Pet Bereavement

[JB]

We lost our much loved dog three weeks ago and I'm finding it impossible to talk to anyone about it. Anyone with any experience of this? If so, any tips on how to cope with the loss? I know its early days, but any advice would be really appreciated.

[Cetti]

I'm so sorry for your loss - you're right it is early days and grieving takes time. This poem has been requested so many times on my local radio station that it's now on a website. Here it is, and I do hope it helps just a bit: The Loss of a Dog I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "it's me, I haven't left, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here" I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore I longed to take your parcels, I wish you could do more I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me" You look so very tired, and sank into a chair I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday To say to you with certainty, "I never went away" You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you The day is over, I smile and watch you yawning And say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning" And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see Be patient, live your journey out, then come home to be with me. - Author Unknown

[JB]

Thanks Cetti - didn't manage to read all of it though(too busy crying!) Does help though (in a weird kind of way!)

[FP]

Just to say sorry JB. I know how it feels. Two years ago, I was feeling so down after the death of my 15 year old dog, Amy, that I went to the local animal rescue centre which is run by friends of mine, and asked to take a dog for a walk as I missed Amy so much. I ended up fostering a poor little rescue dog who had been badly treated for six years. Initially, it was to be for the weekend so that he got some individual attention as he was so upset in the home. He is still with me and a lovely little fellow. No dog will ever take the place of Amy, but he certainly helped me just as much as I helped him. Losing a beloved pet is just terrible, but let yourself grieve and cry. Cetti's poem is lovely. Best wishes xxx

[spainlads]

I can NEVER read the below without crying, tonight is no different. Rainbow Bridge. 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....

[spainlads]

Also, I've just come across a brand me website http://www.mymemoriam.com/ It's a wbsite dedicated to the memory of loved ones - both human and four legged, pawed or winged etc.

[Robinia]

So sorry too, I know how it feels. When my previous dog died I cried at some point during the day every day for exactly 5 weeks. I don't know why & it took me a few days to realise I'd stopped. You say it's hard to talk about it but it does help, so many people have experienced the same. A couple of days after I'd lost my dog I had to go to the doctor for a routine appointment & some of the people were complaining about the wait. I said that I wasn't in a hurry to go home as the house would be empty & suddenly everyone started to talk & sympathise & made me feel so much better. Don't worry about the way you're feeling, it will get easier & your memories will be happy ones.

[curly]

I also lost my dogs (yes both of them) three weeks and I am gutted. I read the poem Rainbow Bridge and it has helped but it will take time. It is devestating so I know how you feel.

[Creativz]

I'm here looking for help myself, have just lost a Griffon 4 days ago - it was his ninth birthday, I'm totally shocked & devastated. Have just read the poem and blubbed loudly ! He was loved so much by all who knew him but I was his mummy and he was my world. I feel like I have to start a new emptier life, though I still see him he's just out of reach every day. Very sad, we'll all love Ganymede forever x

[JB]

I just want to say thanks to everyone who's replied. I'm still very weepy (particularly when I see the same breed merrily going about their business!) but have to say that the physical 'ache' has subsided (although not gone.) I'm finding myself playing with friends/neighbours dogs and having fun, but at the same time thinking that they're not as clever/beautiful/charasmatic as my angel. Mums and their babies eh? I've resigned myself to the fact that I will have more dogs in the future (the place seems so empty!) but I'll never be able to replace her. Anyway, my heart goes out to anyone who finds themselves in this situation - only 'us dog people' understand!

[Loubylou]

The death of a much loved friend is devastating I lost my LouLou in December last year I still grieve for her as she died so young (I got my darling Lou from a dogs home she was going to be put to sleep the next day) we had 6 happy years together but how I wish it had been more.  If you would like to chat please e-mail me at [email protected] and I will phone you

Lots of thoughts I understand your pain

Tena  xxxxx