lovedoxies

I am so sorry for your loss. Give yourself time to heal. It will take a while. I'm sure that when we lose a pet it also raises other questions and losses. The important thing is that you give yourself time to heal. Have you thought about taking an online course or joining a Pet loss support group in your area? Best wishes.

I am so sorry for your loss of your soulmate, Abby. How are you doing with the anniversary? I hope that you did fine. I know exactly how you feel. Feb 2006 will mark the second anniversary for my dog Oscar, and the first anniversary of my other dog Itchy. I've lost both my dogs within a year of each other. I won't go for walks anymore, without them. Have you thought of adopting another dog? I know no animal will replace the ones that we lose. I would adopted another dog, but I'm caretaker for my parents and my step-mother doesn't want me to get another dog. It's very difficult for me. I miss my dogs, they were both my soulmates. I know how much you love Abby, from your description of her. But you did choose the best thing for her. I also believe in Rainbow Bridge, it sounds like heaven to me. I know one day I will be reunited with my human loved ones and my dogs. Best wishes for the upcoming year.

dhaberdash, I am so sorry for your loss, I know saying that may sound lame, but it's straight from the heart. I lost oldest dog in 2/2004(Oscar) and my second one in 2/2005(Itchy). I know what you're feeling. Please don't apologize for sounding melodramatic and depressing, when you write about Haberdash, it's part of the grieving process to express your feelings. This is the best place to do it. You took the best care of Haberdash that you could. I can tell that from what you wrote. I can also tell that you didn't want him to be unhappy anymore. You thought of Haberdash, before yourself. That's what pet lovers do. I struggled with the decision to put my dogs to sleep. They told me when it was ready. They both died of kidney failure. What I did after I lost Oscar & Itchy, I actually started reading books. There are tons of books about Coping with Pet loss. You might want to consider taking an online course, or joining a support group in your town(if one is available). Give yourself time to cry, miss him, and grieve. It will take time. I can look back at the good times, and remember with a smile, the time I spent with my "boys". I still miss them terribly. I don't think that will change, except if I had the opportunity, I would consider adopting another dog now. Unfortunately, for me that's not an option(I live with my parents & they don't want me to adopt another dog right now). What I choose to do is keep the memory of my "boys" alive, finish Nursing school, and then adopt a new dog. It's a hard choice. Please give yourself time to heal. Your life will get better. It will take time. Does your husband or other good friends understand the human-animal bond? You might be surprised to find out that theres more animal lovers out there, than you realize. Also, you might want to read the poem Rainbow Bridge. It's pet heaven, and I believe that my dogs, Oscar & Itchy are there playing with haberdash. They're no doubt chasing tennis balls, running in the sunshine, and no doubt eating. You're in my thoughts & prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss of Maria. I hope you find peace either at this site or the one that Marty mentioned. I'm a small animal person, but have worked with people who have horses. It seems to me that no matter the size of the animal, it's the emotional nature of the human-animal bond that ties us to our pets. I hope this makes some sense. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss, But then again, I believe that your Maria is over the Rainbow Bridge, happy & healthy.

Dear Babysmommy, I am so very sorry to hear about your tragic lost. I am grateful that you're finding fellowship here. This site helped me and continues to help me. I'm also glad that the Humane society & police are coming around to help you. I do hope that the Humane society will cremate your precious cat at no charge. You might want to speak with the shelter manager, maybe that will help. I'm also sorry that your friends don't understand the depth of your loss. But you're surrounded in this room by people who do understand. You're in my thoughts & prayers.

Kiki, I'm sorry for the guilt that you're working thru. Have you thought about taking an online course? Volunteering at a humane society? I don't think your animals would want you to be unhappy. I know dealing with our emotions is hard to work. But I can tell that you love animals. You may even consider talking with a Counselor. I do agree with truckgirl, that sometimes when we force ourselves while we're in extreme pain, we do start the healing process. Best wishes.

Elkira, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost two dogs within a year of each other. I know you're still missing Blue and Fyfe. I can tell that you're an animal lover with adopting a rescue dog. Please give yourself, Pixie, and poppy some time to adjust and to heal. You never know, in time Gypsy & poppy may turn out to be what the doctor ordered. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

Lucy, I am so sorry for your loss of Molly. I understand completely how you feel. I lost my baby in Feb, Itchy was 14 1/2 years old. He died of liver and kidney failure. I lost my first baby last Feb, Oscar was14.5 years old but he died of kidney failure. You've come to the right site. I can tell how much you cared about her, and took care of Molly. Give yourself time to grieve, cry and remember Molly. You might consider joining a pet loss support group. You can find that information out online. You might also consider taking a course, and reading a book. That's what I did. You might even surprise yourself that when you talk to people, you'll find that they've also lost a pet and know exactly how you feel. But most importantly Lucy, give yourself time to heal. It's been five months since I lost Itchy. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Same thing with Oscar. I often picture them playing tennis ball in the sunshine. I know that one day, I will join them at the Rainbow Bridge. I hope this brings you comfort Lucy.

