Our dog died. It’s a very painful loss.
Hi, and to whom it may concern.
Dogs are faithful creatures. They don’t ask for much. Our dog only asked to be walked several times a day. In return she gave unfailing love, affection and presence.
I have not met humans with these qualities.
Our dog was very special.
We adopted her from a shelter. She had been given up twice. We still don’t understand why, because she was so gentle and kind with us. She often would sit at my feet while I wrote.
Suddenly, in early March, she couldn’t walk so we took her to the vet, where they recommended intensive care. She got out of intensive care, and a month later, last Friday, April 12, she died in front of us. We couldn’t do a thing. We saw what was happening. All we could do was to help her be comfortable, pet her, talk with her, until her soul flew away.
I am still destroyed, devastated.
She was such a big part of our lives.
I don’t expect anyone to understand.
I also expect I will take my own time to process this loss.
We dug a grave for her. We planted pretty purple flowers and we added wildflower seeds to make the plot pretty eventually. She is near a mature tree that reminds us of her.
I am still, sadly, crying every day.
Yesterday, my husband showed me a photo of a puppy. Coincidentally, I had just found a photo of a senior dog that was in need of adoption. That is how I know we will get through this.
We will go through our process.
We will gradually accept she is no longer here.
Gradually, it will be ok.
What are your experiences of loss of a pet? I wonder how it is you chose to deal with your loss?
Kindly,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dog. It's heartbreaking to say goodbye to a faithful companion who has brought so much joy and warmth into our lives.
I hope you are able to find some comfort in reflecting on the happy memories you shared together.
@positiveSunrise249
Hi, Sunrise,
Thank you so much for posting. Reflecting on the happy memories has helped a bit.
Today is the first day I feel more or less more “normal” if there is such a thing.
Kindly,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens 😞awwwww honey I'm so sorry 😢 loosing a pet, is the same as loosing a family member. It really is heartbreaking. It's ok to cry and grieve in your own time, in your own way. Wraps you in a cosy blanket and cuddles you up ❤ you and your furbaby, was very blessed to have each other in your lives. I bet you have lots of sweet and funny memories of her/him, gives you a giant tiny hug ❤❤squeezes you tightly ❤❤ I love you ❤ and I'm right here for you ❤
@Tinywhisper11
Dearest Lola,
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. We have buried our dear Kimmi outside and planted some pretty purple flowers. We have also placed many wildflower seeds and they will pop up soon, I hope.
Super huge hugs right back to you, Lola. You are so full of love and I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Kindly,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens I bet kimmi will be admiring the flowers from animal heaven, when they start popping up. The flowers are a very sweet touch in kimmi's honour. Flowers blooming, then sleeping till the next spring. Is like a beautiful way to think of life. Life pops up, blooms and is something to be treasured, and when it ends, it's not really gone. Just sleeping till the day we meet again ❤❤❤ hugs you tightly
@PatienceImpatiens
Im so sorry to hear that you lost your precious dog. I am a huge animal lover and I truly believe that losing a pet is like losing a member of the family.
I have lost a number of pets over the years. And I lost one of my standard poodles to cancer in October.
I usually cope with losing a pet by getting another pet. 🙈. But I usually recommend that people wait until they feel ready unlike me.
There is one dog that I have never gotten over. He was a beautiful Rottweiler. I still miss him to this day and it’s been well over 14 years since he passed.
@Kristynsmama
Dear Kristynsmama,
Thank you for your kind note. Yes, we are all different when it comes to pets, I suppose. I’m more of a serial monogamist with animals. We adopt one, we love them to smithereens, they die, then it usually takes me a break of two years or so (after I’ve given away all the doggie stuff, donated all the food etc.) and then the spark appears again.
Yesterday my husband and I spent the better part of the day looking at rescue websites, and we found a delightful German Shepherd/Lab mis who is in need of a home. Also, I found an amazing little puppy for sale that is so so cute and round. And then, this morning, I awoke, waiting to hear the thumping of our Kimmi’s tail, which is how she would greet me in the morning, waiting for her tummy rub. Her tummy was always so warm from being curled up at night. And, I realized, I’m not ready yet.
Thanks for your note.
Kindly,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens
At least you know that you are not ready. It’s so important to wait until you are ready. Dogs are the best no matter their breed or their background. And I hope your heart heals enough that you can get another pet sooner rather than later.
I am sorry to hear that. I send you my condolences. It’s never easy and I hope you will be able to overcome this difficult time. 😔
@Tripleplay
Thanks, Tripleplay,
Thanks for your note. Indeed, somehow I will get through this, thanks to people like you who are kind enough to reach out and support. I appreciate you took the time and care to respond to my post.
Kindly,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens
Absolutely! Reach out if you ever need to vent!
@Tripleplay
Thank you!
So, here’s an update, one week after the death of our dog.
Yesterday, a bouquet of flowers arrived at the door! It was from the dog food company! There was also a sweet handwritten card from one of the (many) vets who tried to save our Kimmi when she collapsed the first time. That was so sweet, the handwritten note especially. Of course, everything moves me to tears these days, any gesture.
