My poor little doggie is gone..

[Lauriebell82]

So we put our dog Christy to sleep yesterday. I'm so devasted and I don't even know how to deal with it. My boyfriend has been SOOO supportive and its wonderful. He seriously spent like hours on the phone with me since I can't see him until tommorrow. This isn't really a relationship problem I suppose, just really horrible grief. Man, if only I could give myself some grief therapy. Can anyone give me some?

[Pyro]

I wish I could.

 

I had to do that to some of my dogs in the past and it sucked. Time was the only thing that made it better.

[Ocean-Blue]

So we put our dog Christy to sleep yesterday. I'm so devasted and I don't even know how to deal with it. My boyfriend has been SOOO supportive and its wonderful. He seriously spent like hours on the phone with me since I can't see him until tommorrow. This isn't really a relationship problem I suppose, just really horrible grief. Man, if only I could give myself some grief therapy. Can anyone give me some?

 

Awww...Lauriebelle! My sympathies and hugs to you.

 

I have a pet...so I can only imagine how much you loved Christy. It's comforting to know your bf is there for you, isn't it?

 

Just remember this, she had to leave for a reason. She would have only suffered...so you did the right thing. You gave her a good home and lots of love and I am sure she was very grateful for that.

 

I'm soo sorry again. This kind of stuff makes me sad. I love animals (esp. dogs).

 

Keep posting here and continue talking to your bf. This will get better in time.

[Belkin]

awwww, that sucks

 

The only dog I ever had was put to sleep on the same day my gf dumped me for another guy, how ironic is that?

 

So yeah, I know how you feel, don't hesitate turning to your bf for support, he's there for that!

[Lauriebell82]

Thanks guys. I don't even know what to do, I've been crying nonstop for the past few days. My boyfreind just stayed on the phone with me for like 2 hours listening to me sob and trying to cheer me up. He was talking about moving into our apartment, and the fact that I'm graduating in a month and we are going on vacation. There are moments when I don't think about her, but everytime I do I just start bawling.

 

Ugh, this is such a terrible feeling, it's like losing a member of our family. I hope I can get myself through this. Thanks for all the support.

[Portage]

I feel for you i truly do. My dog is 14 and i can see her drastically slowing down right before my very eyes.

 

I'm sure Christy was loved and then some. Just posting about your dog shows what a loving mom you were. She had a great home. Unconditional love is the best, it sounds like it ran both ways.

[Star Gazer]

I've already told you in PM, but I'm so sorry LB.

 

(((HUGS)))

[curiousnycgirl]

My heart goes out to you during this time of grief. You have every right to your pain and tears - so don't hold them back.

 

Just know that Christy was lucky to you have you, as you were lucky to have her, and thank goodness you were able to end her suffering.

 

Time will heal the hard parts - but your happy memories will live forever.

[AriaIncognito]

I've unfortunately ben through this a few times with cats I've had over the years. You always remember them, they always hold a special place in your heart. It's tough to get over them, it is akin to grieving a family member or loss of love. Don't let anyone try to dimish how you're feeling, just feel it and get it out. It will get better over time. Unfortunately, time is the only thing that can really heal it.

 

Hugs to you.

[PinkKittyKat]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your post brought tears to my eyes, because it is such a nightmare to lose a devoted pet.

 

Try to remember the good things and how much time you had together.

 

And never let ANYONE make you feel worse by saying "It's just a dog." I have seen (and had people do) this, and they are ignorant jerks with no love in their souls.

 

Sending love your way.

[Lauriebell82]

Thank you for the support everyone..reading your comments is making me feel better. I actually stopped crying..for now anyway. I miss her so much, it's just so hard to imagine that she isn't going to be at my parent's house anymore when I go there. I am going to visit my bf this weekend and I have to stop home and get some of my mail, I bet the minute I walk in I'm going to start bawling my eyes out.

 

At least Christy isn't suffering. My mom took her to be put to sleep yesterday and she said she looked so thin and sick, she was having seizures and couldnt stop shaking. She wouldn't eat or drink water at all. She was so sick and dehydrated. My mom could have put her in the animal hospital and had her on IV's, but even then she still would have been suffering and maybe even ended up dying in the hospital alone. So I know my mom did the right thing by Christy..its just so hard.

 

Thanks for your support guys, please keep leaving me comments, it's helping.

[Little Shy]

This is so sad, and I am so sorry for your loss! My dog is my best friend, and is really, really getting up there in age, so although I try and enjoy each day with him, I cringe in fear of what the next day or week might bring!

You know, in my city there are animal grievance/loss support groups, for real!

I found out about one sometime back from my local vet.

I wonder if this would be helpful for you?

If you think so, I would try calling your veterinary office, or google it.

Take care sweetie!

