My Beloved Dog Died Yesterday.
81
To say I am devastated would be an understatement. My darling, gentle, rescue Greyhound 'Lady' had to be put to sleep yesterday (Sunday 19th October). Okay, in some ways we had all been expecting it. She was over 14, she had minor heart problems, arthritis, kidney problems etc, but she was usually still capable of producing a gallop of joy when she saw my Sister or I arrive at my Mum and Step Dad's house where she lived.
Lady came into our lives about seven years ago, initially because her elderly owner was not able to walk her due to ill health. My Mum answered an advert in the newspaper asking for help to exercise Lady, and before too long she was walking her regularly. Then Lady's owner was first taken into a home, before sadly dying some weeks later. Initially Mum took Lady on as a pet until she could secure her a good home. I was living with my late Husband Dave on the UK mainland at this time, and we had lost our Doberman 'Odin' about 7 months before to a rare form of Hepatitis. When Mum told us that 'Lady' needed a home we agreed to take her, knowing she would be great company for our little Cairn Cross rescue terrier 'Misty'.
My Mum and Step-Dad (James) quickly brought Lady over to the UK to live with us, and this is where she stayed for the next two and a half years until my Husband Dave died from Bowel Cancer. Seven months later I returned to Guernsey complete with my dogs and cat, and secured a rented property for us to live in. This situation went well up until I made the mistake of getting back with my ex from 13 years previously, and agreed to move to Tenerife with him. In spite of my pleas he refused to allow me to bring my pets along, and so, after reluctantly re-homing my cat 'Tarot' with his ex-girlfriend, my Mum and Step-Dad agreed to take on the two dogs.
To cut a very long story short, the relationship did not work out, and by the time I made it back to Guernsey, emotionally battered and bruised by my exes cruelty, my parents had re-homed my terrier with friends of theirs, but still had Lady the Greyhound.
At this point I was not allowed pets in the rented accommodation I had secured, and so Lady stayed with my parents. The option to retrieve my cat Tarot, and my terrier Misty, were also non starters for a number of reasons (neither owner would give them up).
I was however comforted by the fact I could continue to visit Lady on a regular basis, and it soon became a thrice weekly (at least) visit. She was always so pleased to see me, and I used to take her treats, presents etc. Clearly my Mum absolutely adored her, and even my Step-Dad, (who loathed clearing up her messes from the lawn), obviously loved her.
Over the next three and a half years (during which time I had married my current Husband Richard), we continually visited my Parents and Lady. My Sister Hayley also adored Lady, as did everyone who met her. She was pure white, elegant and totally lived up to her name.
As time went on she was diagnosed with various problems, including a minor heart defect, kidney problems, arthritis, a throat issue and terrible teeth. By the time last year came she only had her four major canines left (as all the others had needed to be removed). Her personality and joy at life never wavered though, and even though in typical greyhound fashion she was incredibly lazy and wanted little exercise, her joy was abundant when people came to visit, especially my sister and I.
By now my Mum was reluctant to put her in kennels if her and James went on holiday (because Lady would lose so much weight due to separation anxiety), so my Husband Richard and I would let her stay with us (once our landlord said it was okay). At first our cats hated her, but soon realised she was harmless, and they quickly recognised her arrival and would rub their cheeks affectionately along her face and wash her paws. Due to her arthritis Lady was now sleeping on a huge beanbag, and trying to get her off it was an almost impossible feat in itself.
We were lucky, in that we had our fishing lake nearby, and could therefore walk Lady around it off lead whenever she stayed with us. She adored this, as normally she had to be kept on a lead to avoid her hurtling off after any dog she saw, (even if they were aggressive). She loved other dogs so much, and desperately craved their ability to play with her. All of our anglers also seemed to adore her, especially as at least two of them used to own greyhounds themselves.
When my parents used to come back at the end of their holidays Lady always seemed to be torn between staying with us, or going home, and often went off her food for a day or two until I went up to my parents house to visit her.
Sadly, as the months went on her ability to run and play did diminish to some degree, but right up until a week ago I knew her to still manage a few steps of a run to come and greet me upon my arrival at my parent's home. She had the sweetest nature, and would always make a point of going around the room to greet each individual so they could make a fuss of her, before she ultimately flopped out in the sunshine, or returned to her beanbag.
Then, this Sunday morning at 08.30am, I received the call I had been dreading. It was my Mum to say that Lady had experienced a dreadful night of terrible throat 'hacking', and struggling to breathe. She was seriously suffering and had needed my Mum and James to sit up with her since 04.00am. She was refusing food and water and seemed incredibly distressed. I rapidly got dressed and Richard and I headed over to their house, a huge sense of dread hanging over me.
When I arrived my worst fears were confirmed. My Mum was sitting with Lady next to her beanbag, and Lady was struggling for breath. We both tried to comfort her, and I managed to get her to drink some water, but looking at her gums I could see they were badly inflamed and full of pus, plus the colour of her tongue and gums was alternating between pink and blue. The hyperventilating was so distressing to watch, and I quickly called my friend Jennie, (who was the Head Nurse at the vets I used to work at). Bless her, she was suffering from a hangover, (it was not her weekend on call), but she came out as a friend to see Lady. Initially she felt that Lady had developed a gum infection, and that her kidneys could not cope with it, and although we could give her painkiller, which we did, and antibiotics, there was no long term solution. Having spoken to the 'on call' vet on our behalf it was decided that rather than take our poor greyhound to the strange environment of a vet's surgery to put her to sleep, (or take tests that would no doubt confirm what we thought, still leaving us with no cure), the kindest thing was let her die peacefully at home.
I had to break this news to my Mum, and then get her to call my sister so she could be there when this happened. Several hours of stroking Lady and telling her what a 'good girl' she was, had preceded the final injection. As an ex-vet's nurse myself, I agreed to raise the vein for the final injection that would end her suffering. It was possibly the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, especially as it did take two attempts because Lady pulled back her leg the first time the needle went in.
The end was very peaceful though, and she gently drifted off to sleep for the last time, still laying on her beanbag. Even my friend Jennie (the vet's nurse) and her fiance PJ, were crying, and Jennie said it was the hardest PTS (Put to Sleep), she had ever experienced. My Mum, James, my Sister Hayley, myself, my Husband Richard, and my friends Jennie and PJ were all present, and all in tears after the end came.
Afterwards, we all had a large measure of sherry to calm our misery, and waited for the rescue centre to collect Lady for cremation. The last time I felt this sad was when my Husband died from Cancer, and I only hope Lady is with him now, as well as our Doberman Odin that died about a year before my Husband went.
Having got home that same evening, I thought I could cope okay, and had another drink to help numb the pain. At the point Richard and I went to bed I ended up in floods of tears, and to say I was sobbing would be an understatement. By this morning (Monday), my eyes were puffed and swollen, and I had physically rubbed one eyelid until the skin had come off and left it raw.
From previous experience I know I shall suffer from this pain for a very long time, as will all of our family. My cardigan still has Lady's hairs stuck to it, but I don't want to wash it as it seems too final.
