Dealing with grief due to loss of family pet

tranquility · 04-27-2018, 05:04 PM

Such a sad thread.

OP, sorry for your loss. I think that you did the very best for your lovely dog. Hope you and your wife will eventually heal. It sucks right now, I can relate like many others in this thread.

I appreciate dog owners because you all have that extra burden of deciding when your pet has to go. I've lost 3 pets but they were all small animals so they all went on their own. I cannot imagine the additional pain of having to decide for them.

My wife and I have been pet-less for a few years now. It still feels weird not having a furry kid running around and every now and then I would get an urge to have one back in my life. My wife is adamant not to because she just couldn't stand the pain of having to go through yet another eventual loss and heartbreak. She thinks that I'm especially crazy because I want a dog and she knows of the added responsibility. I may have to resign myself that maybe my pet-caring days are over.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrickem

Feed him ham and scalloped potatoes, and throw a party for him.

Our 17 year old Cocker Spaniel's time had come and I made the horrible appointment for Friday.

Wednesday, he wasn't eating so I made him his favorite food, Ham and scalloped potatoes and invited some friends that also loved him over to say good bye. He ate good that night.

Thursday morning, I took him out before I showered and carrying him back up the stairs he let out one tiny little yelp and died in my arms. It was actually a perfect ending for a pretty perfect dog.

Nobody will eat my ham or scalloped potatoes anymore though.

That was a touching story...your dog loved you very much and spared you the pain of the coming Friday...if the inevitable must come, we should all be so fortunate.

CO_Steve · 04-27-2018, 06:01 PM

This thread is so sad. We lost both of ours in the same year, it's tough.

If that hadn't happened we wouldn't have our new best friend.

Germanauto · 04-27-2018, 06:45 PM

And here I am resisting getting a puppy because of my obsession with keeping my car's interior looking like it just rolled off the assembly line.

They are so cute and pure at heart

RickFLM4 · 04-27-2018, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Germanauto

And here I am resisting getting a puppy because of my obsession with keeping my car's interior looking like it just rolled off the assembly line.

They are so cute and pure at heart

Just get a seat cover and wait until they are housebroken and learn the word "no" before putting them in your car outside a travel crate.

(I'd gladly let both of these two in the car with no seat cover if I could get them back. We lost one last September and the other earlier this month.)

CO_Steve · 04-27-2018, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Germanauto

And here I am resisting getting a puppy because of my obsession with keeping my car's interior looking like it just rolled off the assembly line.

They are so cute and pure at heart

I've had cars the dog never rides in and it still gets dog hair in it. Off your shoes or however it finds a way.

tranquility · 04-27-2018, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Just get a seat cover and wait until they are housebroken and learn the word "no" before putting them in your car outside a travel crate.

(I'd gladly let both of these two in the car with no seat cover if I could get them back. We lost one last September and the other earlier this month.)

Damn. I know that sentiment.

RIP.

DETRoadster · 04-30-2018, 03:11 PM

OP, you 100% did the right thing for Dave. You gave him a great life and a shot at extending it. As pet owners who have to make that difficult decision it's only natural to ask "did we make the right choice?" I have yet to talk to anyone who winds up saying "We ended it too soon" but I've talked to many who have said "We let it drag on too long." Ultimately you made the hardest choice for you, but the best choice for Dave.

BTW, my black and tan doxie, Bella, just turned 12 and I'm choking up as I type this, knowing I'll likely be in your shoes at some point; a point in time which just keeps getting closer. I only hope that I'll have the strength to make the right decision for her when the time comes, as you have done for Dave.

Keep your head up, man. Each day will get just a little easier.

rlmesq · 04-30-2018, 09:24 PM

My beloved Ridgeback mix Max used to love to ride in the passenger seat of my Mustang convertible. He would look ahead and start leaning toward the inside of turns even before we entered them. It's been eight years since I lost him and I still miss him all the time.

Peasley · 05-01-2018, 06:55 AM

So it has been a week since I started this thread and adjusting to not having Dave around has been really tough. The house is so quiet and the other dogs seem to realise that things are now 'different'. For such a small dog he had such a huge personality and we took for granted the life and energy he gave to the place. We do not find ourselves questioning whether we did the right thing so much but instead just really miss him and are remembering the happy, funny memories he gave us.

Dave's ashes now take pride of place in the living room. Reading all your comments over the past week has been both emotional and comforting. We would like to thank everyone once again for sharing your own stories and pictures of the dogs that brought so much pleasure to your lives.