[Saxis]

That sucks, Laurie... sorry to hear it. My parents had my pup put down on Mother's Day last year, the same day that my XW and I separated. Double whammy, but the relationship problems seemed to keep my mind completely off the fact that I just lost one of my best friends.

[I am who I am]

Dam you woman!(Family Guy reference)

Now you got me tearing up! Had to put down an old friend. Cried on and off for a week. It felt great as I rarely cry. What a great way to release energy!

 

Being a guy, society taught me not to cry... but damn, it feels good from time to time.

 

I feel for you and your family. I truly understand the pain and anguish you are going through.

 

Damn it!.. now I'm gonna have to look at the old photos of my best friend.

[HokeyReligions]

I am so sorry. I know how it hurts. Grief is grief - whether it for an animal or human.

 

There is little comfort to offer, you will grieve however your body and soul decides to grieve. You will get through it. We all do somehow. Remember the good and that you gave another soul love and comfort and happiness. Christy would not want you to cease being you, but she'll understand.

 

There are grief support programs all over the globe and on-line. Google Rainbow Bridge for a start. These may make you cry - I do when I read them - but I've found them to be helpful in moving forward in my own life by giving me some peace of mind in knowing that I did the right thing. Loving is never easy.

 

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

 

 

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,

So sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

 

 

But really, love is knowing

When your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts

Will only be in vain.

 

 

So looking deep into your eyes,

Beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic, that will

Once more make me whole.

 

 

The strength that you possess,

Is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it's the only way.

 

 

That strength is why I've followed you,

And chose you as my friend,

And why I've loved you all these years...

My partner 'til the end.

 

 

Please, understand just what this gift,

You're giving, means to me,

It gives me back the strength I've lost,

And all my dignity.

 

 

You take a stand on my behalf,

For that is what friends do.

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

 

 

So one last time, I breathe your scent,

And through your hand I feel,

The courage that's within you,

To now grant me this appeal.

 

 

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

 

 

And don't despair my passing,

For I won't be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I'll stay.

 

 

I'll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I'll run,

...a young dog once again.

 

 

In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997

© Karen Clouston

 

 

If

If it should be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep

Then you must do what must be done

For this last battle can't be won

You will be sad, I understand

Don't let your grief then stay your hand

For this day, more than all the rest

Your love and friendship stand the test

We've had so many happy years

What is to come can hold no fears.

Would you want me to suffer? So

When the time comes, please let me go.

 

Take me where my needs they'll tend

Only, stay with me until the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see

It is a kindness that you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you

Who must decide this thing to do.

We've been so close, we two these years

Don't let your heart hold any tears

Anon

 

I AM NOT THERE

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

 

I am not there. I do not sleep.

 

I am a thousand winds that blow.

 

I am the diamond glints on snow.

 

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

 

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

 

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

 

I am the swift uplifting rush

 

of quiet birds in circled flight.

 

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

 

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

 

I am not there, I did not die.

 

 

Author unknown

[Trialbyfire]

Ugh, this is such a terrible feeling, it's like losing a member of our family.

I'm sorry about your loss. Pets are family members. Every pet has a personality and so much unconditional love, to give and receive.

[dropdeadlegs]

So sorry, LB! A dog gives the most perfect example of unconditional love I have ever witnessed.

 

My advice is to get another one. Not as a replacement (they're irreplaceable} but as a new friend that keeps on giving no matter what.

[Walk]

I put my dog to sleep a little over 4 years ago, and I still miss him. The pain does get easier to deal with, but it takes time.

 

My dog had cancer, and although it tore me up to put him to sleep, it was what had to be done for his sake.

 

Let yourself grieve. That's all I can offer as advice.

[sunshinegirl]

I'm sorry LB.

 

One thing that may comfort you, eventually if not now, is all your great memories of Christy. My childhood dog, Freckles, was hit by a car when I was 11. The whole family was devastated - his burial in my mom's flower garden (because he always slept in her garden, squashing all her flowers) even made my dad tear up and he *never* cries. To the point, though, over 20 years after Freckie died, we still tell stories about that dog - the greatest dog who ever lived.

 

(((hugs)))

[blind_otter]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

I don't know what to say I've never had to put an animal down. I know you did the right thing, though, from hearing about how she was before you had to put her to sleep. My dad let our cat die in the garage when I was little, he wouldn't put him to sleep, and I remember how much that poor cat suffered. I hope you feel better soon.

[Lauriebell82]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful messages. My eyes are so soar from crying so much and my eyes are so red and swollen. I was embarrased to go to my internship today (everyone knows the situation, so they understand). Man, what a terrible week..at least I get to see my boyfriend this weekend! He planned out this fun weekend for us, so hopefully I can keep my mind off of Christy. My parents don't want to get another dog because they feel like they can't replace Christy...I don't think any dog could. She was 1 in a million.