Missing my dog.

rayrar80
rayrar80 Online Community Member Posts: 71 Contributor
Hi everyone, yesterday my family pet dog was put to sleep, she was a german shepherd and i got her from dogs trust nearly 5 years ago, she was the most friendliest girl ever, over the past few months her back legs started to become weak and gradually got worse to the point i had to help her stand up, she was 13 which i am told is a good age for a german shepherd. Since her leaving us yersterday i'm struggling with not having her here, i have never known grief like it, she's alls i'm thinking about, has anyone else on here suffered this amount of grief and how are you doing now? thank you for any replies.

Comments

  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Sorry to hear about your loss @rayrar80

    My partner's cat, who she had had since childhood, passed away last year and it hit her pretty hard, so I can imagine what you must be going through. I think it's important to do what is necessary to help you grieve, whether that be talking and sharing memories about the dog or having some time to yourself to process things, or both. 

    It can be a long process, but it's important to be honest with the loved ones around you, so that they know when you might be struggling and when they can support you, but I'm sure that eventually you will start to feel better and will be able to focus on the happy memories you had together.
  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,007 Championing
    Hi @rayrar80 sorry to read about your dog. It's very hard when we loose our pets. It's really heartbreaking. It actually puts me off having anymore. Best way I got through it was to think of the good times, you've given your pet 5 happy years. German Shepherds are nice dogs.  It makes the place feel empty when they go. I gave all my pets things to a animal charity, so sick and abandoned cats could get some happiness from them. It will feel better as time goes on.
  • TheAlien
    TheAlien Online Community Member Posts: 228 Empowering
    I am so sorry you've lost your best friend.

    I've often found that losing a beloved pet can be harder than losing a human.  Pets have a way of finding their way into your heart like nothing else.  You need to allow yourself to grieve, but also try to remember that she's not in pain anymore, she's not suffering now and you did the best thing you could, for her, by not allowing her suffering to continue even though it was the hardest thing for you to do.  Remember the good times you had with her.

    And 13 is a terrific age for a German Shepherd.
  • Justcheckingin15
    Justcheckingin15 Online Community Member Posts: 364 Empowering
    @rayrar80, Sorry to hear. We had to put our dog to sleep a few years back..He was almost 17..It was heartbreaking to say the least.
  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,007 Championing
    Hi @Justcheckingin15 sorry you lost your dog recently too. I know how hurtful it can be
  • Sillymoo007
    Sillymoo007 Online Community Member Posts: 33 Connected
    It's terrible losing a pet. I'm so sorry. I'm sure you gave the dog a wonderful life. My parents are currently in similar situation with their 14 year old Golden Retriever. He has arthritis and his back end going. He can barely walk. My mum is bereft.They are picking a day this week. He's going to the local lake today. He loves watching the ducks.
    Lots of love and your beautiful dog knew she was loved xx

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hey @rayrar80 I'm sorry so to hear, it's awfully sad when you lose a pet, it leaves the house feeling very empty for some time. It is like losing one of the family, and I've been through the same with cats I used to have. It's horrible, but it will feel less like this in time. I hope you're able to feel supported by friends and family, as well as the community here too. 

    It might help to have a change of scene or spend some time visiting friends if you can, just to break up the days. You're not alone in feeling this way, and talking about it might help. Sometimes talking about other things can help as well. Do what feels right for you.

    Take care today, and let us know if you need anything :)
  • niknak7278
    niknak7278 Online Community Member Posts: 85 Empowering
    Sending you lots of love @rayrar80  and a virtual hug.  When we lost our first dog last March it broke us.  We had to give him a new nickname when we talk about him as we have his 2 brothers also.

    When your ready you might want to plan a little memorial in and outside your house.  

    Would love to read some of your memories when your ready.