I really enjoy reading what you write and share. Although this was a tough topic, everything rang true for me. We’re still grieving our son’s first (only?) service dog who died in July 2023, he was only 6 and was sick a week with what we don’t know, despite ginormous regular and emergency vet bills. Just last night when he was struggling with something unrelated I noticed him touch the necklace he wears with some ashes in it and then start talking about the dog and how much he missed him (as he cuddled his newer dog - who is not a service dog but is therapeutic, at times lol). He just wanted to cuddle his service dog “one more time” (crying as I type, because crying is allowed). That’s the thing with people and animals we lose, if we could just have one more moment with them, what a gift, though likely still never enough. And yes, I think we will all be sad and miss his service dog forever - and that’s ok, that’s what a good boy he was. (Sidenote, we had stopped finding clumps of his yellow lab fur around the house - but then we had to pull the fridge out about 6m ago and there’s was lots there, fridge repair guy was confused having met the current black and brown short haired dogs and all we could do was cry). Animals leave a unique kind of hole in our daily lives when they die, that’s for sure.
Thanks for sharing. We lost our beautiful Springer Spaniel, Gemma, about three weeks ago. When your dog is so fully a part of your life it's hard to accept that they are truly gone. It's comforting to know others are finding their way through this terrible loss too.
Sending you a hug. I know the loss of a good dog, (they are all "good dogs"!) As I have been lucky to have had at least one dog since I've reach adulthood. So, I have known loss of them as well. It's just SO darn hard. Wrap yourself in self care. Eat the ice cream. Grieve as long as you need to.
Only share this grief with others that have loved pets deeply. Do not share with those who don't walk the path of life with a little shadow walking alongside them. They won't understand. Pity them. They haven't known the deep love that a pet gives. The total acceptance, love & joy. The way the dog "lights up" when you've only been gone 10 minutes.
I sometimes believe that pets are some kind of "higher love". I am not religious, but, the joy a 30 lb dog brings to my life, does feel like a benediction- a blessing.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. There's nothing quite like the unconditional love of a dog, and the grief that surrounds their loss. I'm old, and have survived the death of several of my dogs, each one so loved. Take time, take care of yourself as you are, and when you're ready, there will always be a dog or other pet waiting for a forever home.
I really enjoy reading what you write and share. Although this was a tough topic, everything rang true for me. We’re still grieving our son’s first (only?) service dog who died in July 2023, he was only 6 and was sick a week with what we don’t know, despite ginormous regular and emergency vet bills. Just last night when he was struggling with something unrelated I noticed him touch the necklace he wears with some ashes in it and then start talking about the dog and how much he missed him (as he cuddled his newer dog - who is not a service dog but is therapeutic, at times lol). He just wanted to cuddle his service dog “one more time” (crying as I type, because crying is allowed). That’s the thing with people and animals we lose, if we could just have one more moment with them, what a gift, though likely still never enough. And yes, I think we will all be sad and miss his service dog forever - and that’s ok, that’s what a good boy he was. (Sidenote, we had stopped finding clumps of his yellow lab fur around the house - but then we had to pull the fridge out about 6m ago and there’s was lots there, fridge repair guy was confused having met the current black and brown short haired dogs and all we could do was cry). Animals leave a unique kind of hole in our daily lives when they die, that’s for sure.
Oh your sweet boy. I'm so sorry for your loss as well. Nothing loves like a furry friend and yes, the space they leave when they go feels endless.
Waking up in the morning on your own (without the furry alarm clock) is brutal
It really is.
Thanks for sharing. We lost our beautiful Springer Spaniel, Gemma, about three weeks ago. When your dog is so fully a part of your life it's hard to accept that they are truly gone. It's comforting to know others are finding their way through this terrible loss too.
I'm so sorry, Penny. I wish for you a many happy memory of Gemma for every tear you shed.
Sending you a hug. I know the loss of a good dog, (they are all "good dogs"!) As I have been lucky to have had at least one dog since I've reach adulthood. So, I have known loss of them as well. It's just SO darn hard. Wrap yourself in self care. Eat the ice cream. Grieve as long as you need to.
Only share this grief with others that have loved pets deeply. Do not share with those who don't walk the path of life with a little shadow walking alongside them. They won't understand. Pity them. They haven't known the deep love that a pet gives. The total acceptance, love & joy. The way the dog "lights up" when you've only been gone 10 minutes.
I sometimes believe that pets are some kind of "higher love". I am not religious, but, the joy a 30 lb dog brings to my life, does feel like a benediction- a blessing.
I lost my Lola last May, she was only 4 and in her prime. I wish I could attach her photo.
I’m crying right now, just writing this. I’m sending hugs your way. I understand.
Wow Dana. How sad. I’ll really miss reading about and seeing pictures of Mo. He was very entertaining and uplifting. What a well loved dog!
Hugs to you!!!
The loss of a dog is lifelong. But the joy of our memories makes it bearable. Your Mo was so gorgeous, my heart goes out to you.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. There's nothing quite like the unconditional love of a dog, and the grief that surrounds their loss. I'm old, and have survived the death of several of my dogs, each one so loved. Take time, take care of yourself as you are, and when you're ready, there will always be a dog or other pet waiting for a forever home.