Truly making the decision to euthanaise a pet is one of the hardest ones of all, and on this occasion I had to make the final decision as I knew my Mum could not be the one to do so because of the guilt she would suffer afterwards. The death of a pet is no different in many ways to any other family member or friend, and one of my only consolations is that I 100% believe animals do have souls and go to the same afterlife as we do, (after all, why would I want to go there otherwise, and surely they have more right than most of us to be there based on animal behaviour versus human behaviour?). In the past I have also had convincing psychic medium evidence my Doberman Odin was now with my deceased Husband, (I should add that no questions were put to me, and no information was given by me, not even my surname, never mind who or what I had lost). In addition to this I had asked my late Husband (just before he died) to find a way to let me know he was okay and our Doberman Odin was with him, and he did exactly what I asked, I just hope and pray he does the same with Lady, as he knew her too, and loved her just like we did.
Never let anyone tell you the loss of a pet is less important than the loss of a person. Lady was my best friend, and whether she had four legs and barked, or two legs and talked, I would have loved her just as much. She never let me down, in fact in many ways I feel I let her down by leaving her with my parents in order to go to Tenerife for what ended up being a disastrous relationship with a control freak. If I could have prolonged Lady's life by giving up a chunk of my own life, I would have done it in a heartbeat. Her soul was purer than most people's I have ever met, and I look forward to the day we are reunited in whatever afterlife is waiting for us.
Until We Meet Again
I know what you're thinking. You think I'm dead. Because you cannot see me with your human eye, cannot feel me with your hands or hold me in your arms, you think I am gone forever.
You recall how I looked when I left this place, and you cannot remotely imagine that I could possibly be alive in another place. You are racked and torn by the pain of our separation and it blinds you to that which is right in front of you... me.
How many times since I left your immediate sight have you been told that I'm dead and you should "get over it?" How many times have you cried yourself to sleep because you feel like an outcast, believing you're supposed to get over me because that's what people say is normal but somehow you can't and no one seems to understand?
How many times have you put yourself through such excruciating pain because you aren't willing to consider that I am not, by any means, dead? I want you to do me a favour and go back in time with me. Remember the glorious day you brought me home - was I not the most intriguing creature you'd ever met? Did I not make you laugh and giggle? Did I not look at you with such adoration that you wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of your life with me? I wanted this too.
Remember the days when I was in my prime and we did many things together. You were so proud of me! I was a good friend and I took care of you when you cried, were angry or felt down and unhappy.
When you didn't have a lot of time for me because of your obligations, I waited patiently for you. I was always there when you needed me. Did I not look at you with such acceptance and patience that at times you felt perhaps a bit unworthy? You were never unworthy in my eyes.
Remember when age crept up on me, my bones became stiff and my movements slower. Still I met you at the door when you came home and followed you around the house. We'd been together for so long, I was your very best friend regardless of what you were doing, saying, thinking. Did I not look at you with such kindness and understanding that you felt overwhelmed? I couldn't get enough of you.
Remember the last time we saw each other with earthly eyes. You tried to be brave but I knew you were crying... I know you so well. Better than anyone else in the whole world. Did I not look at you with such pure trust and love that you yearned only to hold me close and keep me with you always? Did you not promise that you would love me forever? I believed you.
If this is so then why have you let me go by thinking I no longer exist? Remember the depth in my eyes all those times I looked at you with adoration, acceptance, patience, trust and love. Who created this depth and love? Would the Creator diminish the song of our laughter which was created in the name of love? I am no longer an earthly figure, this is true. My body was only part of who I really am. My body would have been but a mere shell on earth if it were not filled to overflowing with my soul, my spirit, my loving light. When we met you thought I was cute, sweet, pretty and adorable. But what kind of relationship would we have had if this were all that I'd been? How could you have loved me if I'd had no spiritual substance?
We are all made up of energy that resides far deep down inside of us, it is our core, our soul, spirit and loving light. It is the energy that is all of life... it has no beginning, it has no end. It simply is and always will be and without it there is no life. You can't see it with the naked eye nor can you hold it in your hand, it is simply a certain knowing that this energy does exist. It's a knowing just as you know that our love existed on earth - you couldn't see our love in a solid sense, you couldn't gather it all up and confine it to one place. But you knew it existed. There was no doubt in your mind.
They demand you get over me, insisting that I'm dead and you'll never see me again because animals don't go to heaven. Oh really?
I'm here to tell you different. You were worthy of my love and undying devotion on earth as I of yours. Do you really believe this love would be snatched from us forever by a loving Creator simply because I wasn't human? Was I not a living, breathing creation with personality? How could I have been so if I didn't possess the energy of soul, spirit and loving light? And if this energy is and always will be, then how can it be that I am dead?
If my core is not of the energy that is all of life then I was never alive to begin with. But you know better.
You cry because you miss me, this I understand. I miss you too - miss the belly rubs, hugs and kisses that we shared. But life does go on beyond these wonderful, fulfilling physical connections.
I came to this place to live a whole new life, not because I didn't love you anymore or because I wanted something better. I came here because it was time for me to go to the next phase of my existence, something all living creatures must do eventually. It is the normal progression of life. I was not taken away from you because you cannot take away that which was never owned. My presence in your life was and is a gift to be cherished and honoured just as I cherish and honour you.
Life is not simply about being born into a body, living a certain number of years and then dying. Energy cannot die. We are blessed with time in a body so that we can learn, share and grow. It prepares us for the next phase of our eternal life. The body holds within it the true life force of our existence... our soul, spirit and loving light. Without these our bodies would be empty, blank, void of feeling and expression. Without our energy we would indeed be dead and could never have experienced our love for each other.
You say that all you have left are memories. Not so. You see, when I took leave of my earthly body I left a little something behind for you. You can't touch it, hold it or examine it for what I left behind is far too uninhibited for confinement. I left behind a piece of my soul. I placed it right next to your own which is quite fitting as we were always side by side in our earthly life together. I love you too much to have left you with nothing but memories that tend to fade and grow cloudy as the years go by.
I love you too much to have vanished without a trace. How selfish it would be of me to remove love and light from your life.
I understand your tears, each one you shed is testament to your love for me and I am honoured and humbled. But don't forget the good things we shared - remember and smile. This is an honour for me as well. And when you need me I will be here. Close your eyes, relax, take slow, deep breaths and picture me in your mind. Shut off the world and your notions of what death is and give me a chance. Look for the subtle signs I send you. Don't stop being proud of me, I am a friend to be proud of, I am still your friend and soul mate.
Don't memorialise the death of my body but instead honour and celebrate my never-ending life for it is eternal and forever as is my love for you.
Until we meet again...
(Author Unknown)
Rainbow Bridge (With Thanks to Christoph Reilly)
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (1)
- Funny
- Awesome (7)
- Beautiful (12)
- Interesting (2)
CommentsLoading...
So sorry to read about your beloved "Lady". She sure was pretty. I know all about losing a dog, so I can empathise with you whole heartedly. If you've never read "rainbow bridge", here's the link. It's a touching poem about losing your dog.
I hope another puppy will bring a similar joy into your life!
I know exactly what you mean. I lost my dog a long time back but still the pain lingers on. And the toughest part is taking the very life out of a member who is so much a part of our life. I pray that you have the strength to endure the pain caused by the separation.
