How I Survived After My Dog Passed Away
Since my dog passed away eight weeks ago, I’ve received several types of questions and messages. Caring friends and strangers offer their condolences, share their own path of pain, and extend words of comfort. Others want to know how I am surviving the death of my dog.
For people who want to know how to survive and make it through each moment without a beloved pet by their side, this article is for you. For those who wish to know how I am holding up after the crushing sudden loss of our Cocker Spaniel, this is for you, too.
It doesn’t get easier, it gets more real. The more time that passes from your dog’s moment of death, the more real it becomes. Perhaps some of what I’ve experienced can help someone else, so here I go.
I am dealing with two things: his death and his sudden passing without warning. He wasn’t sick and then he was gone. If you want to know how my dog died, I wrote an article called Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs: My Dog Died Without Warning. I’ll also share a ton of resources that I wrote and others authored to help you through your grief journey as well.
The death of a dog or any beloved pet is a journey. They’ve traveled from one place to another, whether you believe in heaven or not. Your dog went from this world and his body to another space, place, location, or for some, just not on this earth. I won’t sugar coat it: he’s dead.
You, the survivor of his death, are on a journey, too. In Anatomy of a Grieving Dog Mom, I explain how grief is a suitcase. Some days the grief fills a carry-on bag and other times it’s the size of a Samsonite gorilla-sized suitcase.
Most pieces about pet loss reiterate the same things: There are stages to grief, you need to go through them, and one day the pain won’t be as intense. Phooey.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate.
Things I Experienced When My Dog Died
He’s never coming back and until I die, I won’t be with Dexter again. That is the hardest, most gut-wrenching honest reality I’m dealing with. The logical part of me understands he isn’t here, I can’t hold him, and we can’t share this life together again.
Logic sucks sometimes.
I’ve read that grief is love with nowhere to go. I partially agree with that. For me, grief is love shattered and scattered across a universe where your dead dog resides.
The First Two Weeks After My Dog’s Death
In no particular order, here’s what I experienced the first two weeks after Dexter’s death:
- Intense heaving and crying
- Inability to sleep
- Clutching his blankets, toys, and beds over and over
- Pacing the house and remembering every step he took, what he did in that spot, and all the memories we made
- More intense heaving, crying, sleepless nights, and overwhelming feelings of shock
- Forgetting a lot: I can’t even recall certain days and nights after he passed – it’s a blur – perhaps a means of protecting myself from his traumatic passing?
- Refusal to leave the house
- Sudden and unexpected bouts of sadness
- Laying on the couch or in bed for hours and then days
- Staying in my pajamas
- Skipping showers
- Attended online group pet grief counseling offered by the facility where Dexter died
- Made an appointment with my in-person grief counselor who helped me in the past
- Losing my appetite
- Screaming into a pillow and losing my voice
- Wrote my dog’s obituary
- Included Dexter’s obituary in my Christmas cards that were premade while he was still alive
- Sent out thank you notes
- Fell and hurt my leg quite badly
- Fell on ice and injured my wrist
- Felt helpless to help my wife grieve as I was lost in my own shock and trauma
- Respecting my wife’s choice not to publicly grieve
- Taking some time off from client work
- Blogging
- Ran a Christmas card exchange through my Club Cocker Facebook group
Do you notice the wax and wane pattern of super-low lows and struggle to try to gain a sense of dealing with my dog’s death? As I write this, I notice it, too. Grief can really mess with a person’s mind, well-being, and ability to function.
Who Helped Me When After My Dog Passed Away
Things happen when someone dies and the world moves forward in spite of your grief. The world can’t stop for my shattered heart but I wished quite often it would.
If you are fortunate to be loved by others (friends, family, and even complete strangers) in real life and on social media, magical things happen.
In no particular order, here’s what others did the weeks after Dexter’s death:
- Sent gifts, cards, flowers, notes, condolences, food, and more
- Sent photos of themselves with Dexter
- Sent memories they experienced one-on-one with Dexter
- Called me
- Emailed me
- Made tributes to Dexter
- Shared their own stories and challenges with pet loss
- Asked me where I would be if Dexter never came into my life. Very deep, very profound, and I am very grateful.
