Losing our pets

dturm wrote:
Winter seems to be a bad time. Chronic, lingering problems seem to get worse and finally reach the critical point. I know we have seen this with our own dogs over time, all have gone between October and February.

Doug

I agree. I know our sweet Pistol Pete didn't do well with the dropping temperatures this winter. It seemed to exaggerate his health issues. We kept thinking he would bounce back but after the holidays, we realized that he just could not. January 4th :(

As a side note, I miss the pets I've lost over the years but I will never miss them as much as I do my mom and my Papa (her father). Of all the pets I've loved and had to say "farewell" to.... None of them left the kind of holes in my heart as losing those two precious people. Looking forward I have to to hope I go before my husband.... I cannot even imagine it otherwise.

My condolences to everyone who has lost a much loved pet recently, I know all too well how it feels.

Part of grief is how big a hole the loss has left in your life. A relative or friend loss is very difficult, but our pets are with us many hours a day. When they are gone, the hole is there in the place you live and it is a reminder every day for a while. Never feel guilt over the grief you feel. We have to grieve in our own way and to the extent that we need.

Barb and the 3 chocolates

sher9570 wrote:

I understand how some don't feel that way and I'm not judging anyone but there is no way for me to miss any pet more than my Mom & Dad.

Sher

Oh, I get that! Actually, my goal in life is to make sure MY kids miss me more than the dog ;-)

Bottom line is I miss all my pets, I loved them all dearly and was devastated when they died. I miss each and every one of them to this day.
I also have two great dogs that help fill my life with love and fun and a lot of happiness.
But my Mom and my Dad, well you only get one of those in you life time. I was extremely close to my parents and I miss them a great deal to this day.
There are so many family events that would have meant a lot to my parents and they are missed and it's a hole that a pet cannot fill.
I understand how some don't feel that way and I'm not judging anyone but there is no way for me to miss any pet more than my Mom & Dad.

Sher

I am still wayne_tw wrote:


While I miss my parents, I, too, miss my dogs even more. There is an emptiness that is just different.

Thank you (((HUG!))) Glad to know I'm not the only one.

Deb and Ed M wrote:

And here's what I can only confess to those here - my Mom moved to California in 2002; and I had only seen her twice (talked more often), before her death in Aug 2012. Of course I miss my Mom - but NOT like I miss my Aussie Ike. He was with me pretty much 24/7 and not having him around is still painful. But I know there's a LOT of folks out there who'd think I should be locked up for missing my dog more than my mother.....

NO, I think you are not alone. Losing one's parents is a natural progression of life. Losing our dog is not part of that progression.

While I miss my parents, I, too, miss my dogs even more. There is an emptiness that is just different.

Crowe wrote:
I'd also like to add that if I don't send my condolences it doesn't mean I don't care or I'm not thinking of you. It just usually means I just can't deal because for some reason it hits too close to home.

Oh amen to that. Or if I can type, it's through tears...

And here's what I can only confess to those here - my Mom moved to California in 2002; and I had only seen her twice (talked more often), before her death in Aug 2012. Of course I miss my Mom - but NOT like I miss my Aussie Ike. He was with me pretty much 24/7 and not having him around is still painful. But I know there's a LOT of folks out there who'd think I should be locked up for missing my dog more than my mother.....

I'll never forget the kindness and compassion I experienced from all those forum members who reached out to me when I lost Champ 3 years ago. I printed all the responses that were sent to me - not even my family responded as you did. And yes, I have another dog, and will until I'm put in a nursing home or die.

Rita

I am still wayne_tw wrote:
While our dogs teach us many things in life, in death they teach us how to say good bye, to grieve, and to love again.

Well said!

We've let 6 dogs go to the Rainbow Bridge over the years, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Dogs give such unconditional love, and I can't imagine living without one or two.

I am still wayne_tw wrote:
While our dogs teach us many things in life, in death they teach us how to say good bye, to grieve, and to love again.

Oh so many nice comments on here, its heart warming just to know that all of us has been through this so many times before.

Mr Wayne tw lol, you are so right with this......I know I could have not said that any better..