How do you deal with the death of a pet?

[MrShaun]

Just had to put our dog down. Has anyone else dealt with severe grieving? Thought talking about it might help.

Updates

1 y

Thank you everyone for your kind remarks. It's a very difficult part of life. He was absolutely my son and I had him for fifteen years. I hope everyday gets a little bit easier.

[jennifer_bloom]

I have not mourned the death of a dog before. I was glad when my old dog died because I wanted his suffering to end and his death meant he would not suffer anymore.

Have you thought about creating a painting or piece of artwork of your dog in heaven? You could even use A. I. technology to do this if you don't want to spend 4 hours creating the art work and you could stare at that image of your dog in doggy heaven every time you are sad over your dog.

I did not cry when my grandma died because I do not believe she died. I believe she left this world and went to higher world where there is no suffering or sadness.

[mobiusforniner]

Shitty. Like really shitty man. I didn’t know how much it’d hit me. I put down my cat when that time came. And as much as it sucked, I wanted to be there for him. How could I not? I adopted him when he was a mean ass stray tomcat. We went through a lot together in 15 years. So it made sense I was the one rocking and petting him when he left the world. and don’t get me wrong, I wailed like a little bitch. And wasn’t ashamed one bit. In that moment I lost someone who’d been my companion for nearly half my life It’s been nearly a year and I still have moments sobbing about him being gone

Animals aren’t like humans. They don’t expect or demand anything of us. But they give you their all; a simple reminder of how this world will be a better place if we can all emulate their practical beauty.

[RavVid]

They have been your friend for a long time and it is right to grieve for them. The house feels empty without them.

Lost a dog oh 11 years ago now. We had a memorial in the park he loved and invited those he knew and loved. It was a nice way to farewell him.

Above all with people and pets, I think it is best to embrace grieving as it acknowledges what they were to you. Some might think it is over humanizing pets to think of them as a friend but it is really just acknowledging the bonding between you.

I got a cat a year later and sadly it seems that his time is coming. He was a rescue and is 15 now.

[Kori1236]

Take the time to grieve. I lost my boy traumatically on September 1. He was the best first dog I could ask for and while a huge part of me wants another tomorrow I need to take the time to heal. My roommates dog was euthanized a week later on the 7th and she recently got a new puppy which I’m trying very hard to not resent

[MrShaun]

My sincere condolences.

[Kori1236]

Same to you, it’s always hard to loose a family member.

[RingOfFire]

My condolences, this is one of the most painful experiences in life.

I've had dogs my entire life and facing the end of their lives has been one of the most painful things in my own life.

The only way I know of to deal with it is to accept that no living creature lives forever on this planet. But they do live forever in spirit, always with us in memory and they shaped our lives in a way that will affect us for the rest of our own life. In that respect when they die they are still with us to the end.

The other thing that gives me comfort is knowing that I took such good care of them and gave them such a good life. I can look back and know that I did the best that I could to make their life meaningful happy and healthy and a life worth living for them. I treated them as my fellow traveler on this Earth with love and kindness in return for their treating me the same way.

[luvstoned4him]

My last two dogs were poisoned by some neighbors and they were "TIED" and on my property. So I know they weren't an issue to anyone. I spent months hooking them up to IV drips and giving meds. It broke me and made me hate humans. I haven't been able to get a new pet since. Its been over 5 years and I miss them.

[Paris13]

I am So Very Sorry, dear. Today, My Sister's little Dog was Killed by a Truck. I cried for Her and the Dog. A Pet is Like a Part of your Family. Find Someone to Share your Grief. Someone who can Relate and Give you a Hug. It's so very hard. Hugggggs. xxoo

[ArrowheadSW]

I have faced this in the past and it is a very real grieving process that we go through. I was in a state of grieving for a while. The dog was my ex-girlfriend's but I helped her take care of her for several years after she and I split up. I think what helped me was talking about how cool and loving the dog was. I still consider that dog to be "my daughter"! LOL...

[PeachyPie93]

I never grieved a pet that hard. My cat died 3 years ago, I had him since I was 15 he was the best cat I ever had. He always slept with me and came to me when I cried, he never used his nails on me even when playing. He used to knock my glasses on the floor every morning at 6am to wake me up to feed him lol. I loved him a lot but I was only sad for a month. I suppose I hope it gets easier for you.

[nolabels]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I lost my own little canine buddy Max three years ago.
I miss him terribly, probably more so because I'm too ill to take on raising another pup or even an adult dog.

Max and I had life figured out.
I was able to care for him as needed until the cancer made his life miserable.

How do I deal with the death of a pet?
With great difficulty.

[236color]

Yeah, I've lost several pets. It hurts, it hurts as bad or sometimes worse than losing a family member. What helps me is acknowledging that it's real grief and that "just a pet" doesn't mean you don't or shouldn't grieve. I'm sorry for your loss.

[dreamstar72]

Sorry for your loss. Pets are so important to most. I had to put asleep four dogs, but they lived their normal life span. Each dog had a different characteristics and that was what I love the most about them. It’s going to be hard, but what helps is to get another one (not as a replacement) and discover something special about him or her.

[Meropatrick]

I myself cannot deal with it 5 years later. I still feel horrible. i dont talk about it at all. My pet died because of my stupidity and ignorance. At that time i didn't know better. What makes me feel less horrible is that i didn't lose my pet out of malice. I was really doing what i knew then. I assume u did what u can too. And u didn't hurt ur dog intentionally this might make u feel less worse. I just do my best now to take care of my current pet.

[Nikki1989]

Allow yourself time to grieve, and don't be afraid to cry or share your feelings with others.

[MrShaun]

Thank you Nikki.

[Nikki1989]

Your welcome.

[strateguy632]

No big deal because good pets go to pet heaven, and wait for you, until you fill your life, then reunite in heaven.

[Jupiter1]

Every loss of our pets throughout my lifetime has been very painful for me and my family. We always honor them with tributes and birthday and anniversary celebrations even though they are no longer with us. Never forgotten.

[DrPepper12]

So sorry for your loss. It's ruff. I liked some of my pets better than a lot of people tbh. Grieve in your own way but DON'T rush into a new pet til your ready!

[SugarSugarplum]

I shut down emotionally and my body produces mass quantities of tears and snot.

[the29thhuman]

The vet pressed our dogs paw into some clay and I clipped a tad bit of their hair and super glued it in the paw. 🐾

[OfDeath]

Usually burry them in the backyard. I had one cremated but it was expensive so I didn’t do it again.

[genericname85]

burry it in the ground like a lost human friend or family member.

[Juxtapose]

I give it time and grief as needed. Think of the good times.

[Kingofkings1992]

It hurts definitely. It takes time, but you’ll eventually move forward and be okay.

[BCRanger10]

Historically speaking? Not well.

[clampfan101]

Same as any other family member.

[JamesRandiDebates]

I cry my eyes out then move on.

[RowdyYates]

Sad.