Complete strangers changed my trajectory of grief. I blamed myself in the first few weeks after Dexter’s death. How could I have missed something as gargantuan as a large bleeding liver tumor? I poured over his photos, his videos, and notes I make regularly about his health in the DogMinder.
Nothing made sense. I clearly missed something and now he’s dead.
Complete strangers reached out to me on social media and snapped me back into reality. Dear friends reached out to tell me the truth. Expert veterinary nurses and veterinarians explained the vile nature of hemangiosarcoma and its ability to evade diagnosis until it’s too late.
If I tried to list each person who contacted me and my wife to extend love, kindness, information, and condolences, I’d be writing for days. My life is devoted to dogs and their people, and my career is in the pet industry. People are a part of my every day online and IRL comings and goings and they got to know Dexter.
I feel like I lost a best friend.
I am mourning his loss more than I did when a relative died.
I never met Dexter but my heart is broken and I can’t stop crying.
Those are a few of the many things people shared.
Things I Tried And Failed At After My Dog Passed Away
There are many things I tried when my dog died, of which I failed miserably. Maybe you are in the deep throes of grief and just want a way to stop the pain. I tried diversions such as:
- A jigsaw puzzle (I used to love them as a child). Fact: I do not like them anymore.
- Taking down the Christmas tree and decorations. Fact: Everything is still up.
- Visiting friends: Stupid COVID. I thought being around my best friend and snuggling her dog would help. My wife is immunocompromised and we won’t take the risk despite our vaccination status.
- Taking a walk outside. Major epic fail. Every step I’ve taken over the past 30 years or so has been with a Cocker Spaniel by my side 90 percent of the time.
- Staying healthy. Both Darlene and I became very sick with upper respiratory tract infections/strep throat, some sort of funky cold. We went to get PCR COVID tested and were negative. Twice. Two home COVID tests were negative. Grief annihilated our immune systems.
- Looking at photos and videos of Dexter. It made his death all too real so I couldn’t do it. Darlene feels the same way.
- Begged for the heavens to send him back to me, even if for a little while. Grief makes you say and plead for so many things.
Things I Tried and Succeeded At After My Dog Passed Away
- Helped other dogs and pet parents in need.
- Helped to find a retired show dog a new home.
- Embraced and leaned on my wife; I cherish her dearly and deeply forever.
- Realizing grief has no fast forward button (thank you, dear grief counselor)
- Read a ton of books. One after another. Mostly dog books.
- Allowed myself to cry but not to the point that I get myself sick. I don’t want to get that sick ever again.
- Starting to look at his photos and videos again until I feel it’s too hard to bear.
- Planning our next steps in his honor, memory, and legacy
- Getting back to my studies and building a second online pet-related business. I am a bit behind on that since Dexter’s death, but I need to focus on something besides grief.
- Realized grieving 24/7 is very unhealthy and can not only make me sick but stop my heart. Yes, pet death can cause a medically broken heart.
- Attended group pet loss online until I realized it was doing me more harm than good
- Ordered a very special piece of jewelry to honor the love of Dexter and our first Cocker
- Binge watched several television series
- Started self-care like showering, changing into everyday clothes and getting back to work. I work remote and always will, so I had to adjust to his lack of presence by my side.
- Talked to an animal communicator for an hour over the phone (a gift from a friend)*
*Note: I was raised Catholic but am now simply a spiritual person. I do believe in God and an afterlife. I never spoke with an animal communicator before, but wow is all I can say. She said things, knew things, and shared things that only she would know.
Could she have Googled me first? Sure. Did she? I firmly believe she did not. She knew things that are not online and floored me. I may or may not book another appointment. I need to decide if it will help my grief journey or make it worse.
Next Steps Since My Dog Passed Away
I am at peace that we did the right thing for Dexter and got him to a facility (finally after three hours) where he needed to be. He passed on his own in the moments before the veterinarian inserted the needle. On his terms.
A good friend of mine says you will eventually have laughter through the tears. For all my tears, and I’ve cried a river, there has been laughter. There has been hope.
