TW - Lost my dog

Size40Shoes · 2026-02-18T18:21:27+00:00

Monday my beautiful girl went over the rainbow bridge. She was 11.5 years. Vet said she had either dementia or a brain tumour which left us with no choice because she'd already started losing control of her bladder and bowel and she'd started snapping at me. I am devastated. She got me through so much.

longtompot · 18/02/2026 18:29

It's awful isn't it @Size40Shoes I had to make the decision to let mine go last April at almost 13, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. But it was in her best interests, the same as you have done for yours. She looked a lovely dog, and will always have a place in your heart 💐

PointyNoseDog · 18/02/2026 18:30

Sending you absolute sympathy. It’s the worst part of having a dog. No matter how old they are, it’s never long enough.

BlakeCarrington · 18/02/2026 18:31

I’m so sorry OP, it’s awful. She looks beautiful 💐

Original poster

Size40Shoes · 18/02/2026 18:59

She was such a character, and the best dog.

OP posts:

Letsgoforaskip · 18/02/2026 19:14

She looks gorgeous 🥰
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a lucky girl to have known so much love.
You absolutely did the right thing by her. I’m sorry this bit is so very hard but the happy memories will come back.

Iamsotiredandfedup · 18/02/2026 19:24

I’m so sorry OP, what a gorgeous girl ❤️

I found this a few months ago and I thought it was so true, I hope you don’t mind me sharing it

A few months after my dog died, one of my best friends asked me,
"What was the best thing about loving your dog?" I lit a cigarette I didn't plan to finish and stared at the leash still hanging by the door.
"It's how they make you feel alive," I said.
Not in the dramatic, overblown way people like to talk about. No fireworks, no revelations. Just the small things. The sound of their paws trailing behind you, the way they press into your side when the world feels like too much. They don't ask for too much. They don't complain or hurt you in the ways people do. They just show up, every damn day, and remind you that even in the chaos of it all, you're needed. You're important. You're enough.
And when they're gone, that's when you really get it. The house feels too big. The air feels too still. But you wouldn't trade it. Not a second of it. Because for a while, they gave you something you didn't even know you were looking for—a reason to stay grounded. To keep going. To keep searching for more.
That's the best thing. They make the world bearable in the little time you share together. They make everything feel... a little less cold.
And I'm still grateful for that.

Unforgettablefire · 18/02/2026 21:44

What a lovely girl @Size40Shoes
So sorry for your loss there’s nothing like it is there. Sending hugs

namechangeformeeee · 18/02/2026 21:45

What a beautiful girl ❤️❤️❤️❤️ so sorry for your loss xxxx

Original poster

Size40Shoes · 19/02/2026 04:11

Iamsotiredandfedup · 18/02/2026 19:24

I’m so sorry OP, what a gorgeous girl ❤️

I found this a few months ago and I thought it was so true, I hope you don’t mind me sharing it

A few months after my dog died, one of my best friends asked me,
"What was the best thing about loving your dog?" I lit a cigarette I didn't plan to finish and stared at the leash still hanging by the door.
"It's how they make you feel alive," I said.
Not in the dramatic, overblown way people like to talk about. No fireworks, no revelations. Just the small things. The sound of their paws trailing behind you, the way they press into your side when the world feels like too much. They don't ask for too much. They don't complain or hurt you in the ways people do. They just show up, every damn day, and remind you that even in the chaos of it all, you're needed. You're important. You're enough.
And when they're gone, that's when you really get it. The house feels too big. The air feels too still. But you wouldn't trade it. Not a second of it. Because for a while, they gave you something you didn't even know you were looking for—a reason to stay grounded. To keep going. To keep searching for more.
That's the best thing. They make the world bearable in the little time you share together. They make everything feel... a little less cold.
And I'm still grateful for that.

That is sooo true. It's the silence thats the hardest.

No pitter patter of her nails on the floor, no snoring, no snuffling like a pig, no huff like I'm getting on her last nerve. She was such a character.

OP posts:

Saddler2 · 20/02/2026 11:52

I'm so sorry for your loss 💜she was such a beautiful girl and it's clear how much you love her, she passed knowing she was loved and that she'd had a beautiful life with you xx