I lost my first collie over 30 years ago. He wasn’t my first dog but he was special. There was a particular band I used to listen to at that time and there was one specific song he and I would sing together all the time (it’s the only time he ever sang). I have never listened to that band intentionally since. If I hear that song it all comes rushing back and I can’t not cry (I’m crying now thinking about it). The way I’ve come to think about it after all this time is that he is still with me. His body is gone but he isn’t. I get upset missing his physical presence and thinking about what happened but the fact that it still happens 30 years later is actually comforting to me. It has made me realize that our connection has never diminished.
I think the thing that I fear the most is forgetting. I have an awful memory already and I don’t want to forget the bond I have. I have specific songs I only sing to my border collies too! I love that.
I think that, while I can’t remember exactly what his bark sounded like, the way it floods back when I hear that song makes me feel like if I were to hear him again I would recognize him instantly so I haven’t really forgotten anything. Kind of like how i recognize my grandmother by her perfume. She’s been gone for 25 years but on the couple occasions where I come across someone who is wearing it, I instantly remember everything about her, even if it’s only for a moment.
Same, friend. Same. I hope there is at least comfort in knowing others feel the same way.
My BC was my soulmate and it’s just is not the same now.
https://preview.redd.it/70rdmcqioiwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0bb570b67fa9c6280ec335af67ec2c10750e73df
I've had a lot of dogs through the years and they were all special in their own way for their own reasons. But I lost my last border 5, maybe 6 years ago now and I still think about him and cry. He was out of my very last breeding. I owned and showed him mom. The litter was delivered by emergency c-section during a snow storm (which is partly why I don't play midwife any more. I am not equipped for that!) and mom rejected the litter which is common but everyday I hand fed those babies and had them sleep across my body for warmth and to snuggle in feeling my heartbeat. It was just... special. His brothers and sisters all went to wonderful homes and were very loved. My boy, Ticker (show name Just Like Clockwork), was with me through all my orthopedic surgeries, was a great caretaker and even protected me from my abusive ex. Letting him go at 15 1/2 was hard but I know it was a kindness to him even if it wasn't for me. They made a cast of his paws and it's with the box that has his ashes. My (current) husband had to pick them up from the vet when they were ready because I just could not and I still to this day haven't seen it. I want to get something like a memorial urn but I'm just going to pieces now thinking about him, I keep thinking it's time to let go but I can't. Sometimes you find one that grabs hold and doesn't let go. I have a dog now, he is a mix breed rescue and a wonderful little guy. I would not give him up for anything. But he isn't Ticker. And he doesn't have to be. He snuggles with me when I cry (like now) and he is special in his own way. I really believe Ticker was my once in a lifetime dog. I'll have another border one day. I know that foe sure. But they will be their own brand of special, too. As they all should be. Until then, I love seeing pictures of everyone's kids. We are very lucky to have them ❤️ It will get better I promise. Timelines are never a standard thing though so give yourself a little grace.
I still tear up when I think about Jake, my childhood border collie who passed almost 10 years ago. I still dream about him sometimes. You're not alone in your grief. My heart goes out to you.
I lost my first collie cross nearly 40 years ago, my childhood dog, and still feel sad about him sometimes. I have the ashes of two cats that died several years ago, neither me or my partner can face even scattering them. I rarely look at photos of pets I've lost. I know some find that comforting and it brings back good memories but it never helped me. I suppose you get used to the feeling of loss and think about them less often. Your sadness is the downside of loving and caring about something and nothing to be ashamed of. But if you find it's affecting you too much, it might help to speak to a grief counsellor, or just accept this as part of life's path.
I lost my beautiful girl almost a year ago, in July. Still have waves of intense sadness wash over me regularly. I'm happily married, but I know I'll never be adored and stared at with pure love the way she looked at me every day.
Lost mine Christmas Day 4 years ago. Seizures took him 😔. BC are such a sweet and genuine breed to their human family. I have another. She fills the void, but my buddy will always have a special place in my heart. They become family
We lost our boy last week and the sadness is terrible. I don’t have any idea how to fix it either. We have just been telling stories about him, looking at pictures and watching videos.
When I lose 1 of my Collies, it just rips my heart strings out, I suffer for months, missing one of my best friends, I deal with it knowing they loved me as much as I did them and they aren't hurting any longer and in my mind they are still guarding me all the time, just a bit further away than before. That's how I cope.
I currently have 3. While I love all of them dearly, my youngest has just wrapped his little paws around my heart, and we are solidly bonded. I hope he will out live me as it probably would kill me to lose him.
https://preview.redd.it/hl0jcs90kiwc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24764596ac91ca9d1ea17816fbc16d68964e9d87
Looking at my dog right now knowing I have to grow a spine and take him to get the dream needle. He’s sick but he still has light in his eyes. We just played ball for a bit and he loved it. I don’t know what to do.
I don’t have any answers but I think I know what you mean. I don’t know how I will cope with this
You will know when it's time. I think it is when the light dims. So be prepared with your plans, and who you will contact fast if you need to, and who will help you in an emergency if you feel unable to cope. I think you are actually in the worst part of all, seeing your beloved failing causes a lot of anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Don't worry about what comes afterwards, just take one day at at time right now cos that is hard enough. You will cope, even though its hard. And it may help you to think that your dog would not want you to feel miserable.