I joined about twenty groups on face plant book. Why I did that, I don’t really know. I was reading some of the stories and I just got progressively more and more depressed.
So, instead I started looking at puppy photos. And I found this cutest of all puppies that will be ready in May. But I think that’s going to be too soon for me. Also, my husband found an adoptable German Shepherd/Labrador mix that we may go and see today, even though I know it’s too soon.
Weirdly, a lot of animals seem to have died around the same time as our dear Kimmi, so I find I have a circle of friends who are all grieving our losses together. We all grieve in different ways.
Me, I have Kimmi’s dear red and black checked coat that she wore so often in the snow tucked under my pillow. There’s also a red and black checked wool blanket she had on her bed for the longest time that I sometimes use to warm my feet. And, I have a matching red and black checked flannel shirt I have been wearing just because it’s a connection with her.
We decided to donate all her food, medications and things. Except, I realized we’re definitely going to have another dog at some point, so I’m saving her lovely comfy bed. We found rescue places that will accept all our donations.
Today, for the first day since Kimmi died, I will open up my book and work on it. I hadn’t been able to concentrate all week. Today seems like a good day to at least take a stab at writing again. Everyday, we’ve been taking a long walk “in memory of Kimmi.” This way, at least I’m not curled up in the fetal position all day. Also, I’m trying to eat every day and smile or laugh at something, even if it’s just the funnies in the paper.
Thank you for reading this. Here’s a photo of Kimmi just to show you how really splendid and regal she was. She lives on in my memory and never will leave. She is a special gal.
Love and Courage,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens awww kimmi is smilling in the photo ❤❤ sooo cute ❤ I'm glad you got a support friend group, and what a sweet gesture from the vet ❤❤a little thoughtfulness means the world to people. Your doing amazing, with walking and trying to keep your chin up ❤ donating her stuff, was incredibly kind of you too ❤ gives you a giant tiny hug ❤❤ I love you ❤
@Tinywhisper11
Super sweet and gentle hugs back to Lola Sweetie Bean Bear Cutie. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
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So, we have a darling rebound pup named Ginni. We went to an adoption fair on Sunday last, and she won my heart. Here she is:
We are in love with her and are working with her on her adjustment to our home.
@PatienceImpatiens
I am sorry for your loss of your dog. As a dog owner my boyfriend and I treat her as a child not a dog. Everyone she meets and those who love her are aunties and uncles to her. Our pets ask for love and in return gives us happiness and love back. They sense we are sick and lay with us, or if we are upset to be by our side.
@pamharley003
Pam, Thanks so much for sharing this. It makes it easier knowing others have got through this. The saying you shared is very kind.
Kindly,
Patience
I have lost two over the past few years. One I was unable to help (felt really bad about that since I'd had him as a puppy) and the other was getting treated and then had a seizure (I'd known him since he had been a kitten). I was not going to get another until the older of the two cats passed. I just didn't think she'd adjust to another animal.
- But then last July, my brother wanted to know if I was at home because he had a gift. This was the gift:
- 6 months old at the time & full of energy. Cat didn't like her at first. But now the cat walks with us like she used to with the other pup and I get puppy kisses again. She's nearly a year and four months now and although she's completely different than the other one & the first girl dog I've had, it's nice to have one about again.
@Enthenia
Hi, Enthenia,
I can relate to your share because this time, we didn’t wait to get another pup. I was too depressed the week after our Kimmi died and so when we went to the animal rescue and this little cute adorable pup, her energy just called out to me, I could not resist. No, each one of them is different. I’m trying to accept and move on.
Thank you for posting your experience. It helps to know others who have gone through something similar and made it out the other side, as it were.
Kindly,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens you are welcome. I was a little worried at first because I didn't read all the responses and saw after the fact that you had gotten another pup but I understood the feelings in the initial post and just wanted to state that you were not alone in this experience. I'm still trying to get adjusted to mine even though it's been nearly eleven months since she was given to me. She's not as wild as she was and I don't get frustrated with her as much (or frustrated with myself for perhaps not handling things correctly) but she is still extremely energetic.
She does listen more but she can't handle high temperatures so we have to play inside a lot. Unfortunately, it can take hours to wear her out which can be trying when I need to do things like clean or assignments on the computer. But she tries her best and she's a good girl for the most part. She's also smart. She knows where to locate her toys when I ask for them.
@PatienceImpatiens
Hello.
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Our pets are family members. We are here for you, whatever yuo need during this time.
@HopieRemi
Thank you for saying that, Hopie. It means a lot to me that you bothered to post here. Indeed, they are our family members.
Hugs.
Patience
You’re welcome *hugs* @patienceimpatiens
@PatienceImpatiens I am very sorry for you loss, my friend. I truly am.
@calmMango9611
Calm Mango, Thank you so much for saying that. I really appreciate it. It really helps to read that. Thank you and hugs if accepted.
Kindly,
Patience
@PatienceImpatiens Your very welcomed, my friend. I do. Thanks for the hugs back.