I lost Dante my dog of 14 years this week. He passed away on Valentines day. (((((((((

My family and I are all in shock as it came so suddenly and he was very good at hiding his age, remaining very lively, youthful and energetic right until the end. He was very protective and full of personality, a very loyal companion and best friend to me.

We had him since I was at school so I have sooooo many memories of life with him. In all the the changes and turns that life takes he was one of those things that stayed consistent, and stayed a link to the past in a way, if that makes sense.

Ive been very sad and crying at times as I miss him so much already. Has anyone else here lost a long term pet? How did you cope?

If my attempt to insert a picture fails here's a link:

http://www.flickr.com/pho...894081379/

I lost my close dog at 15 (had him since 4) and my only way to cope was to think he was at a better place. Other than that, I don't know if that helps.

But for you to your loss.

When I was 8 my parents bought me a kitten. She lived to be 18, and I wasn't living at home any more when she died. I was devastated only to hear AFTERwards that my parents had put her down.

I'm only 4 years in on the first dog I've ever had (on my own as an adult). We had a dog when I was still living with my parents but we had to give her away because she kept escaping and we didn't really have a fenced in yard.

I have yet to feel what you are feeling

I'm really sorry to hear of your loss. Something about dogs especially...such unconditional love and devotion.

Take comfort in knowing he was living a great life right up until the end. You can't ask for much more than that.

Sorry u lost Dante its just like losing a loved one as pets r family!!!

i have lost a few pets over the years, and as a Kid recall being extremely traumatized by the whole experience!!!

it will take time but hopefully soon u can get a new dog that will give you as much love, joy and happiness as Dante did!!!

RIP Dante

i had to put my cat cuddles down on tuesday so i know how you feel. he lived a good life and you can't ask for much more. today i am going to the animal shelter to get another one.

I had to put my cat of 15 years down in 2009. Coming up on the 3 year anniversary next month and I'm dreading it. I was there during the euthunazing because I wanted to make sure he was not in any pain and that he left this world with dignity! The experience is something that I will never forget and it changed me. A piece of me died with that cat. It's something I don't think I will ever fully get over. I cried and was extremely depressed that first year. I still grieve him something awful.

People who are not animal lovers find it hard to understand. But, for those of us who are animal lovers, we understand that cats and dogs provide you with a truly UNCONDITIONAL love that you usually don't find with people. They don't judge, they don't lie, they dont deceive. They are just there for you.

As far as tips, I keep pictures of him around. It's like his spirit is with me everyday. I talk about him often. I remember all of the great times and happiness he provided me. I have not replaced him yet. I'm simply not ready to do that right now. But, I spend time with other people's cats whenever I can. That helps me cope.

sorry for your loss

So sorry

Well i have had 3 dogs of mine die sadly, and the mosty recent our dog Joplin. This was just for us anyway.... my family sat around the dinner table and laughed at some funny times when Joplin was a younger, wilder & more aggresive dog

That was fun & it helped , Joplin at least was put down. My dog Tiger died while i was petting him in 5th grade, saw the eyes roll in the back of his head & it was rather scary at a young age

My partner and I have lost a few beloved companions. As far as I am concerned it is every bit as painful (sometimes worse) than losing any other family member. Every time we tell ourselves "not again" but can't imagine our lives without the joy our dogs bring us. My heart goes out to you. The only solace I can offer is that you should find comfort in the knowledge that your companion lived a long happy life and that he was loved (and knew this).

It's very hard to lose a pet! I love animals, and you really develop a relationship with them that means something.

Sorry!

Sorry for your loss.

The only things I can think of are time, and/or getting another dog.

It's so tough to lose a pet, but we know going in that unless a tragedy occurs or we are very old, we are going to outlive any pet we ever own.

Gunsnhalen said:

My dog Tiger died while i was petting him in 5th grade, saw the eyes roll in the back of his head & it was rather scary at a young age

:omfg: Damn! That would definitely traumatize me.

Thank God for your dog's companionship. I know how special it can be. You will heal by remembering how special Dante will forever be in your heart. If you feel sad, CRY. When you feel happy, LAUGH. Just take each day as it comes.

my dog has been sick awhile poor thing it was awful .. friday we had to do the worst thing but the only thing cause she was beyond help .. we had to put her down. we held her kissed her while the vet gave her whatevr they give them to stop theyre life it was the most painful thing i ever had to witness i nearly fainted no joke .. then we buried her in the yard .. im still numb sad hurt everything ashamed im not rich n couldnt afford the billion dollar vet bill to maybe fix her .. it sux ! .. were not supposed to cope well my friend we just lost a loved one.

peace to you n yours

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[Edited 2/19/12 14:47pm]

sorry to hear that. My Cat Isis died Feb 8th. It's hard because pets are like family.

No good tips or advice here, as I empathize so much with your pain. I miss our dog terribly...but as she was 16 when she passed (and really suffering in her last weeks on earth), I have to take solace in the fact that she is free from all pain and maladies now, and even though she's no longer in her body, her little doggie spirit can romp freely in absolute joy elsewhere. Might sound corny, but that's all I got...

sfinky1 said:

Awww, how adorable!

Nothing you can do but curl up in a ball and cry it through while watching tv for a couple of days imo.

this helps and hurts at the same time...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

I can never read that Rainbow Bridge story without crying.

psychodelicide said:

I can never read that Rainbow Bridge story without crying.

same here

My heart goes out to you and your family. I think the best thing to do is talk about all the memories over the years when you're ready and to celebrate his memory and look at photos, videos etc. maybe even make a scrapbook or something when you're ready. It doesn't make up for the loss of course, but it is a part of heading towards acceptance in the long term even if it doesn't come right away.

jon1967 said:

psychodelicide said:

I can never read that Rainbow Bridge story without crying.

same here

Pomade said:

I remember hearing from someone who devoted his career to animal companions that the BEST thing to do when grieving the loss of one is to get another. It's easy but wrong, he said, to think the traits that endear one animal companion are exclusive to it. Go get another great companion and discover new joys and make new memories with it.

But some view a pet like a family member, and no one would tell you to go get a surrogate for that, right? It helps though once you're ready. My cousin adopted a dog shortly after her 10 year old one died.

alphastreet said: