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pet loss support
I rarely post here but am looking for resources for pet loss support.
My velcro-dog (as in he never left my side) lost his battle with lymphoma this past Sunday (oh hooray for easter). He was diagnosed in July 2010 and completed 2 full rounds of chemo and stopped the 3rd round early since it was unresponsive. He was such a fighter. I miss him to pieces. He was able to enjoy some sun on sunday morning (sun in Portland!) but he couldn't walk across the street anymore and he just laid there in the sun and we knew it was time. I'm trying my hardest to get through especially since we have our other dog to be strong for. I know this probably sounds silly to a lot of people but I've always told DH that I imagined that I gave birth to this little turd-of-a-dog.
I wonder if he visits me. I know we did the right thing and it was time, I just can't get past his empty "throne" (he likes the pillows on the couch set up a certain way with a blanket on top) and crate and having him not wake me up for food and the nights are so quiet without his snoring.
Re: pet loss support
I'm so sorry I can't offer any advice on resources for support, but I do just want to say I'm so sorry for your losss. Having lost a few dogs, I know how hard it can be. Nothing I say, or anyone says to you right now, will make the pain in your heart go away. But I will keep my word to you, in time, you will start to feel better. It's been over a year since we lost our last dog, and I still miss her every single day. But I don't think about the sad memories anymore. I don't think about how she couldn't walk or eat her last few days. I think about how fun she was, how much she loved us, and going bye bye in the car and for boat rides. Those will be the memories you'll hang on to.
Maybe you could try your local vet to see if they have any recommendations on resources for pet loss support. Good luck.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that feeling of grief all too well. I came home from work the other day and thought "Oh, Napoleon must be asleep in the other room." Then I remembered he passed away. I left his beds and stuff out for a week after, I could not bear to not have them. A few days ago I got up and put it all in a room we don't use.
I don't have any advice for any type of support group. I really relied on my friends here. Still do. They get it. They understand the heartache. Every day is a little easier.
As for them visiting us? I keep hearing a song on the radio I use to rock out to with Napoleon in the car. I have not heard the song in months, now all the sudden I hear it all the time. Or the rainbow that appeared the day after the passed away at the time we are out for our walks. (I was walking max at time) I do think they are alway swith us.
Lots of love sent during this time for you.
I am very sorry for your loss, it is never easy to lose such a good friend like that.
For me, I feel into rescue when we found our first cat and became very active in rescue when she passed. We adopted more animals, foster, volunteer for shelters and all of it is because she was so awesome that I feel I owe it to her to help other animals like her. It's the best tribute I could think of and it really does bring me peace.
Thank you for all the kind words and advice.
I hope my mourning is over soon so I can remember and celebrate his life.
Bula, I'm so sorry for your loss.
I know he is still with you...he is your velcro dog after all. Dove Lewis offers a local support group and literature on pet loss. Big hugs to you.
http://www.dovelewis.org/community-services/pet-loss-support/