I haven’t moved his toys, bed, or any of his things. That won’t happen until someone is there to physically fill those areas. I’ll leave it at that.
I realize each dog is my heart dog. I love each one the same, and I pray for each one to live the longest, healthiest, life as humanly possible.
I love who I am in the company of dogs.
Something my grief counselor said to me snapped me into reality a bit. She shared a story with me about the death of her Yorkie dog. She loved that little dog and they went on vacations together, and the dog became a source of comfort when her daughter went off to college.
However, my counselor did not bring her dog to work every day with her. She works in an office as a counselor. She misses her dog immensely but she wants THAT dog back.
Whenever I’ve had a loss in my life, I’ve visited this counselor, let’s call her Julie, to talk. I call them my “tune-up” sessions. Grief isn’t a one-and-done thing, so I am proud to understand talk therapy helps me when grief strikes.
After hearing my saga and the traumatic nature of Dexter’s death, she said to me, “Carol, you are a dog person. I miss Mitzi and don’t want another dog. I want Mitzi. You, however, are a dog person.”
I want my Brandy back.
I want my Dexter back.
I know that won’t happen.
I am a dog person. I married someone who feels the same way. My heart beats dog®. I’ll leave it at that.
Messages From My Deceased Dog
Since Dexter died, I wondered if he would somehow connect with me or send me a message from beyond. I’ve had several massages over the years from our Brandy Noel and knew somehow Dexter would find me again. My heaven is a breath or a whisper away and not a place way up in the sky.
The way our deceased pets communicate may not come with honking horns and flashing lights, but the signs are there. My first Cocker Spaniel connected with me from the Rainbow Bridge.
I truly believe in what is called “postcards from the bridge,” where a loved one who has passed on sends you a message or sign or “postcard” from beyond (the rainbow bridge, heaven, etc).
I hadn’t been eating too much since Dexter died, and Darlene suggested we get Chinese takeout food (something we haven’t had for a while). Dar drove down to get the order.
Whenever we get Chinese takeout, she always made sure to get three fortune cookies: one for me, one for her, and one for Dexter. We would tell him, “Okay, time to pick yours.”
We would set the three cookies down and he would ‘nose’ the one he wanted and that was his “fortune.” He also loved to eat the fortune cookie too, like a typical Cocker.
So Dar opened hers and read it aloud, I opened mine and read it aloud, and then I opened Dexter’s fortune cookie and this is what was inside:
So yes, one of my postcards from the bridge. Thank you, Dexter.
Books About Pet Loss
I purchased and received several books on pet grief that I highly recommend.
Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate by Roxanne Hawn
Only Gone From Your Sight: Jack McAfghan’s Little Guide to Pet Loss and Grief by Kate McGahan
The Pet Soul Book: A Guide for Letting Go and Connecting with Your Loving Pet by Julie Moore
Signs from Pets In the Afterlife by Lyn Ragan
Pet Jewelry and Pet Loss Memorial Keepsakes
I plan to get a tattoo of Dexter’s likeness in a very special way once COVID isn’t as much of a threat. In the meantime, I’ve purchased or have been sent a few pet loss keepsakes and pet memorial jewelry.
I recently purchased this ring and I am waiting for it to be shipped. It is available on Etsy. You can choose from a variety of flowers and colors. You send a lock of your dog’s hair and the Etsy creator crafts the hair into a beautiful resin ring. I sent both locks of hair from both of my dogs.
I purchased this beautiful collection of wooden blocks that when stacked appear to be books. The books are stamped with your choice of symbols and names. A gorgeous way to honor and remember your loved ones.
Personalized Engraved Life & Love Memorial Vase
I gifted this to my best friend, Christine, when her dog Coco died. It is a beautiful vase that has slots for flowers. You can have it engraved.
I purchased this high-quality concrete memorial stone for my friend, Ellen, on the passing of her beloved dog, Zola. She keeps it in her outdoor garden. It can be personalized with your pet’s name.
Dog Angel Candle Holder Statue
I purchased this to place between the two urns of Brandy and Dexter. I keep a small battery-operated votive light on in their memory.
View all of the items in my Amazon pet loss memorial shop.
