Grieving

[whiskey104]

Hi, I just had to put two of my dogs to sleep.  I haven't really cried. I was just wondering if it is normal and if I shouldn't feel so guilty.
Thanks

[whiskey104]

I  have a dog He is just over 2 now. I couldnt bring myself to buy another dog. I would hate to think that my dogs would think that im trying to replace them

[Kobuk]

Hi, I lost Koke last month to cancer.  I still greive for him, remember him in my prayers.  I got another dog "just incase".  Oreo is not the same, he is dumb as a rock, but he is very loving and knows when I'm sad.  Don't know if you want another dog, I did, glad that I got him tho.  He is not the same as Koke, but... I am so sorry for the loss if your pets, Lv

[seeana]

I am so sorry for your loss.We love our pets as only we can as they are a member of our family.
The cruel thing is that they are with us for such a short time,our dogs shower us with so much love and devotion that when the time comes for them to leave us the gap left in our lives is  devastating.

I have always had  three dogs which helps with the loss and I get another puppy to fill that gap for all of us.

It seems to give my remaining two a new lease of life and they start playing and me laughing again.I am blessed that I am in a position to do this.

This is my way of coping, my life would be so empty without these furry lumps of love by my side.
                    

[whiskey104]

Thank you.. I am very lucky because when my boys went we had another dog which helped allot, and Now I have just become an Auntie so my lil Niece has been a great help and joy in my life

[dominosarah]

Thank you for this wonderful post~~sara

[LB65]

I feel for you Whiskey, and all of you that have lost your beloved dogs.  I lost both of mine over two years ago (10 months apart).  Both my husband and I were devastated and still look at their pictures and remember them with funny stories and tears at the same time (laughter through tears).  When we lost Oscar (the 2nd ne to go) to Leukemia, it came as a shock.  He had a seizure and I him to our vet who did some blood tests, 8 days later he was gone.  I made the painful decision to put him to sleep because he was suffering terribly.  We would have had maybe 24 more hours with him but he was suffering so terribly and it truly was the last act of love.  I held him while he received the shot and I still cry when I think of that awful day.  

I know that many would not agree with what we did next, adopt another pup only 4 days later.  It was not to replace Oscar, but to fill a void in our hearts and to rescue a pup that as it turns out \, came from a puppy mill and ended up having Parvo (we had to admit her to the animal hospital on Christmas day, and it was touch and go for several terrifying days.  I can only speak for us, but adopting that sweet baby was a gift to us.  She is the light of our lives (as well as our human children of course!!), and we are so thankful every day that she chose us (she is now 2 1/2 yrs old).  The bond that we have is the strongest that we have ever felt.  We will miss our 2 babies that were lost, but all I can say is that it does become easier.  You will never forget your babies, and never be able to 'replace' them, but when you are ready (and only you can say when that is), add another beautiful addition to your family, whether that is today or 6 months from how.  You will never replace those beloved members and you will never forget the joy that they brought to your life.  I feel that Mila was brought to us for a reason, and that reason s it turns out, was to save her life, and to help heal our broken hearts.  I cannot tell you the joy that she has brought to our hearts and she has us wrapped around her little paws, we wouldn't have it any other way.  

It will get easier eventually, just take it day by day and allow yourself to grieve in order to heal your heart.  You gave those pups the greatest sacrifice you could, you did was best for them, and I believe that they are truly in a happy place, chasing each other and with no more suffering.