So sorry about your loss-- many of us have been there and understand.
The tribute is wonderful-- and with only a few alterations can also be applied to loss of human types as well. Tears are part of life and part of healing. They also tell us that we had a wonderful gift in such a friend.
Dear Misty, You've written a universal truth for all of us. The downside of love is loss. And it hurts.
I'm glad you were able to express your feelings -- so rich, real and raw. I hope that doing so has helped you, even just a little. I know that reading about your experiences has helped me (and I dare say many other fellow hubbers). Bless you. And bless Lady.
Sorry to hear about Lady's dying, it opens a floodgate of memories, and also those tears. Of all the those times I have had to sit and hold paws at the last moments, or carry them, all weak or injured to the vet.
My sympathies to you.
I've been staring at this comment box for a long time, not sure what to say. You're love for Lady is palpable in this hub, as is your grief. You've done her a beautiful tribute here, and at least, in a tiny little way, we get to know her too. She is everywhere now.
Thank you for sharing this, and I'm very sorry that you lost your sweet furry friend.
I just lost my Lydia kitty a week ago today. We had to let her go, even though she was only two weeks less than 9 years old. It was cancer. Peace to you, and to all who have lost a pet. Thank you for writing this hub. Crying now, but maybe later I'll write about my Lydia like you wrote about your Lady. Thanks.
Misty Sorry for the loss of your beloved Lady. But what a tribute you have give her.
In some small way I feel I have got to know you a little better too.
I give yu a virtual embrace across the ether to comfort you.
My heart breaks for you Misty. There simply are no words to express how deeply I feel for you and your loss.
{{{Misty}}} huge cyberhugs
My sympathies are with you Misty and will be for a long long time. You have taken so much more than I can imagine one person being able to bear. Where your strength comes from inspires me to no end. I feel helpless at this moment and speechless. If only I knew what to do to help. So Misty I'm sorry to hear about Lady. I believe all that you say in your story, I doubt nothing. I offer you my prayers, a warm hug and silence. I hope it helps you.
Thank you to all of you for your wonderful and kind words. I can tell from reading them that they come from the hearts of all of you, and it has truly touched me. I shall print them all off to take to my Mum, as she too will be moved by the sentiments you have all expressed here.
Lady has left a gaping hole in our lives, and we all miss her desperately. I know the pain will lessen in time, but she will forever be in our memories until we meet her again on the other side. We are going to bury her ashes in my parent's garden next to the where the ashes of my Doberman Odin are buried. Like him she she shall have an engraved headstone that we can visit and talk to her, (although I am still talking to her now anyway). It is our intention to plant a rose bush over the archway behind the two headstones as a symbol of new life coming from old.
Thank you again to all of you for your kind and supportive words and hugs. This is why I love you all so much.
Christoph, thank you so much for the link to "Rainbow Bridge". I have added the poem to this hub as it was one I heard many years ago, and I couldn't remember the name of it to find it last night. It so beautifully sums up the exchange of love between dogs and their owners, even after passing over.
What a very sad story. :( Lady looks and sounds like she was a very sweet companion. Thank you for sharing this tribute to her life.
I share your belief that all souls are eternal and I have no doubt that your paths will cross again. Until then, I wish you much comfort and happy memories.
Thank you Melissa, I hope the memories never go away and that she will be waiting for me when I cross over.
It's odd how I wrote my hub about putting dogs to sleep while you were writing this one about your dog. I am very sorry about your loss, I always thought that our pets and loved ones watching us from the above wished we would not cry or grieve too much for them. I am sure they are in a better place and they are sending virtual rubs and kisses trying to comfort us.
Grieving is a process and it surely takes time but when we lose a pet instead of focusing on the loss we should try to focus on the gain we were gifted with. Imagine Lady in a better place and think of how she has enriched your life, I am sure she would be grateful if you would think of her in such a way! My best wishes!
Thank you alexadry, I am sure she is around us still and she definitely enriched our lives totally.
Lady will always be remembered and your beautiful tribute to her will make it possible for even longer. She was a lovely Greyhound.
Thank you funride, you are right, we shall never forget her and she really was a lovely dog :)
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you healing light and Lady to the light.
Just remember the wonderful times you had and know that she is with you.
A wonderful book to read right now would be Edgar Sawtelle. It is about spirituality and about "Sawtelle Dogs". I listened to it on cd's.
Sending you love, light and healing,
Lela
Cindy, I can only agree with everybody on your sad loss.
The passing of time will help to heal the pain and sorrow, and allow you to remember with joy the happiness and the good times you had with your Lady.
I was so very sorry to read this news, Cindy! My sympathies on your very great loss!
Thank you Lela, Agvulpes and Steve. I am grateful for your sympathy and support.
I'm so very sorry. Our pets are truly part of our family and I understand perfectly how painful it is. The pain will pass more quickly if you think about what Lady would want for you - she wants you to be happy and is still with you in spirit - I truly believe this. Gentle hugs.
Thank you Pat, the physical loss is so hard, but I know she wouldn't want us crying all the time. I am sure she is still around all of us too. :)
I can't read the whole of your story because4 I am in tears. I had to put my cat to sleep many years ago and it still pains me to think aobut that and the pain your went through too. I also lost another one of my cats this March and watched her struggle for breathing and her last breath too. This is why I stay away from hubs of this kind--not because I am a cold person, but I am an empath and feel the pain of the writer.
All creatures great and small, the lord god made them all......................
Thank you LG, it was really brave of you to come and comment here if these kinds of hubs upset you that much. It is nice to know another person has the kind of deep love for their pets that I hold for my own pets too. Truly God made all animals, and I firmly believe we shall be reunited one day :) I am genuinely sorry about your cats as I know how much it hurts.
Misty,
Sorry I'm so late to read your article; I've been away for a bit...
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Lady. Pets crawl into your heart in a way that only they can touch us. They are special little spirits that are so much a part of our lives. It hurts when they leave us.
I wish you well in your grieving process for Lady. She was so lucky to have a care-taker who loved her so much.
Madison
Thanks Madison. It is still painful, and we got her ashes back the other day which opened the wounds again. She was very much loved, and always will be and we still cry tears for her now.
I think one of the reasons it is so much harder to make the choice for an animal that is suffering is that you don't know and they cannot tell you, that they are ready to go on. I had a cat that lived to some 23 years, and she is the only one I have had to put down that I knew she was ready. How? She was unable to climb into the liter box anymore, and could not hold her head up to drink water alone, but when we arrived at the vet.. she slowly walked on her own into the room she knew we would end her suffering. Delorean was a very special cat. Chewie, my dog I think may not have felt quite ready, as I think her loyalty said she should stay on with me as long as breathe was possible. I just could not let her suffer. I will be having to face this again with my Dad's favorite cat, Boots the diabetic, insulin dependent cat before too much longer. (he gets two insulin shots a day, and two infusions of lactated ringers per day, his kidneys and liver are deteriorating and they say there is nothing more to be done for him.)
It is never easy silvatungfox, our animals give us so much, and it is so hard to let them go when the time comes. I guess it is the price we pay for having pets, as we know the odds are we will have to lose them before we ourselves die, and that it is going to hurt like hell. We just have to appreciate them for the brief time we have them, and do our best by them during those years.