When To Get Help If The Grief Is Too Much
Do not try to go on this journey of pet loss alone. It’s overwhelming and I highly recommend reaching out to a professional or online group if the feelings become intense.
If feelings of suicide emerge and you begin to feel unsafe, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Seeking help is never a sign of weakness, but a strength.
Quotes For When A Dog Passes Away
I highly recommend you purchase a notebook or some sort of index card holder and jot down or cut and paste helpful quotes in it. When you are in the throes of grief and it has you in a chokehold, you can open this book and take action.
Here are a few you can print, cut, and get you started on taping them into a binder or journal:
Grief is not about letting go, but redefining and holding onto your pet in your mind and heart in a certain way.
Love never ends. Death takes the body. Love remains. ~ C. Bryant
“It is heartbreaking. It is traumatic. It is all of the above. But you know what? They give so much love and companionship that I’ll do it again. I will continue to have pets. That’s not going to stop me.” ~ M. Simpson
His absence is so big it’s like he’s here. ~Patrick Ness
Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim. ~V. Harrison
The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief. But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love. ~H. Stanton Zunin
With their love so pure, dogs must go to heaven. They run free and wait patiently for your hearts to merge once more.
Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life and love others, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long. – Pet Loss For Facebook
I also stumbled on this comment in response to a New York Times article about pet loss. It hit me right in the heartstrings and gives me hope.
Further Resources To Help You With Pet Loss
If Your Dog Is Deceased
Read what to do when a dog dies
If Your Dog Is Alive
Read how to cope with the fear of my dog dying
If Your Dog Died and The Holidays Are Coming
Read how to survive the holidays after a dog dies
If Your Dog Died Accidentally
Read how to deal with the accidental death of a dog
If Your Dog Grief Won’t Go Away
Read anatomy of a grieving dog mom
If You Wonder About Dogs Communicating From Beyond
Read the miracle of Dog Mountain and Dog Chapel
For Additional Pet Loss Resources
Touching Tribute On Dog Loss
How to Grieve for a Very Good Dog
My son lost his beloved dog in March of this year from the same thing, hemangiosarcoma. Leo was fine on Monday, gone on Friday. We are still reeling. Thanks for this great blog/article and sharing your grief. You are not alone….
OH GOSH, I am so sorry. It is the worst feeling and hemangiosarcoma is so evil. My very deepest condolences on Leo’s passing.
I can barely see while writing this because of the tears streaming down my face.. I lost my beloved Golden Retriever Roxy two weeks ago she was 14 years old.. I made the decision to Euthanize her. I believe it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I had been hand feeding her for over two years. She refused to eat and I made the decision. I was with her when she went. I held her and told her I would see her again. I was so grateful for the time I had with her and the unconditional love she gave me.
I am so sorry for your loss of Roxy. I wish for you to carry her love in your heart forever.
Carol, my heart breaks for you. I know you from blogging and have always learned from you. It’s a pain like no other, sending Hugs your way. My Cody passed away in June and I still miss him terribly. Thank you for sharing and take care of yourself.
That means a lot to me. My heart is so shattered. I never saw the end coming. I think that makes it doubly hard for me. I am so sorry about Cody. They never live long enough but they sure leave a legacy of love behind. Hugs and thanks for stopping by.
