf what a shock for you. Our dog went quite suddenly too, so I understand a bit how you feel, but ours was old and so I'd been expecting it for a while, just not at that moment.

It's got a bit easier over the last few weeks. We had a clay paw print done by the crem before he was cremated and while a bit of a silly indulgence, it's actually a really lovely thing to have. We talk about him all the time.

I want to get another dog before too long but DH doesn't. TBH I'm finding that the hardest thing at the moment. I can't be without a dog for too long. I hope he'll come round soon.

Take care of yourself, and give your other dog all the love and cuddles

Hi Labtastic,
We are picking him up tomorrow and I've had a paw and nose print done. We are talking about the daft things he did and holidays we went on with him.

I totally get you wanting another dog. It leaves a massive hole in your heart, your home and your life. We have another dog and she's not coping very well - still early days for her too.

My DH doesn't want another dog yet either. I'm hoping he'll change his mind.

You take care xxx

It's so hard, I'm 9 weeks in today and over the last few weeks having been doing alright until then morning when I had a proper good cry. I desperately wanted to touch his fur, sounds daft reading it back.

Time is a healer.

Definitely doesn't sounds daft, I feel the same. A physical ache to feel his head and face in my hands as I scratched him behind the ears. I miss his hair all over the house and I never thought I'd say that!

I’m so sorry about your beautiful handsome dog. He sounds to have been surrounded by so much love in life and death.

They are most certainly part of the family and so important .
My boy is frankly what is getting me through the recent loss of a parent and stroking his ears is the most calming thing ever. Even as I type he is sitting on my feet keeping watch on me.
Tell us all about your boy. I’d love to hear it xx