Thanks so much for your comment.
What a heartfelt tribute to a great four-legged family member. I see you were a gift to her as well. Your time with Lady was a mutual blessing.
Thanks Nick, we all miss her so much, and my Mum especially, (as Lady lived with her). I just want ultimately to know we shall be reunited, as she gave so much to us, and I cannot believe she hasn't earned her place in the next life :)
Thanks so much for commenting :)
misty, I just ran across this and it touched my heart I love my dogs so much, that I cannot imagine when this time would have to come, Nazoo our male cocker suffers from a lot of allergies and we are also giving him no stop benadryl, and hydrocortisone for his skin, as he gets hot spots on occasion as well. I could not imagine putting him down and I am so thankful that we had picked him out over the other puppies as apparently he was meant to be with us. You can feel your heart in this touching story and big hugs to you for sharing it and I am certain that it was hard for you to write.
Thank you AEvans, it was hard to write, especially so soon after the event. I am sorry to hear about your Cocker, and know all about Benadryl and Hydrocortisone. You and him were obviously meant to be together so you could give him the love and attention he deserves.
Thank you so much for your supportive feedback :)
I am sorry for your loss. Gary
Thanks bgamall/Gary, it is still upsetting for all of us, especially my Mum who misses Lady every day because that is where Lady was living. I just keep remembering Lady, and how much she loved us, (her pack) to be around her. We will truly never, ever forget her, she was our darling, and the sweetest most loyal dog I have ever known.
Lady was a lovely girl! It's good you were able to have as much time with her as you did. I know you will always miss her as I do my Freckles and Hazle. I think my new girl, Amber, has some greyhound in her. Her personality and needs are very different from those of the pit-bullish types I am used to!
Blessings,
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, thanks for leaving such a comforting and lovely comment. We do still miss Lady, and always will. Every time I walk around our lake I remember how much she loved it up there as she could go off lead and walk at her own arthritic pace, or have a frolic if she felt up to it. If Amber does have some Greyhound in her she will no doubt prove to be a very loving and devoted loyal companion for you.
Love and Light
Misty
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Lady. Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Lady. Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Lady. Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
Thanks so much for your kind words Agnes :)
So sad, so touching. I am sorry for your loss. Our 4 leg friends have such big hearts and are a big part of our family. Wonderful poems at the end. Brought tears to my eyes. I see why Agnes was so upset that she posted three times.
Thanks Paper Moon, the hardest part about having a dog is always the likely possibility you will outlive them and therefore have to deal with their loss.
very touching hub indeed , lady is beautiful. I recently had to put my best buddy to sleep as he was having fits and pretty much forgot who and where he was:(
poor guy but I do look forward to seeing him in the afterlife like you mentioned. Just thinking about it makes me well up :) aah i am looking forward to it
Thanks expectus, I am sorry you too are going through this sadness. Dogs are just so loyal, it is heartbreaking to have to say a final goodbye. My one consolation is that I will see her again in the afterlife, and I am certain she will be pleased to see me. :)
Very beautiful and moving hub Misty!
Angels come in many forms and sometimes they have a beautiful name such as "Lady!"
Thank you Jeff, she certaibly was a pure soul, and I am sure an Angel is n0t such a difficult thing to believe, for us at least.
I've had to put my female dog to sleep on August. While keeping her head between my hands. Every day I miss her, and I know I'll miss her until my last days. But Rainbow Bridge give me some reliefs, even if I can't read it without crying any time. Some people will surely think I'm exaggerating but the truth is that she loved me more than everyone else, as her love was just what she felt for me. Without thinking, reasoning or what else. Something pure I'd say.
I totally understand what you mean here Hypnodude, our dogs love us in a truly unique way and this is why they are our best friends. Their love is truly the most pure of all. I too cry every time I read Rainbow Bridge.
I cried...your hub touched my heart. I am owned by a red doberman, named Moose...he is 11 yrs old, and has pancreatic cancer...he is slowly passing out of my life. He is my best friend, my protector, my confidant, my love...your story, was very touching...my condolences to you..Lady was a very special dog...
Thank you so much Art 4 Life, I lost a Doberman too when he was only 3 years old, he was a darling and gentle as a lamb (if a little out of control otherwise, but in a nice crazy way).His name was 'Odin' and he was a black and tan. It devastated me, and then about a year later my first Husband died of Bowel Cancer 2 weeks after being diagnosed with it. All in all it was an awful time in my life. Lady was the dog we had got after Odin died, so to lose her as well was just as heartbreaking, although at least she got to a good age, whereas Odin was way too young to die, but unfortunately had an inherited form of Hepatitis which is incredibly rare, but mainly appears in Dobermans.There was no cure, no innoculation that could have prevented his death. Animals give us so much, so I guess the price we have to pay for the joys they provide is to suffer losing them before we go ourselves.
Thank you again for the lovely comment and I wish you and Moose happy times for however long you have left together.
I have a dog and he is my only companion now. He has been with me for the past 10 yrs. I really don't know what i will do if anything happens to him. You loved Lady so much and the pain was there in your words Miss Misty. In a way after reading your hub i only grew more afraid of what might be to come. I know this happened a long time ago. but still thanks for sharing. (((hugs)))
Thanks Ashwin, yes it is very painful to lose them, and you never forget them, but it would never stop me having pets, dogs or cats, the rewards outweigh the sadness overall. Thanks for popping by.
I am so sorry for you, when my goldfish (yes i know i sound like an idiot)died i cried for 2 hours and this was a year ago.....I am still tender about it :|
It's not silly AnimalLover, even a goldfish deserves some love and compassion. This says a lot about the kind of person you are, and it's all good :)
This is the first time I have read Rainbow Bridge. I lost my Skipper 2 months ago and no matter how long I live I will think about him for the better part of each and every day. Misty I know you will be reunited. I know my Skipper is around me all the time. Look for Lady and ask for her, she will make her presence known to you. All of the very best things like this kind of love last forever.
Thank you Albert, your words are so true. I am sorry you lost your Skipper. I know exactly how you must have felt, and no doubt still feel today.
dear Misty
i am very sorry to hear that and ofcourse i am empathise with you that is because i have been in your situiation now my beloved dog lacy has died yesterday
really i can not descripe you how i feel i am really destroyed i had bought lacy since i was child 14 y now i have growth up i am 27 but she leave i pray for god to return here back to me for only one day , i missed here so much
i hope you can get over your pain
thanks 4 sharing your story
Thanks for your lovely and kind comment Joseph, I am so sorry you too are going through this. Sadly, since I wrote this hub another dog I loved dearly has also died. She was a small terrier rescue dog that I adored, and used to be my dog. Due to personal circumstance she ended up living with friends of my parents who totally adored her, but sadly she died last month aged 13. I broke my heart all over again. The people who had her are so distraught that one of them is retiring early as a result, and the other had a "wobble" with a heart problem immediately after she died. I decided to get a fellow hubber here to draw a picture of her to frame and give to them, (I did the same for Lady, the dog who is featured in this hub). The pictures are beautiful and if you want the perfect memorial to your dog I recommend getting one done. You can see Jeff's work if you follow this link to his hub explaining how he drew Misty, ( the most recent lost dog of mine). http://hubpages.com/hub/Drawing-Misty
Lacy will be with you always, of that I am certain, and you will be reunited one day. Dogs truly are a man's best friend.