I'm sorry about you loss of Emilio. I understand completely how you feel. I lost my Itchy Feb 28, 2005 of kidney & liver failure. Last year I lost my Oscar on Feb 8, 2004 of kidney failure. They were both 14.5 years old, and dachshunds. I had both of them thru a divorce, financial problems, flew on an airplane(across country) in coach with them, and there medical needs came before mine. If I had to do it over, I wouldn't change a thing. Except never again will I work twelve hour shifts again, but that's another story. When I lost Oscar, I was devastated but gave Itchy all my attention(which he loved). However, when I lost Itchy, I was completely devastate. My life became empty. They were and still are my boys. I feel that you made the best choice for Emilio, congestive heart failure is like kidney & liver failure always fatal. Keep in mind that these diseases are also fatal in Humans. If you havent' started, start reading books on Pet loss. You might want to take a course, or join a support group. Whatever you choose, give yourself time and permission to miss Emilio. Reading helped me, and talking to other pet lovers. You might want to wait for a while before getting another dog. You might want to work thru your feelings. I know I want another dog, but I decided to wait until school is done, returning for Nursing. I want a female dappled dachshund. One completely different from my males. The good news is that you will gradually feel better, take one day at a time. As long as your love for Emilio remains, he's alive. I believe that my dogs are at the Rainbow Bridge, playing in the sun. I believe Emilio is there also. Happy, healthy, and content. I like your idea for creating a memorial garden. I bought a dwarf orange tree, after Itchy died. I personally won't bury Oscar & itchy's ashes here, because I want them with me, always. But that's just me, and I think what you did is great. But most importantly, give yourself time to grieve, cry and miss Emilio. Everyday will get a little better... I promise. Just give yourself time to heal. Hope this helps.

Sonny, I am so sorry for your loss. Reading your post reminded me of a stray that I had adopted(years ago). The dog loved chasing cars, and tried as I might, she wouldn't stop. One day, coming home from work, D-Day the german shepherd was dead in the middle of the road. I'll never forget how I cried for a dog I hardly knew, but I beleve that she knew that I did my best in taking care of her. In the short time that I had her, she had food, shelter, and love. I know that you like me, did the best that you could. You gave her food, shelter, and love. Please give yourself time to grieve. It's okay to cry, and be angry. I've had all the emotions. I had to put my dog to sleep in Feb 2004, Itchy died of liver & kidney failure. I still think of him everyday, and miss him. I lost my other dog Oscar, last year of kidney failure. What I've realized that is as long as I remember them, they're always alive. Plus I sincerely believe that Rainbow Bridge is heaven for Dogs. Have you read the poem yet? I know that your little dog is with mine, playing in the sun, happy and content. Please give yourself time to grieve, it will get better, everyday. You might consider taking an online course on pet loss. Best wishes

Linda, I'm so sorry for your loss of Barney. I can tell from your email how much you love and miss him. I can also tell that you did everything for him that is possible. How is Mynka doing now? Give yourself time to heal and to grieve. Barney was a part of your life for six years. That's a long time. I know exactly how you feel. I still think about and miss Itchy(mini dachshund), he's been gone for five months. My Oscar(cocker spaniel & Dachshund) has been gone now for a 1 year, 5 months. But most importantly, allow yourself to grieve, cry, laugh, and to heal. I know I will never forget my kids. They are a part of who I am. This morning, I went to donate some food to a local food bank. I stopped and talked with a couple with a smooth minature dachshund. The dog's name was Oscar. I had to chuckle, the dog was exactly like my Itchy, with my other dogs name! I stopped to pet the dog and visit with the people. I have to admit, it made my day. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you'll feel better, just give yourself time to grieve. Remember the time that you had with Barney. The joy he gave to you and to others. And spend time with Mynka. What helped me is reading books, and journaling. I also talked to other pet people. Pet people always understand what you're feeling. I also planted a dwarf orange tree(after Itchy's death). Most importantly give yourself permission to cry, and to grieve. Perhaps in a few months, you'll want to rescue another cocker spaniel. I hope this helps.

Butch, thank you for the email. It helps to know that others reading these emails know what I've gone thru. I'm also sorry to hear about your loss in June. I also went to school for Vet tech, and working with seniors you know when the end is coming. But it seems like once it comes, it takes time to work thru the grief, and we grieve for animals and people. I really wish that I could adopt a dog. I know it would help, but it's not possible now. Thanks again

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine what you're going thru. I don't think you're crazy about blaming your Dad. Give yourself time to heal, and work thru the stages of grief. Do you have pictures of your cat? You might consider donating your time to a shelter, so you can be around other animals. Try and think about the good times that you had with your Siamese. I know it hurts, but give yourself time. Have you looked into other websites? Such as petloss.com. What gave me the most comfort was the poem Rainbow Bridge. It's about pet heaven. You'll be in my thoughts, again, I'm sorry for your loss....

