I miss my dog more than I miss humans

[user555999000]

I lost my dog a few weeks ago. I had him over 15 years. I got him when I was single, living alone, and going through a very tough time in life. A couple years later, I met my now husband, had children etc. We all adored him. But he was MY dog. My boy. My light. My constant. My guiding heartbeat on a dark day and my companion and partner in crime on a good day.

The stillness in the house without him is excruciating.

I was thankful for him every day.

But when it was his time, and he quietly went to sleep in my arms, wrapped in his little blanket, it is like a part of me died with him.

Since he’s been gone, I feel so utterly lost.

He was amazing. Totally and utterly amazing. The very best of his breed.

Dogs are better than most humans.

Mine passed last October, I can’t get over her. I miss her so much.

@Doidontimmm I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s a grief like no other. What was she like?

I'm so sorry for your loss. We can let our guard down completely with pets. It's such a pure uncomplicated love x

@Artemis130you are so right when you say you can let your guard down. He was the first living thing that made me feel 100% accepted. He loved me unconditionally. I’d never had that. I saw the world through a brand new lens when I got him. I feel like I only truly accepted myself and was comfortable in my own skin for the first time ever - it was like the world took on a beam of sunshine. He never failed to raised my spirits, make me laugh or calm my nerves.

Yes, me too. I was quite poorly at first, had to significantly increase my medication because I just couldn’t pick up. I’m functioning now, and trying to get on with a fulfilling life doing things we couldn’t do while we had him, but honestly I’m marking time. I’m waiting until I get over this bit, and feel able to find another dog again. Not a replacement. No such thing. Just a new pal.

I’m sorry for your loss.

I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel this way about the two cats I’ve lost over the years - I would definitely feel it with a dog too. It’s a pain like no other. It’s been 4 years since I lost my cat of almost 18 years, and when I think of her, I still get choked up.

Hi I also lost my little lad ( JRT) recently, Friday 13th March. I can relate, I still feel completely bereft. He had been my dog for 13.5 years. Sending huge hugs and solidarity x

Yes I totally relate to what you're saying. If only they could live as long as us. Your dog sounds wonderful, like an earth angel. You were destined for each other x

Just wanted to say how sorry I am for the loss of your boy.

They leave such a hole in our lives-they def fill such a special role and when you have one that is just right it is the best thing in the world.
Is the rest of your family feeling the loss like you?

Do you want to post a pic? What was your boy called?

I’m so sorry OP,

I lost my cat in February, he meant more to me than most people in life other than my husband and kids. I got him when I was going through IVF and he was such a comfort. I slept with him every night and woke up to his face every morning. I identify with what you are saying about unconditional love. He accepted me calmly and completely and I’m not sure I have that with anyone now as it feels as though humans always expect something from me as a mother , wife or friend. The pain hasn’t lessened but it’s slightly less raw. I hope it feels more bearable for you with time. Xxxx

I’ve loved and lost some lovely boys over the years.
It is devastating but it’s the price you pay.
Your life is better for it, even though it might not feel that way now.
I hope you can find a place for a new companion in your heart.

I also lost our Lab after 15 years . Everyone in the house had grown up , moved out including ex . But the dog remained with me all those years . Went away of course but someone had to stay with her and she was so pleased to see me back. Nobody else missed me that much . No matter what I felt like the dog was there for me . She gave me a reason to get up every day to care for her . Broke my heart to see her slow down and struggle to do the things she loved . Total unselfish devotion .

I'm so sorry. YANBU. My DH would be up in the night, howling in the kitchen after we lost our JRT. He (ddog) was such a little character and such a huge part of our lives. It really is like losing a person.

I lost my beautiful girl over two years ago, and had yet another big cry today. I still miss her so much. Sending you loads of sympathy, OP, talk on here all you want about him xx 💐

She was lazy, hated walking at the end but never failed to greet you, hug you and joined in conversation with her grunts. A beautiful souls, so loving.