I know exactly how you are feeling. My darling sheepdog Lady died yesterday (11-9-10), I've had and loved her since I was 4 years old and I am now 18. I know both of our ladies are looking down on us and watching over us. My family friend also died this week, he was a huge dog lover so I would like to think they are watching over eachother.
Oh Carrie, I am really sorry you lost your "Lady" too. It is heartbreaking I know. I like to think any pets I have that die end up re-united with any of my family that have died previously, and they will all be waiting together when it is my time to join them.
I had a 14 year old Golden, his name was Max, he was truly beautiful, we saved him when he was 9 months old and we have loved and cared for him, he was family. He returned that love. I know it has only been 4 days since I put him down, but I can't get his eyes and face out of my mind as I held him. He could hardly walk and he cried when he tried to walk up stairs, this last year has been hard for him as far as health. I will alway wonder , did I do the right thing? We will sprinkle some of his ashes in the woods , where we walked him everyday, I miss him.
Oh Anna, I am so sorry for your loss. Believe me, it sounds as if you did exactly the right thing, your friend was in pain, suffering, and you gave them a painless end, with dignity and a chance to pass on peacefully. Don't feel bad, your beloved pet will thank you one day when you meet again. Most of us do not have the option to opt out of our suffering, at least we can offer out pets this relief.
Even before I knew my cat had been fatally hit by a car, I had a bad feeling inside. I walked around outside to find her and when I found her by the side of the road (intact, fortunately), I got on the ground next to her and sobbed. Good friends, both ministers, allowed me to bury her on their land and our two families did a burial ritual. In several months I created a several page entry in my photo scrapbook album honoring Pepper's life and her legacy to my family. I talked about my grief only with people who understood how deeply attached we can become to our companion animals, how they become members of the family.
Your sharing your story about Lady gave a lot of people an opportunity to tell their stories about losing a companion animal and validated the depth of the loss we can feel. Thank you.
Thank you saraperry, your kind words and sad story are deeply touching. I too lost a cat some years back in similar circumstances to yours. I went to a local vets to identify the body thinking I could handle it as I had previously worked for a vets surgery. The moment I saw her lifeless body I just broke down in tears, and I didn't even have a place I could bury her at the time so had to let the vets dispose of the body.
Like you I hope that this kind of article also allows other like-minded people to share their stories of pets they have both loved and lost.
My dog, Sam died yesterday. He had developed an infection underneath a fatty mass on the side of his chest. After spending couple of weeks with an incompetent vet, I took him to a specialist. They had to put him under to do a biopsy. What the found was lots of puss type fluid. He stayed there for the night. The following day, the specialist called to say that his blood pressure was very low, and that he was too sick to go home. He asked me to come by to visit and to lift his spirits. I went there, and made two additional trips buying him his favorite strawberry & Cream Popsicle and chicken from the market. I could see the shine in his eyes come back. I kept kissing his face (my favorite spot underneath his eyes by his nose). I spoke to him and promised he would come back to chase after birdies and squirrels. That afternoon, the specialist called again. He said Sam was doing better, and the result of biopsy had come back as non-cancerous. He and I were both relieved. He said I could pick him up the next day. At 2-3 am I had a dream that his body was lying there being prepped to put down. I woke up startled, but relieved that it had just been a dream! Next day, the specialist called, and said Sam had taken a turn for the worst the night before, and now they are not sure if would make it. He asked me to come visit and to lift his spirit. I asked if they could do whatever they can to keep alive a little longer. My drive from the hospital is about 20 minutes. Minutes later, he called again, and said that Sam pressure had dropped to 50 ~ that they had to intubate him. I said fine, and by now I was about 5-6 minutes away from the hospital. I was driving like the wind ~ honking at every slow driver. About a minute later, I received another call saying that Sam had passed. My poor baby died amongst strangers -- without his mom. I wanted to hold him and comfort him and say goodbye, as I had played this in my head ever since he sickness began last month. But I didn’t get to hold him, and tell him that I love him forever. Instead, I saw his motionless body. I never thought I could kiss and love a dead body, but he was so beautiful, and I kissed him on his face and held his paws.
Sam was my first dog. He was 10 years old, but he looked like a puppy. I adopted him when he was too young to see clearly. He was a size of a bunny rabbit. He was a beautiful mutt; a mix of Lab and Beagle. He was 44 pounds and his face had the delicate features of a beagle but with a yellow lab coloring. He was an alpha so he was so so smart, charming; willful and at time up to no good in a very funny way. When I felt depressed or cried, he always gave me his undivided attention. He would come towards me and kiss me with a very subtle lick. He had a way of looking at me. His gazes were deep, and even if I wanted to ignore him, he’d stare me down to communicate what he wanted.
He was such a guy. He loved beautiful girls and women. During our walks he’d go up to pretty female joggers and stick his nose on their legs, which they always got a good laugh out of it. He would do a double take whenever he saw an attractive woman. He was something else! People approached him all the time. Everyone loved him, and up until 3-days ago, at the hospital, this young woman with a sick cat came to Sam and showed him so much affection, which surprised her ~ considering she is more of a cat person.
I haven’t stopped sobbing! I can’t sleep and a huge sense of guilt is on my shoulder. My boy died without his Mom on his side. Now his bed by my bed is removed. It’s too vacant, even though it seems like it would be esthetically more pleasing. I have emptiness in my heart and I can’t sleep. I have another dog, which it sort of fell on my lap. She had been rejected by few homes, and I decided to keep her. She’s a mix of Jack Russell and a Chihuahua and she’s sweet, but she is not Sam! I know; you can’t compare, but Phoebe is totally unaware of what has happened, and doesn’t seem to notice the sadness. Sam would’ve been my rock! I love his so tenderly and miss him so bad. I hurt so much!
God, what a truly heart wrenching tale Ayor Ayor. There is not much I can say that will comfort you, other than that Sam will be around you regardless of whether you were there at the end or not. I had a similar experience with a Doberman of mine, and he was still under anaesthetic when they realised his liver was completely collapsed and there was little point in allowing him to wake up. My Husband called me to tell me this, and I asked him to tell them to keep 'Odin' alive until I could get there and be with him at the end. When my Husband arrived home (to take me to the vets I thought), he told me that 'Odin' was gone, and that they had told my Hubby that Odin would not have known I was there anyway. I already had my coat on ready to go. To say we were both devastated would be an understatement. I am sure Odin is still around me, and I will never forget him. The terrier we also had at the time was a darling, and she too is now gone, albeit only in the last year aged 13. My Husband is also gone, died about a year after Odin when aged 48 from bowel Cancer, my only comfort being their love for me and mine for them, added to the knowledge they are with me spiritually.
I hope you too will find this comfort and will be able to remember your pet/pets with fond memories that bring smiles without the same level of tears.
My thoughts and empathy are truly with you.