Kelley, I'm very sorry for your loss of Gwennie. I lost my cocker spaniel mix Feb 2004, Oscar was 14 1/2 years old. He also died of kidney failure. I know the pain and the tears that you're going thru. I was with both of my dogs, during the transition from this life to the Rainbow Bridge. I know it's difficult now to read poetry, I couldn't for a long time. But the Rainbow Bridge poem does make sense. I know both my dogs are there playing. I know you miss Gwennie, and you need to take your time and grieve for her. She was a part of your life for 15.5 years, I understand 100%. Do you have pictures of her? Keep them out, so you can look at her everyday. I still talk to Oscar, and Itchy's picture. I know this sounds corny, but temporarily have you thought about getting a stuffed animal to hug, when you're upset? I did, sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. Don't forget that kidney failure occurs in people. I see people suffering with the disease at the hospital. There is only so much that Human medicine can do for kidney failure patients. The most important truth to hang on to is that Gwennie knew you loved her and she loved you! By you being with her until she crossed the bridge, shows me and her that you were totally devoted to her. I also know that you did everything medically possible for her, and I'm sure you cleaned the carpet up after her. She loves you still...... What I did after I lost Itchy this Feb 2005(minature dachshund, 14.5 years old), was buy a dwarf orange tree, and plant it . It's now grown a foot! If you live in the Midwest, consider buying a houseplant, or a shrub. Anything you want. It doesn't replace him, but having living things around me, helps. Give yourself time to grieve, and eventually you may consider adopting another dog. I want to now, but my step-mother isn't so crazy about the idea. You might want to take the course offered thru self healing expressions. I'm taking it now. I've also read Coping with the loss of a Pet (Christina Lemieux), and Coping with sorrow on the loss of your Pet(Moira Anderson Allen). But again, please give yourself time to heal, you will be able to think of Gwennie with a smile, and happy memories. I hope this helps. my thoughts are with you!

I lost Oscar my 14.5 year old dachshund/cocker spaniel Feb 8, 2004 in Peoria, AZ. he died of kidney failure. I quit my job(CNA) and took care of him during his last two weeks of his life. It was devastating to watch him waste away. I figured if he was human, he would be on Hospice and I was going to provide that dignity to him. Then one morning about 2am, he woke up, crying, I will never forget that sound, for as long as I live. I knew the bile had finally backed up to his brain, I started crying. I took him to the Emergency Vet clinic, and was with him while he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The only thing that I'm still angry about is that the Veterinary staff didn't tell me they had given him a sedative, or I would of immediately picked him up while they gave him the shot. Oh well, he did take his last breath in my arms. I still miss Oscar and dream about him at night. Meanwhile, I still had Itchy at home, he was 13.5 years old, a minature dachshund. After Oscar was gone, Itchy became very depressed. I even hired a Pet Sitter, once I returned to work. He returned to his playful self, and enjoyed being the only dog(Oscar & Itchy had been together for 12 years. I had adopted Itchy when he was 2 and Oscar was 3). Anyway, the next thing I know Itchy & I are moving to Southern California. He adapted very well. One day he became very lethargic, and I took him to another Emergency clinic, he had a tumor attached to his spleen. I did have the surgery, and Itchy recovered wonderfully, he returned to his old happy self for about six months, then in jan he ate a plant in the yard and became ill, again he pulled out of it and recovered. By this time, I knew his liver & kidney enzymes were off the chart... Still, I wanted to give him time. He did become sick about the middle of Feb. I again nursed him, bought Pedialyte for him, cooked chicken anything for him to eat... Then one day, I came home from work to find him outside, in the dark!! Itchy never liked the cold or being outside by himself. I thought for sure, I would find him dead... I called for him, and he did come to me. I knew he was telling me it was his time to join Oscar at the Rainbow Bridge. I had to observe him for a couple of hours, and about 11pm, took Itchy again to the Emergency clinic. He slept so soundly in the car, the first time he laid down in four hours(since I came home from work). I felt and still feel guilty that I was at work all day and my Dad said he was outside most of the day... Plus, his canine tooth had abscessed and he couldn't eat anymore.... I held him before and after.... I just feel so empty inside, without him.. I know he's happy and out of pain but let's face it only us survivors of death that go thru grief process. I feel more grief and loss than when my Mother died when I was 13 years old! I should also add that my boys came across country with me on an airplane, in coach! They were with me thru my divorce, difficutlties, moving(each dog lived in four states), and career changes. How do I replace that loyalty and love? I would like to adopt another dog, but my step-mother doesn't want one. I'm preparing to return to school this Fall for Nursing (LVN / LPN). After that, I will leave and return to the Midwest. I hope to adopt another dog next year, I'm praying that God can change her heart. I think about Oscar and Itchy every day and dream about them at night. I feel that they were the better part of my life for fifteen years. I'll never forget them... I will look forward to seeing them when I cross the Rainbow Bridge. In the meantime, there are other dogs that need homes.... I'm sorry that this is so long but it's been kind of a hard year.