Man, dogs are awesome.

Rampant · 05-01-2018, 07:49 AM

You're welcome, dude.

Yeah man, dogs really are awesome.

All the best

.

CANGRKE70 · 05-30-2018, 04:52 PM

So my worst fears came to pass this weekend. My wife and I lost our 14 year old Siberian Husky Cringer. He was with my parents as we were away in Montreal visiting my wife's family.

My dad found him as if he was sleeping with his head on his crossed paws.

It has been a horrible couple days, and I'm comfortable enough to say that I shed a lot of tears this week. I believe he passed in his sleep which makes it more comforting that he was not in pain.

Peasley · 05-30-2018, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANGRKE70

So my worst fears came to pass this weekend. My wife and I lost our 14 year old Siberian Husky Cringer. He was with my parents as we were away in Montreal visiting my wife's family.

My dad found him as if he was sleeping with his head on his crossed paws.

It has been a horrible couple days, and I'm comfortable enough to say that I shed a lot of tears this week. I believe he passed in his sleep which makes it more comforting that he was not in pain.

I'm really sorry for your loss, he was a handsome chap! It is a truly heartbreaking time and I feel for you. It sounds like he passed peacefully

Mr Carrots · 05-30-2018, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANGRKE70

So my worst fears came to pass this weekend. My wife and I lost our 14 year old Siberian Husky Cringer. He was with my parents as we were away in Montreal visiting my wife's family.

My dad found him as if he was sleeping with his head on his crossed paws.

It has been a horrible couple days, and I'm comfortable enough to say that I shed a lot of tears this week. I believe he passed in his sleep which makes it more comforting that he was not in pain.

I'm sorry, 14 years is a real blessing to get to spend with such an amazing companion but it's not even close to long enough.

CO_Steve · 05-30-2018, 05:21 PM

They all go too soon. Sorry for your loss.

RickFLM4 · 05-30-2018, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANGRKE70

So my worst fears came to pass this weekend. My wife and I lost our 14 year old Siberian Husky Cringer. He was with my parents as we were away in Montreal visiting my wife's family.

My dad found him as if he was sleeping with his head on his crossed paws.

It has been a horrible couple days, and I'm comfortable enough to say that I shed a lot of tears this week. I believe he passed in his sleep which makes it more comforting that he was not in pain.

What a beautiful dog! So sorry for your loss. As others have said 14 years is incredible although we always wish they live forever. Take comfort that he passed in peace.

cxp213 · 05-30-2018, 11:11 PM

CANGRKE70, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It breaks my heart to read stories like this and to be reminded once again their time with us is simply too short.

Sea-Tac · 05-30-2018, 11:40 PM

Oh man. I feel the pain. Beautiful pup. I know where you’re coming from. I cried for two weeks when I lost my dog. It takes time. But I’ll tell you this and you may not see it or understand it but your dog has already made you a better person. They’re funny that way.

tranquility · 05-31-2018, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANGRKE70

So my worst fears came to pass this weekend. My wife and I lost our 14 year old Siberian Husky Cringer. He was with my parents as we were away in Montreal visiting my wife's family.

My dad found him as if he was sleeping with his head on his crossed paws.

It has been a horrible couple days, and I'm comfortable enough to say that I shed a lot of tears this week. I believe he passed in his sleep which makes it more comforting that he was not in pain.

Man, sorry...that's horrible.

Sea-Tac · 05-31-2018, 11:21 AM

One of the things that really helped me at the time my dog died was thinking about the funny stuff they did And they all do crazy funny stuff. Like when my dog “ate” the entire back seat of my of my E46. It was horrible then but when I think about it I can’t stop laughing even though I had to pay 1900.00 for a new back seat.

04-27-2018, 06:01 PM	#46
CO_Steve Second Lieutenant 116 Rep 234 Posts Drives: '15 M235 Dinan S1 MT Slicktop Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	This thread is so sad. We lost both of ours in the same year, it's tough. If that hadn't happened we wouldn't have our new best friend. Last edited by CO_Steve; 04-30-2018 at 09:58 PM..
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04-27-2018, 06:45 PM	#47
Germanauto Major General 9842 Rep 6,142 Posts Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	And here I am resisting getting a puppy because of my obsession with keeping my car's interior looking like it just rolled off the assembly line. They are so cute and pure at heart
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04-30-2018, 03:11 PM	#51
DETRoadster Space Force - 4 Star General 11498 Rep 3,265 Posts Drives: M2 MG 6MT / Moto Guzzi V7 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Seattle iTrader: (1)	OP, you 100% did the right thing for Dave. You gave him a great life and a shot at extending it. As pet owners who have to make that difficult decision it's only natural to ask "did we make the right choice?" I have yet to talk to anyone who winds up saying "We ended it too soon" but I've talked to many who have said "We let it drag on too long." Ultimately you made the hardest choice for you, but the best choice for Dave. BTW, my black and tan doxie, Bella, just turned 12 and I'm choking up as I type this, knowing I'll likely be in your shoes at some point; a point in time which just keeps getting closer. I only hope that I'll have the strength to make the right decision for her when the time comes, as you have done for Dave. Keep your head up, man. Each day will get just a little easier.
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04-30-2018, 09:24 PM	#52
rlmesq Lieutenant Colonel 1036 Rep 1,508 Posts Drives: 2018 440i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Chico, CA iTrader: (0)	My beloved Ridgeback mix Max used to love to ride in the passenger seat of my Mustang convertible. He would look ahead and start leaning toward the inside of turns even before we entered them. It's been eight years since I lost him and I still miss him all the time.
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05-01-2018, 06:55 AM	#53
Peasley General Moron 253 Rep 158 Posts Drives: M2 LCI MT & E30 Drift Slag Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	So it has been a week since I started this thread and adjusting to not having Dave around has been really tough. The house is so quiet and the other dogs seem to realise that things are now 'different'. For such a small dog he had such a huge personality and we took for granted the life and energy he gave to the place. We do not find ourselves questioning whether we did the right thing so much but instead just really miss him and are remembering the happy, funny memories he gave us. Dave's ashes now take pride of place in the living room. Reading all your comments over the past week has been both emotional and comforting. We would like to thank everyone once again for sharing your own stories and pictures of the dogs that brought so much pleasure to your lives. Man, dogs are awesome.
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05-01-2018, 07:49 AM	#54
Rampant Private First Class 133 Rep 158 Posts Drives: '18 SMB M3; '09 gen1.5 997 T Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Lincoln, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Porsche 997 Tu ... [0.00] 2018 BMW F80 M3 CP [0.00]	You're welcome, dude. Yeah man, dogs really are awesome. All the best . __________________ San Marino Blue F80 M3 Comp Pack DCT - late model build May 2018
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05-30-2018, 04:52 PM	#55
CANGRKE70 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 818 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	So my worst fears came to pass this weekend. My wife and I lost our 14 year old Siberian Husky Cringer. He was with my parents as we were away in Montreal visiting my wife's family. My dad found him as if he was sleeping with his head on his crossed paws. It has been a horrible couple days, and I'm comfortable enough to say that I shed a lot of tears this week. I believe he passed in his sleep which makes it more comforting that he was not in pain. __________________ Peter. Current Ride:2012 Alpine While BMW X5 35i Past Rides: 2005 Titanium Silver Metallic BMW X3 2005 Winning Blue Mica Mazda 3 1993 Milano Red Honda Prelude SR
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05-30-2018, 05:21 PM	#58
CO_Steve Second Lieutenant 116 Rep 234 Posts Drives: '15 M235 Dinan S1 MT Slicktop Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	They all go too soon. Sorry for your loss.
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05-30-2018, 11:11 PM	#60
cxp213 Lieutenant 313 Rep 525 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	CANGRKE70, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It breaks my heart to read stories like this and to be reminded once again their time with us is simply too short.
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05-30-2018, 11:40 PM	#61
Sea-Tac Major 1448 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: 2108 X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 xDrive30i [0.00] 2016 328i xDrive [0.00]	Oh man. I feel the pain. Beautiful pup. I know where you’re coming from. I cried for two weeks when I lost my dog. It takes time. But I’ll tell you this and you may not see it or understand it but your dog has already made you a better person. They’re funny that way. Last edited by Sea-Tac; 05-31-2018 at 12:21 AM..
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05-31-2018, 11:21 AM	#63
Sea-Tac Major 1448 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: 2108 X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 xDrive30i [0.00] 2016 328i xDrive [0.00]	One of the things that really helped me at the time my dog died was thinking about the funny stuff they did And they all do crazy funny stuff. Like when my dog “ate” the entire back seat of my of my E46. It was horrible then but when I think about it I can’t stop laughing even though I had to pay 1900.00 for a new back seat.
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