I just come across all these messages I had to put by boy to sleep yesterday and cant stop crying. he was 16yrs old . The worst part for me is that I had to take him to be put to sleep, if he had died in his sleepI might nor feel so bad but I feel like I have murdered my bestest friend in the world. and I know thats its wrong but I dont think I would be any decasted if it was my hubby. my dog gave all his love and wanted nothing in return from me when I had a bad day he was always ther I cant stop crying will it get better
I am so sorry to hear of your loss kenty224. I know right now it feels as if the pain will never stop, but honestly, it will, and what you will be left with is happy memories of all the good times you had with him. You didn't murder your boy, you helped him and gave him the final act of love you could have, you took away his pain and allowed him to move on to a better place. Sadly it is rare that dogs die in their sleep, and usually they reach a point in their old age where all the problems that come with old age become too painful for them and they are living a miserable existence. This is why we have to make the tough decision to let them go with dignity, not allow them to deteriorate to a point they are suffering constantly.
You did the right thing, and I promise you the pain does ease, although it may take a few months. It doesn't mean you won't ever shed a tear again for him afterwards, it just becomes less frequent, and you will be able to talk about him fondly and with smiles, not tears.
My thoughts are with you.
Hello
Thanks for writing to me.
Not many people understand they say its just a dog. I keep thinking I hear him, my son says he smells his breath (he had a bad tooth) Reading of your story made me sad but you did manage to get through all your sadness so perhaps I will too in time Sandy
You will get through this, trust me, and never doubt he will be around you, even if not all the time. If your son says he smells his breath that could even be a sign he is sending to let you know he is still around you. Look for other signs, they will be there, and I have experienced this in both dogs and cats over the years. I still miss Lady, I will never forget her, but she needed to go, and letting her die painfully would have been wrong. One day we will see her again. I always found the poem 'Rainbow Bridge' (in this Hub), very comforting in this respect.
Usually the people who say 'It's just a dog' are not people I would want in my circle of friends. A dog is like a child to a dedicated owner, and how would they like it if they lost a child and you said 'It's just a child'? Your level of love and the devotion and love you get in return cannot be measured by species, and it is selfish for others to think it can be.
I really hope your pain eases soon.
Thanks for all your kind words, You have helped me . I know I am making myself worse should have I done this done that could the vet give him treatment insead of putting him to sleep but he was 16 and it was only a matter of time. I just feel so alone without him. My son made me unblock the dog flap so he could still get back into the house. My husband does not care never did really I do hope that there is a rainbow valley and I will see him again. I am ashamed to say I never cried or felt so heartbroken like this when my mum and dad died maybe I need to see a doctor Thanks again, for you words
Hi Kenty,
I am sorry I didn't respond sooner but I didn't get a notification of any new comment here for some reason. I just found this by accident.
It is human nature to find ways to blame ourselves or make ourselves feel guilty when we lose a loved one, and this applies whether the loved one was human or animal. Clearly you loved your boy very dearly and that makes you a good person who will have given him a good life. I am sorry your Husband doesn't appear to care, that is a real shame, but I am certain you gave your boy enough love for both of you, and he in turn would have loved you back. Perhaps this is why so many people say they prefer animals to people!!
I am certain you will see him in the afterlife again, and I know when I lost a Doberman back in 2000, and then lost my Husband in 2001, I asked my Husband (just before he died) to let me know he was okay and Odin (my Doberman) was with him when 'got to the other side'. Some months later I had a telephone reading with a psychic medium who was recommended to me by my Sister (not some quack out of the back of a newspaper either). The medium only knew my first name and nothing else about me or why I was contacting her. One of the first things she told me was she had a man with a slight limp on his right leg (my Husband had a limp on his right leg after an accident) and she told me he had a large bi-coloured dog with him, about the size of a German Shepherd. She told me lots of other very specific and accurate stuff too, and I was totally comforted by this.
Regarding your parents, I think that you may have felt more pain because your boy was like a child to you, and everyone breaks their heart over the loss of a child. Additionally your pets are around you all the time, but unless you live with your parents, they are not so you don't notice as much of a difference in your day to day routine when they go. Depending on how old they were you may also have been semi-prepared for the loss emotionally.
A doctor probably can't help, only time will help. A pill would only temporarily alleviate the pain, but you still have to go through it one way or another.
I do hope you feel better soon.
Thank you very much for your advise. You really have helped me through this sad time. We have put Scruffy to rest now. Made a nice area in the garden for him got a little plaque with his name on so I feel a lot better now. Some friends said that it was his time and that he was looking old and sad so maybe it would have been cruel to keep him for my sake.
I know what you mean about karma I never have magpies in my garden but this week I had one for about 5 mins walking around the grass then 2 days later another one (could have been the same one) came again then later in the day I got good news about something I was worried about. he has not been back so I am taking this as scruffy sorted out my problem and then came to say thanks and has now gone to rainbow valley.
You are very good helping people cope with their feelings. and have helped me so much I appricate it thanks again sandy
You are very welcome for any help I have been able to give Sandy. Just remember, when you see what might look like a glimpse of 'Scruffy' out of the corner of your eye, it is a known fact that spirits are usually spotted in our proliferal vision. It may very well be his way of letting you know he is around you still. He is better off where he is now, and you will be reunited when the time is right.
I am very glad I managed to help you.
Thanks My son and husband both said that they thought they had seen him out of the corner of their eyes but just thought it was their mind playing games
sandy
Well there you go Kenty. You will be next and will feel better when you do catch a glimpse of him :)
Thank you for sharing your story :) I cried like a baby throughout and am dreading the day I lose my little boy Prince !
I've felt the pain of losing a dog about 8 years ago and I still cry about him now, it is something you never really get over, your bestfriend and companion no longer by your side.
A dog is in many ways so much better than a human, a dog will never lie to you or judge you! They will love you until their last minutes !
Lucy xx
Thanks Lucy, lovely to see yet another animal lover on here, and you clearly truly care. I agree with every word of your comment 100% :)
SO sad story. Thanks for sharing.
I think this article is simply beautiful. I lost my beloved cat aged 20years and seven months just 3 days ago.I miss him so very much.
This article gives me hope that I will see my beloved family member once again. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
Thanks so much FulviaChristine, and I am truly sorry to hear about your cat. 20-21 is an excellent age, so you must have really looked after him very well. He had a good lifespan and no doubt a good life. Rest assured both you and me will see our much loved lost pets again, I have no doubt on that :)
misty--this is one of the most beautiful and touching hubs I've ever read. Did you cry while writing it, because I cried while reading it. And how you could apply the needle yourself--wow, you are brave.
My niece's dog died today, and they buried sweet Sugar tonight on Halloween. Sugar was my dog's best buddy, and I'm so sad. It makes me think of my little guy dying one day, and it breaks my heart already. I don't know if I'll ever get another dog. It hurts so much to lose pets. I've lost cats. It was painful and I still miss them. My dog goes everywhere with me, though, and I'm afraid that his death will affect me even more deeply.