I know Speedy was only a rabbit but to me he was my buddy who shared lifes adventures with me. He just had a clean bill of health from the vet, he said for his age he was in great condition.That was the Friday then on the Wednesday Morning he collapsed in the early hours.I was just about to get ready for work, I didn’t go, I rang to tell them I had to take him to the vets. I knew Speedy was going to the bridge, and he never made it to the vets about an hour later his heart stopped with me telling him it was ok for him to leave and then he did in my arms he took his last breath and was gone with me screaming No…
The tears I shed well there have been a lot, I still do even with having Titch even as I am writing this. I don’t think we ever stop grieving for them we just adjust to it, adapt to living without them. Everything was left as it was the day he died until we got Titch then the pens was adjusted for her needs. This Christmas a photo of him went on the wall with His predecessors Thumper and Caramel…my 3 boys together on the wall as they are in the garden. I miss him and I want him back,as I do with Thumper and Caramel. I’m a rabbit person pure and simple and I can’t be without one. So I have My little girl Titch….funny thing is she was born the day before Speedy died. I still see Speedy, I’ll see him dart past me just like he always has and I’ll think its Titch but when I look its not her she’s not in the kitchen but in the garden or upstairs.Caramel still visits too I’ll be sat in the kitchen and I’ll feel him climb up my legs and again when I look there is no bunny there I am one my own and Thumper well he still thumps from time to time. All 3 boys stop by from time to time just to say hi,to let me know they are ok and I am glad they do…..Even Titch see’s them…you can tell by the way she acts that one of them is here… Mainly Speedy I think because she creeps up to him to where he used to sit in the pen and stick her nose through the bars to sniff him… xx Rachel
Okay so first, Speedy isn’t “only a rabbit.” Any pet we share our love and life with is a member of the family. Speedy is also a legend. That is true and a fact. I felt so devastated on his passing, and I really am grateful he introduced us!
Rachel, I appreciate your thoughts and sharing your journey here so very much. It means a lot to me. Sending all my love and hugs to you and your family for a healthy, happy 2022 and beyond.
Thanks for this article. I am putting my beloved Cockerspaniel (Koda) to sleep tomorrow morning at 9am. He has been my rock for over 11 years, and we did everything together. The thought of him not being with me is unbearable, but it’s just something I’m going to have to deal with… Hoping the grief isn’t too hectic for too long. I love the thought of him being the first face I see when I finally cross over.
Big love to everyone going through the loss of a pet.
xxx
Ryan from Cape Town, South Africa
I lost my Dexter a week ago. Today I am picking up his ashes. Reading the things you tried and succeeded with…that helps me know this pain won’t last. He was my soul mate, my look in the eyes and connected forever bonded dog. I will have a new puppy, not to replace him but to love..because he taught me how and there is honor in carrying that forward. Nothing and no one can replace Dexter Blue Morgan. You know how it is. But love never fails.
Oh gosh, Sarah, I am so sorry. From one Dexter mom to another, I totally understand. Love your dog’s name, too. My new pup is Alvin Harrison – and you know where the Harrison comes from. Love never ends. Hugs to you.
My Chiquita . My pug died 2 days ago . Its like she wanted me to pick her up and she was gone. . I am so sad I blame myself . I have another pug and. I Do not want her sleeping or playing with Chiquita’s toys . I know I am wrong for that. But this is hard . I had her cremated and cant wait to pick her up . I miss her so much
As I’m grieving the departure of my mixed breed companion of 15 years Bebe, I am glad to hear that this horrible heartache may diminish one-day. Bebe has been my shadow for the last 15 years. She left us to go to heaven yesterday, taking her last breath in my arms as the vet pushed the final injection into her IV catheter. I can’t stop crying, sobbing, and wondering how I could’ve prevented her liver and kidney disease, feeling terrible for the times I expressed frustration towards her when all she wanted was to love me! The heartache is unbearable, and I still have her sister Pita, who is 15 and 1/2 years old, blind and diabetic to care for. I don’t want her to sense my sorrow as I am sure she is also missing her sister. I want my Bebe back!
Oh no, Ana. I am incredibly sorry. I know exactly how you feel. My deepest condolences are with you.
Carole. Thank you for writing this. There are so many different ways to grieve and I have found myself overwhelmed the last four days after having to unexpectedly put down our kitty that adopted us just three years ago. The cat lived its best life as a mainly outdoor cat who was always sneaking inside just to be near and love on us & then would go back out and explore and catch lizards and birds to its hearts content. He loved the hunt. Being in the backyard and in my garden is the hardest part for me because that’s where I found solace after much heartbreak in my life and it’s where the cat would meet me. To just be silent, with no words. But there being healing balm in its presence. The presence of the cat not being here to greet upon arrival, the belly rubs that it liked just like a dog. & Walking my oldest son through his first big loss has been a lot for my heart.. I’m glad to know other people have soul connections with their animals like I do. And thank you for writing something like this for those of us traveling through Gray skies right now.
My heart is with you. I am so sorry you are dealing with this pain on the passing of your sweet kitty. For me, it seems it never gets easier. With each dog who dies, they take with them a piece of my heart. I read a quote recently that I cling to, and I want to pass it on to you, as well. In your case, it would be with cats.
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”
~Unknown
we lost our darling Dog Bailey on Wednesday, I have never been good with death especially our Dogs.
I feel overwhelmed with Guilt, and the void he has left, and am getting frightened how bad I feel.
Thanls for publishing this, it helps knowing its perfectly normal.
I’m so sorry you lost your beloved Dexter to hemangiosarcoma. On December 26, 2021 my sweet foster dog Pansy died from the same. Hemangiosarcoma. She had been to the vet for her annual check up only two weeks prior and even the vet missed it. He called me after hearing about Pansy’s passing to confirm he hadn’t detected anything abnormal during her exam. As I’ve come to learn very often there are no signs that something is wrong until the dog collapses. That night I had just returned home from a family gathering, let her outside to do her business and she collapsed. It almost seemed like she had waited for me to come home that night. I will never know, but I wonder.
I came across your site because I unexpectedly lost one of my own dogs named Ace this past week. The grief from this particular loss is overwhelming because Ace was deaf. And I had such a special connection and relationship with him because of that different-ability. Honestly part of me wants to dig a hole, crawl inside and die just to be with my sweet, smart, wonderful boy Ace again.
The comment from the NY Times really was beautiful and thank you so much for sharing it in your post. The last words I said to Ace whether he could hear me or not were “I love you.” “I love you.” “I love you.” as I kissed his head and nose. It my hope that he will be there to greet me when my life is over. Wherever all the dogs go when they die is where I want to go too. That is my version of Heaven.
Maureen, My heart breaks every time I read stories like this. I am incredibly sorry about Patsy. And then to have Ace pass away. I had two dogs who went deaf and I know that special bond that comes with it. I am sure Ace lived a life of love and you will see each other again. I am with you: When it is my time to go, I envision the beautiful reunion with my babies.
This message is much my own grieving words. I am struggling. I am hurting. I am sad. I had my Puggle dog for 16 yrs and 8 months. She was my baby before I had babies. I lost her 4 days ago. I am sitting here typing this with her ashes in my lap. I want her back! I am trying to hold on to the love we had for each other, but the loss is so overpowering. I can’t move any of her things; food and water bowl, toys or bed. Time will heal, but grief from the passing of my dog unexpectedly is so hard.
My heart is with you. I understand the pain. Take comfort in knowing you shared a tremendous amount of time with your Puggle and she will forever be loved. Death cannot take that away.
Losing a beloved dog can be a devastating experience that can leave us feeling overwhelmed with grief and sadness. It’s natural to feel a deep sense of loss and to struggle with the adjustment of life without our companion by your side.
Thanks for writing this. I want you to know that your beloved dog is indeed in heaven. How do I know?well, my Golden girl had to be put down at 15 yrs and a year later I needed to have surgery and I was very afraid of it, then my little 5 year old niece, said one day before the surgery that she saw Goldie in the house and asked me if I could see her too, but I could not. She kept telling me that Goldie visited the house almost every day, for 2 weeks after the surgery and that my mother was also visiting us during the same time, she’s been dead for 30 years; this happened while I was in recovery for 2 weeks. I asked my niece to ask my mom why was she here and why she brought Goldie, the reply was that God gives permission to our relatives in heaven to visit their living family. True story. God bless you. I still miss my Goldie after 1+ years but now I have 100% certainty that she’s in heaven no longer in pain. This gave me lots of peace and closure.
Wow, that is fantastic!
while i was ., preparing to “pre grieve” as I knew my 11 yr rescue yorkie terrier mix . after diagnosis of “heart murmur” I He went downhill quickly,, before i made , the dreaded “appt” dr visit he went to heaven.. I had friends, family, stand by me. . It may not work for people reading, but accepting, and being more prepared, to have some activities, to push you forward, , laugh learn love..again.
i don’t do memorials, i threw everything out but leash, photos., in computer. i did NOT accounce it on facebook. I went quiet. I painted over the “dog area ( leash hanging, ect) . I use perfume, bought new bed. I booked vacation/ with family and remarkable smart to offset the grief. I have suffered enough pain , on this planet, and said NO I WON’T let this steal my thunder. He would say “laugh your ars off” kid…
We all grieve differently. I am glad you found a way to channel your grief, Anon. Take care.
