Heartbroken after saying goodbye to my dog of 16 years

[CheeseForHer]

My 16.5 year old dog had to be put to sleep yesterday and I feel so devastated. A vet came to our house and I sat in the garden holding my girl in my arms while she passed, the sun was on her face and the wind was blowing through her fur as she slipped away.

I know it was the right decision for her, but it still feels so wrong that she isn't here any more.

We took her to a local crematorium and they were able to cremate her the same day so that I could bring her home within a few hours. But walking out and leaving her there was so awful, I just wanted to pick her back up and leave with her.

I had her since she was 3 months old and she was my shadow, by my side through the best and worst times of my life and she had such a big personality for such a small dog.

The house feels so empty and quiet without her.

I'm not sure what I'm really posting for, I just feel so lost and restless.

She was my first dog too, it's so hard 🩷 thank you for your kind words x

Thank you so much. I will reach out to the blue cross, talking about her is all I want to do right now.

@CheeseForHer no worries
It will get better
I thought I was going to die
It was so awful, I even rang The Samaritans
I still miss him - I have days when I just want to be with him so badly
But, it does get better
Try to concentrate on your life - what's going well
That's how I coped, because honestly, I was really at rock bottom
Reach out - ring The Blue Cross
Honestly, they saved my life x

Do you have a partner?
It was only in the last year that my husband confinded in me that he was feeling the same.
I was so wrapped up in my grief, that I didn't even think about him
Thankfully, we're coming through it together
We're going to get a rescue dog shortly xx

I'm so sorry 😔 the love you shared with him shines through so strongly. I really appreciate your kind words and advice x

I do, my husband was with me every step of the way and he was amazing, I don't think I could have done it without him.

He's not an overly emotional person but after we picked up her ashes he completely broke down in the car.

She was my dog originally but she was only 1 when I met my husband so she became both of ours. He always called her his little princess and I can see how much it's hurting him too.

Good luck with your rescue pup, it's going to be so lovely for you 💐

Just wanted you to know I'll be thinking of you tomorrow 💐💜 xx

Thank you @cheese,he went very quietly and easily, he looked ready to go by Monday. I'm heartbroken, the house is so quiet xx

I'm glad he went peacefully 💜. The silence is something I'm finding really hard too. Sending you hugs 💐

Hugs to you too - it will get easier in time, I'm sure