My dog had to be put down and I'm distraught.

[Amezbbzxx]

I am an emotional wreck and desperately want my dog back even though I know it's not possible, I had a fantastic bound with him, he was only 8 years old and didn't deserve to die. He had a tumor on his kidney and we only found that out the day he died, I was shocked and I am only 15 and haven't gone to school for 2 days now, i miss him more than anything, It still doesn't seem real, has anyone got any advice, I could really do with some (ideally non-religious)
                                        Thank you

[Amezbbzxx]

Hello again to you too. :) I think this is true, I've learnt things from it whether it hurts now or not. My mum says, it's better to have loved and lost, than not have loves at all. :' ) WOW! I'd love to pay tribute to him, he deserves it. And yes that's a brilliant idea. Thank you again.            Amy
And.. ginger899, you've made me feel like it's not impossible to be happy again. thank you

[ginger899]

Oh my goodness, that's so true. They DO actually teach us a lot. I have learned so much from dogs.
The dog I have now -I swear- came to me to heal me and teach me.

I have learned a lot of strength from her, I have learned more about true love, I have learned a heck of a lot of mental discipline, patience, TOTAL anger-management, deeper kindness, what really matters in life....

I thank all the dogs I have known and loved on my life journey.

[TwoBitsMom]

Hello again....I would just like to say, that it sounds like Sweet Sidney has taught you a lot about love....What it is like to give it.....Receive it....and lose it.
Over the years, and the loss of many dogs, I can say that it does seem to help me, if I can find a way to pay TRIBUTE to the one I lost.  Sidney's Legacy to you is his love...No one can take that away from you.  Don't let Sidney down....by shutting yourself down.  Take what he has taught you and given you, and do something good with it.  Go out of your way, to be kind to other dogs, perhaps you can volunteer to walk dogs at a shelter, or if you have a neighbor with a dog, maybe you can walk him...(the dog, not the neighbor!)  = )    Even something as simple as giving another dog a hug, and telling the dog that it is compliments from Sidney, .....helps.  I use my dogs, as a "Proxy" for the one that has left......The dogs that are here love the extra hugs and attention, and I feel that all the dogs that have left me , are the ones who are responsible for having taught me how to love so much. My dogs would be so proud of me for passing along what they spent their life teaching me....!  Sharing my Love with other dogs....one hug at a time...is my lifelong TRIBUTE to all my dogs who are gone.    Connie

[Amezbbzxx]

Thank you all very much for your support and comfort. I'm terribly sorry about your losses.

[TwoBitsMom]

I am sorry that you are going through this....the loss is difficult for any of us who love our dogs, regardless of our age.  I am 54, and just had my dog euthanized due to kidney disease, a month ago.  I feel your sorrow and wish I could help. Please know you are not alone.  It is not unusual to feel the way you do...and it is not shameful or weak to express your grief. Grieving is an expression of your love. Time ...truly is the one thing that will ease the loss...the healing will be slow, but, it will happen....I know that neither of us can change what has already happened, but with time and effort, we will see that what is most important, is HOW THEY LIVED, AND NOT HOW THEY LEFT....
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you....Connie

[Caryopteris]

I am so sorry for your loss.  I too lost dogs that were in the 6-7 year age range a few years ago.  I lost 3 within 18 months.  The physical pain of my heart was just unbearable.  I loved them so much, but cancer is cruel.  The first had a slow-growing brain tumor, and I tried to solve the mystery for about 3 years.  No vets could help me.  I only got a diagnosis 2 days before she died.  It was just awful, and I understand what you are going through.  It does get better.  Remember that he had a great life with you and you made his time here a great life.  Nobody could have loved him better and he loved you.