This could be considered eerie. I have been looking for a ways to understand the grief that I am feeling. Anything. Humbly, I typed something in Google about pet grief and this is the first article I came across. Reading what you have gone through and continue to experience has been helpful and will continue to help myself and others.
Here is the eerie part. My dog suddenly past away two days ago collapsing at a daycare facility. He was a 10 year old boxer, who showed signs slowing down (as we all do) but no signs of illness. His name….Dexter.
Thank you for my postcard from the Rainbow Bridge.
Omgoodness I just got goosebumps, Eric. That is definitely a sign from the bridge. Hugs and my deepest condolences on the passing of your Dexter.
This lost my dog today i feel so sad all i been doing crying i can’t believe he gone hope it get better soon
Once I met a cocker spaniel in the park and ever since I have wanted one when I’m older. But I still can’t decide if I’m going to get a cocker spaniel or a hedgehog. Thanks for teaching me more.
I lost my black lab Yogi last Monday. I was on vacation with dropping him off at daycare so excited to passing 2 days later from GDV. I wasn’t there for him. I was on vacation and keep asking myself what if he was with me I would have noticed something was wrong and could have saved him in time before it got worse. I never got to kiss or say goodbye to him. I’m now home and can’t handle the grieving. I just want to see him and hold him. I keep looking for signs of him telling me it’s ok. I miss him so much and so devastated.
I can feel your pain. I too feel like I could have done more to prevent my dog’s death.
Then you say to yourself that everything happens for a reason, or everything is predetermined. Truth is, we don’t know.
If the reason we are on this planet is to feel, then our pets are the best teachers. They show us unconditional love when they are with us, and total grief when they pass on.
My beloved dog Roman crossed over about a month ago. He was the most perfect companion. I loved him so much!
He was a chocolate lab but his coloring bordered burgundy.
His soul was visible through his eyes. I always told others that he was the most soulful dog and he should be playing a saxophone!
My heart has been ripped out of my chest! He wasn’t just a velcro dog, he was a gorilla glue dog. Never more than a foot away from me. Even though I only had him for a year and a half, he filled my life with love! I will never get over the loss of losing someone so special and meaningful!
I lost my 15 year old Jack Russell Pug mix April 20th. I miss her terribly and love her so much. I keep feeling bad for the times I scolded her for chewing things etc. and keep having thoughts of what if I put her down to soon. I wish I could know she is ok and knows how much I love her. I hope she understands I just didn’t want her to suffer. She was my only companion and made my house a home and filled it with joy and love. She is the biggest blessing and gift I have ever had in my life. My heart is broken. Two nights after she passed I was woken up by her bark. I hope she will continue to send me signs and I hope the rainbow bridge is real so I can see her and hold her again. Thank you for this space.
It always hurts to miss someone, my dog Noah I still miss every day in the smallest things like walking down the hallway, the morning walks, the standard rides to the woods. But luckily I managed to cope with it in a good way with only good memories.
We lost the sweetest dog in the world today. You died in our arms, and you knew that we were there with you. Thank you for the perfect love that you gave to us. We will miss you, and we will love you forever, Fancy.
Love, Daddy
Sending you our deepest condolences, Darrell, on the passing of Fancy.
Hi Carol,
Are you able to share the name of the animal communicator you spoke to? I lost my 18 year old Chihuahua, Olivia June, 4 nights ago, and the loss of her is bigger than anything I’ve experienced. If you have the names of any reputable communicators, I would love to connect with one. I think it could help my heart heal.
Same here please. When I read that I was hoping to find out who.
I lost my 12 yo German Shepherd Sasha to a hemangiosarcoma of the spleen 3 weeks ago. I had her since the day she was born. A bond like no other. I miss her every fiber of my being. I just want to talk, hug, see her again. Please if you could pass along your communicator and or others you know of that are reputable. <3