Everything you said--I have said or thought before. Animals DO have souls--they have personality, they love, they get sad, mad, confused. Their souls ARE more pure than those of humans. I have no doubt that Lady is in Heaven with your late husband. Have you read "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates"? The author researches Biblical evidence--and logical--for animals' souls living on and going to Heaven. While we believe this, it still doesn't erase the horrible pain of losing our best friends. I feel for you, more than you know. Thanks for this hub. It's good for people to read. I'm going to share it with followers and my Facebook page.
A beautiful story about a much-loved dog. I have a "Lady" who is 15. I dread the thought of losing her. Thank you for sharing your story about your beautiful dog.
Hi Victoria, thanks so much for your heartwarming comment. The answer to your question is yes, I cried buckets writing this, and it brings tears to my eyes every time I read it again, even though it is my own words, thoughts, feelings and beliefs. I had to raise the vein for the needle, there was no-one else who could have, and it takes two, one to do the injection and one to raise the vein. At least she trusted me and knew me, and whilst it was so painful for me, it was the right thing for Lady.
I am so very sorry about your nieces little dog. She must be in bits right now. It never gets easier, and we can only take solace from the fact we gave them the best possible life. It will hurt like hell when you lose your 'little guy', but you can at least give him the best possible life now, and then look back with pride that you were the 'best possible owner'.
Animals souls are far more pure than humans and I have no doubt the pearly gates are wide open to them.
I would like to read 'Cold noses at the Pearly Gates' as it sounds like my kind of book, and my family would love this too. I must look into this further.
Thank you again for your lovely feedback, and please pass on my sincere condolences to your Niece.
Hi Jenna, I so hope your Lady lasts a few more years at least. However, the most important thing is that she is loved and well cared for, and clearly you are the kind of owner who will ensure this is the case. It hurts like crazy when you lose them, but that is the price we pay for the years we have with these loyal and loving companions, that through no fault of their own have shorter lifespans than we humans do.
Dear, dear, Misty....Not exactly a good move on my part to read this heart-breaker first thing in the morning. Now I must start my day with puffy eyes, a red nose and an ache in my heart for you. Such is life. I feel your pain so closely, it moves me to true sadness. This is an awesome and moving tribute to your "baby." I send you hugs of comfort and support. I know you will forever treasure the years of precious memories....and this is how we get through these sorrows.... "Lady" was a blessing to you, as well as you surely were to her. These are the gifts we carry with us, always.
Hi fpherj48. Thanks so much for your kind words. I will never forget Lady, but it has thankfully been three years now since I wrote this, and the pain has eased, although I still do cry tears for her on occasions such as when I re-read this hub. Since then I have lost one of my cats too, and it was equally upsetting. Now I have two cats left, and I dread losing either of them. They are my children as I can't have children of my own. My love for them knows no bounds.
When we miss someone (pet or human) we miss them......time has no meaning. I understand.
Oh, Mistyhorizon...you have my deepest and most heartfelt empathy. I so understand all that you have written here; the love for a companion animal, the loss we feel when they leave us and we can no longer hold them close. Your final words in the form of the Rainbow Bridge and Until We Meet Again are words of comfort and reassurance...and to be held close to our hearts and minds until that day comes when we can touch our beloved animal friends, again. What a beautiful story, tribute and eulogy. You have seen much loss in your life; and you are sharing this experience with us...we are ever so thankful that you have the strength of character to reach out as you have because, in your ability to do so; you've helped each and every one who reads this hub...to know that we shall see our sweet companions again, and to know that we can continue on with that in mind.
Much love and support to you, Mistyhorizon...believe me; I do know how you feel. Much respect and admiration, too.
All appropriate UPS...it goes w/out saying. Kathy
Thanks to both of you, and I mean that most sincerely. I hope this really does help others dealing with the same situation themselves.
I'm so very thankful to you for the kinds words with which you expressed your pain. I lost my pet dog yesterday and since then I've not been able to engage my mind in any other thing than her sweet memories. Whenever I try to imagine her before me I begin sobbing uncontrollably and the saddest part is that I have no one around me who may be able to understand or share my pain. I tried everything from lighting a candle to writing a letter to my beloved departed, but nothing seemed to have eased my pain. When I read that lovely letter from a pet to her family, I was moved to my core. Though the pain still remains I've felt a lot better since reading it.
It's been more than a day since my friend passed away but I can still feel her presence around me and somehow I believe that the part of her soul which she left behind for me is trying to console me. I wish to recover soon and continue with my life again but the steps ahead seem too difficult to cover. But for the happiness of my dear friend I would keep trying until I overcome this pain and loneliness.
I know that wherever my friend is right now she must be happy and probably enjoying her new life. I so very wish her to remain that way forever.
Thank you again Misty. And as for my pet I wish her to know that I'll love her forever and always keep her in my heart. My candle of hope of seeing her again will never die and I'll keep it alight, until we meet again...
I am so sincerely sorry for your loss Annu, there is little anyone can say that will truly help to take away the pain you feel right now. Time is always the best healer, and the knowledge that your beloved pet it still around you in spirit form, and that one day you will be reunited again.
She will know you love her and will not want you suffering, after all, she knows you will be back together eventually.
I lost my child (jack russel) as he was a child for me, on my birthday last week wednesday.Somebody drove over him and picked him up.I dont knwo where he is,so I can't even bury him.I got no rest for my soul not knowing where he is...maby he is still alive?Neighbours phoned and told me about it.I am crying my eyes out as I read your poem and letter as I fully understood what you went through on that time.I just wish it was years later for me as I cannot stand the pain I am going through right know.It feels like I have no happiness left anymore...
He was my life.
Oh Fiona, this is an awful situation to be in, and like you say, he might even still be alive, but either way you need to know. Have you called around the local vets and rescue centres to ask if he has been brought in, either alive or dead? Was he microchipped? Can you put up some posters, place an advert in the local newspaper or put out an appeal on local radio? I think the worst thing of all is not knowing if he is okay or not. I really hope you find out one way or the other and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh, Misty, that is so sad, sweet, and beautiful. I am glad I came across your story. Your description of Lady is poetic and poignant; I will receive comfort and inspiration from it for the rest of my life. Thank you for sharing. I hope the pain is easing a bit, with the passing of time. All the people and animals I have loved and lost awhile, are still a part of me, and are settling into a sad, sweet, memory. I hope you write many more hubs.
Thank you twolittlehands. If this does help you in any way through the rest of your life then something good will have come out of Lady's passing. The pain does ease over time, but I still have a the occasional bout of tears when I think about how much we all miss her. I break my heart over my pets, they are truly family members and I would never want to forget them even if it hurts when I think about them and how much I miss them.
I don't know what to think.
My dog has passed away last week, i cannot help feeling lonely. My sister is terminally ill and I could not tell her that Kuki has died.
I don't know how I can cope with the overwhelming feeling of loneliness. I cannot sleep, I cannot eat, I cannot let go of the idea of life ending eventually.
My loved ones, my relatives, my pets passed away before, yet I have not ever felt that way.
I found some comfort seeing other people coping with the event. It will be selfish to think any loss is comparable to any other. All are difficult in their own way. Every death is soon.
It is all about deciding who is who in your life.
I need reason to keep on, yet emotions overcome reason. Do I have to feel that depressed I ask myself. My mind says I don't but I cannot help it.