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve not experienced it (yet) but I adore my ddog. I spend more time with him than anyone else- wfh 3/4 days a week and he’s next to me. Taking him for lunchtime walks then he sleeps at the bottom of my bed.
I really hope it starts to feel easier, big hugs x

@user555999000 and everyone else on this thread, I feel for you and am also suffering the same sadness.

Our beautiful girl died on 27th Feb and I miss her so much. I can describe it as struggling with the concept of the permanence of her being gone. How can that be?

She was my little side kick and I love her so much and hope she knew that.

This resonated with me:

I don't just miss my pet.
I miss who I was when they were here.
I miss the version of life that had them built into it.
The routines, the responsibility, and the tiny moments that made the day feel worth showing up for.
Losing my pet didn't just break my heart.
It rearranged my world.

Oh gosh such love and understanding on this post. 😭 Thank you everyone for your kind, thoughtful words.

So many comments that resonate so deeply with me.

@PrizedPickledPopcornI can fully understand how it can make you ill. My mind has gone into fight or flight and I keep waking at 3 am on the dot feeling like I’m going to have a heart attack. Apparently my unconscious mind is scanning for him before I even open my eyes. Acute grief I believe. Sleeping tablets are not even touching it. I hope you find more peace soon. So sorry for your loss.

@Tillow4everSo sorry for your loss. Cats are so cute.

@ladygindivaso sorry for your loss. I like JRTs - always thought they were bright and hardy for their size. Sending hugs back.x

@MrsMitford3 ah I can hardly write his name we without my eyes filling up. He was called Red. He was liver and white. In summer his coat took on a russet red tinge. He was absolutely fearless, boundless energy and totally soft. He once picked up a baby bird in mouth that had fallen from a nest and walked over to me and popped it in my hands - totally unharmed. He knew exactly how to protect things. Once, when he was a puppy, my mother had ‘posh b’ guests visit her house. She adored Red too, but asked that I kept him in the kitchen during the visit due to his high energy levels. Anyway, he escaped and came charging into the lounge. He’d managed to grab a huge pair of my Mum’s knickers from the wash basket, and when I say he was wearing them on his head, well he was wearing them on his head. She was mortified. We laughed about that for years.

@Mumsworkneverdoneso sorry for your loss. They are such a comfort. Better than any medicine. Better than most other humans. Really true. Sending you hugs.

@ChardonnaysBeastlyCat thank you so much. It’s the price you pay absolutely.

They are a forever constant. It can’t be underestimated the love that brings. So sorry for your loss.

My husband howled too. I’ve never seen him so deeply grief stricken. So completely devastated. We came as a package when I met him. I decided that if he didn’t adore my dog he would not get a second date. He adored him from the get go. I almost feel guilty that I’ve caused my husband this pain. I can’t make it better for him. We spent the first four years together with this little pup sleeping on the bed at our feet. We were a dream team trio. Like no one could touch our world. We felt complete.

My beautiful JRT died nearly 7 years ago ,she was my partner in crime ,my sanity going through the teenage years . I still use her name for all my passwords…yes I know! I have another JRT who I absolutely adore and she is my favourite company now the children have moved out of.
OP I am so sorry,our little for legged warriors are irreplaceable ❤️

“I miss who I was when they were here” This deeply resonated. I don’t know who I am without him. It’s the end of an era. I keep walking the same walks with his lead in my pocket, because I don’t know how to walk without him by my side.

sending hugs x

So very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. I can offer no words of comfort to ease your pain but send you a huge hug.

Completely understand how you feel. My darling girl has been gone for many years now but I miss her every day, and I miss the person I was when she was alive.

Oh my Op. your post mad me cry. I understand completely how you feel. The loss is immense and getting over it will never happen but coming to terms with it will.
I lost my girl 18months ago, I miss her and think about her every single day. I know that she’s still with me, I just know she is. She was my bestest ever good girl and she always will be.
We have a rescue dog now. Different breeed and different needs. She’s my DHs dog. She’s a lovely dog. She adores my DGC, shes her own self and I’m glad she is. I didn’t want another dog but DH couldn’t bare not having a dog to walk.