I hope to feel more comfortable about it as soon as I let it go yet I guess I don't want it to go away.
Hi 'OK', it sounds like you are going through a horrible time right now, and there really is no reason for you to feel you have to 'get over this' right away. We lost Lady 3 years ago now, and I am still more than capable of shedding tears for her. Time makes it easier to cope with the loss, but it doesn't stop you feeling it. Trust me on this, I have not only lost lots of much loved dogs, cats and other pets, but I lost my first Husband when he was just 48 to Bowel Cancer. He died two weeks after he was diagnosed with it, and when I was just 33 year old and we had been together 7 years, the last 3 of which we were married. This was less than a year after we had lost our Doberman dog at the age of 3, a matter of days into a sudden and unavoidable illness that destroyed his liver. If anyone has any idea what you are feeling right now it is me, and if I can help you in any way or offer any support please feel free to contact me via the 'contact' envelope icon below my profile picture at the top of this page. I don't know what I can do, but I can listen.
I wish you well whether you choose to contact me or not.
i can understand ur feelings..bcoz i too lost mi pet
I am sorry you too have been through this anu. I hope you are recovering from your loss okay.
Sorry for the loss. I understand the pain. When you reach that level with them, they are no longer just pets.
Thanks dslrtips, that is so true. They quickly become far more than pets, and I can see why so many people die trying to save their dogs that have fallen through ice in rivers etc. How could anyone not try!
this made me cry... I'm scared of losing my dog.. she's everything to me... I don't know what I'm going to do when the time comes for my dog to go...i really don't know... I hope she will be blessed with lots of years with us too same with LADY... your story hit me so hard.
I too hope you have many years with your much loved dog CorieBarba. It is devastating to lose them, but they give so much during their time with us that it is worth the pain at the end, and the happy memories we are left with.
Sorry for your loss..
We also lost our dog Bruiser.
Hard to recover... T_T
With this, I made a letter for him.
Read here: http://balitaupdates.blogspot.com/2012/02/bruiser-
I am so sorry for your loss Roselyn, your letter to Bruiser is very touching and clearly you loved him very much. He was lucky to have such a good home in his lifetime.
My Lucy died four months ago, I still talk to her in the garden and it doesnt seem to get any better. She was our third dog and the heartache takes a long time to heal, if ever. Another dog is on the horizon to be love and be loved ....
Hi Rob, I am sorry to hear about you losing Lucy. The pain is horrible I know, and I still shed tears on occasion for all of the dogs and cats I have lost over the years. Like you I talk to Lady and another dog I lost called Odin whenever I am at my parents house where both those dog's ashes are buried.
The pain never fully goes, but it does get better. Perhaps now would be a good time for you to consider getting another dog that needs the level of love you clearly have to offer, not to replace Lucy, but to be a much loved family member in their own right. It will help to ease the heartache having another dog to make you smile, laugh and shower you with kisses.
I saw my dog die on the road this past valentine's day. It was one of the worst days of my life. He died of extensive brain injuries. I blame myself, and I see the event over and over in my mind. I have 5 girls left from this one male dog that I lost. His name was cupcake, and he was my gentle and faithful friend. It's been exactly four days now since he died. My other dogs still look for him and wait. I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself b/c I feel like I should have been watching more closely. He was let outside in the fence and he dug a hole out. Then proceeded to the road and I was within inches of getting him when he stepped out in front of the car and that was it. I ran screaming to him and the lady stopped. He was still breathing but he was gone. The part of his brain that was making him breath was intact but the part that made him respond to stimuli was damaged. He responded to no words or touch. He was just breathing and bleeding from his ear and mouth. I felt like stepping in front of the car to save him but I knew that would not be right and it was a matter of a split second when I was going to get him. I may have and would have risked my own life for him.I loved him that much. I am lost right now b/c my little boy is gone. People say that he lives on through my other pups, and I know he does. But I miss him more than anything in the world. I dont understand why these things happen to something that loves you unconditionally. I will always live with this guilt. Thank you for sharing your story.
That is so tragic 'Cupcake's owner', I really feel for you to the point I am choked. I don't know how I would cope with this happening in front of me, but I am sure it would haunt me for years too. Hopefully he knew nothing about it and felt no pain because of the damage to the brain.
Again I am so sorry for your loss. I wish more people on this planet understood the depth of pain losing an animal invokes, but too many just think it isn't important because 'it's only an animal'. Wrong on so many levels!
Sorry about your Lady.
We are now trying to decide what to do about our dog he is 14 and it's hard to make the decision to put him down. He's having a hard time walking but today he was jumping around. He never acts like he's in pain never crys out but his back legs just aren't working. Maybe by Spring the time will come. I keep hoping he will just go to sleep and not wake up.
Hi moonlake, I suspect you will know when the time is right (if it doesn't happen naturally.) I just knew deep down that Lady was beyond the point it was fair to keep her alive that final day. Also listen to your vet, he or she will be far more objective than you can ever be. Right now it sounds like your baby still has some quality of life, but one day soon you might have to take a really tough decision in order to be fair on him. This will hurt like hell but at least you will know you gave him the ultimate final act of kindness.
hi such a sad story we lost our greyhound mary aka the mazz after 11 years we had a 6 year gap with no pets now we have a super new greyhound friend amber 2years old fantastic and easy going nature she has a home for life good luck to you and thanks for sharing
Thanks Danish, wonderful to see another Greyhound fan here. You might enjoy a hub I recently wrote on why Greyhounds are a great breed if you want a 'lazy' breed. They really are totally lazy, but so loyal and so much fun and so loving. You can read my other article if you want to here:http://mistyhorizon2003.hubpages.com/hub/If-you-wa
Bluey passed away last night: http://blueyblueboy.weebly.com/
I am so sorry to hear this. Another beautiful dog that I know you will miss desperately.
Thanks for your kind comment.
How sad to lose such a beautiful friend. I am praying for your relief as you cry out your pain and sorrow. Later, I hope the hurt is less, but the beautiful memories still burn bright.
Love and best wishes for you to find peace.
Thanks twolittlehands, this happened a few years ago now, but we still miss our Lady desperately and always will.
I lost my beloved pup, Little Ricky, on Oct. 17th and I am still crying, so I understand how you feel. It is now April 21 and the pain has not subsided. Your "Lady" is very beautiful. Greyhounds are so graceful and elegant and loving and precious. I pray for both of us, and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with our precious companions.
I am sorry to hear about your loss Jane, it is always so painful to lose our four legged companions. Like you I too look forward to being reunited with all my lost furry friends.
wow.. that's how I feel I have cried so much that I have made myself sick.. You fall in love with these precious pets and they are your family members. this is a wonderful; hub.. we share the same feelings and love the same
Blessings to you
Debbie
Thank you Debbie, it is lovely to come across another person who truly understands the depths of love it is possible to feel for a pet. Blessings to you too :)
spryte Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago
*Gives you a super-strength spryte hug*
The pictures are beautiful and I could tell she was really a Lady. I'm so sorry for your loss and wish there was something I could do so that it doesn't hurt so much. All I have is a hug and my shoulder...if you ever need either, just let me know.