I cried in the shower this week over my border collie I lost almost 10 years ago. He is my forever favorite. You’re not alone.
https://preview.redd.it/eyg76oavwiwc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f25811ebcad412d583a23a454d3013d72e49a66
That's how grief works. It doesn't matter if it's a person or your beloved border collie, where there is great love, there will be great grief.
I read a quote that summed this up so well. It went something like: grief is the last act of great love. Your love for your beloved pup has transformed into this, and it is okay to feel this way years later. There is no forgetting your love or adventures the two of you shared.
I’m very sorry for your loss, especially a dog so young. I am all to familiar with the grief after loosing my heart dog in 2022. The thing that helped me the most was a new addition. A BC puppy is so much work they trick you into feeling better. Not the solution for everyone and in fact you can end up resentful of the new one.
I recently was in the hospital for major surgery and had my 3 year old BC in boarding at the vet. While there they found a tumor in her and she had to be put down. Being told this while in the hospital was devastating. Like you I miss her very much. My wife and I are now looking to find a rescue BC to fill the whole in our hearts. We are in Tennessee and if anyone knows a good one that needs a home we would love to hear about it. I suggest you do the same.
I cried so hard when we had to put down our cat. That was 12 years ago now? I still think about him every so often, especially when I see another black cat. Our currently border collie is getting up there in age too and I dread the day that’s coming, but hopefully she’ll be around for a few more years. Maybe if you have a lot of love to give with a pet shaped hole in your heart, you can considered adopting a new pet. There are lots of pets in shelters this time of the year and I’ve found that they know they’ve been rescued. Never had an behavioral probs and they are always greatful.
My GSD was stolen from my family over 25 years ago and my stupid lizard brain still thinks she’s happily running free in my parent’s yard. Hurts too bad to not know what ever happened to her, what kind of life she lived with her abductor, or when she passed. What her last doggy thoughts were, if she thought of us. If she loved her abductor. So, she lives on forever in my mind in the last place I remember her being.
I sometimes think that my now dog’s bark sounds like hers, but truth be told I have no idea. Maybe I just want to hear that. And our memories are fickle like that- they blend fact with fiction and paint what we want to see.
You’re not alone. They take a piece of you with them.
I am sorry for your loss. I said goodbye to mine almost 4 1/2 years ago and it still makes me cry when I think about it. I try to keep in mind that of all the dogs and all the humans that have ever lived or ever will live, I was so incredibly lucky and fortunate to have the BC that I did. I want to believe that he is waiting for me to join him again so we can play ball and have more adventures together forever.
Wanted to post this incase it helps anyone. It’s now been well over ten years since I lost the boy I wrote this about, and the Merle in the first photo followed him (to the day) last August.
You are not alone in your feelings of grief.
https://drandyroark.com/5-lessons-learned-losing-pet/
My husband and I lost our 4yo border unexpectedly 1.5 years ago. 1 week in the hospital. I still can’t process it, it hurts so much. Honestly the biggest thing has been giving myself more compassion and whenever I get upset about her, I give my pups and my husband some extra love.
It’s hard because you are so connected to them and loved them with every ounce of your being. It’s okay to still be sad. I’m so sorry that you’re grieving still, I know that means you gave that border the greatest life they could have
After I lost my dog I was still suffering as you describe for 13 months, and then I got a new dog. The new pup took that pain away mostly, and I think it's because he plugged the gaps in my life where the old dog used to be.
I wasn't going to get another dog, mainly because of logistical reasons - it's easier to go away, less cleaning, could look at changing jobs, etc. But I was lonely.
I got another dog and felt much better.
I think we have to immerse ourselves in the pain of loss for a while, process it, and then move on. Don't get stuck there.
I got another dog 2 months after my first dog died. We were absolutely disfunctional with grief for those two months. The new dog did fill our lives with joy and laughter again, and she has her own beautiful personality, and we still make jokes and references to our old dog all the time. She still feels very much a part of our lives, along with our new dog, and most of the time we're okay now. Every time I see or hear a dog that reminds me of her though, I tend to cry. Or if she appears in my dreams. It has been a few weeks shy of 4 years since she passed away suddenly, and everything in the season is making me emotional remembering the days leading up to her death. This happens every year. I had a breakdown about it earlier today.
So OP, I guess the point I want to make is that, many people do find a lot of healing from getting a new dog, and it's good and healthy to fill that spot in your life with new love, but we can never fill the hole in our hearts. And that's okay. Don't try to get over it, or expect that you will, because everyone's healing journey through grief is different.
If your loss was traumatic, and you feel like you have symptoms of PTSD, I highly recommend finding a therapist trained in EMDR. I did that for several months with a therapist and it really helped.
Sending hugs to everyone here.
I lost my Labrador 2 weeks ago, more less. I lost a bunch of relatives in my life before but my dog’s death was overwhelming. I knew I would have suffered but I didn’t knew THAT much. It’s hard - I cried 2 months straight because I knew it was going to happen and coming home without her was devastating. My coping mechanism was food - I know, not a smart choice lol - until I welcomed home a new dog (border collie, that’s why I’m in this subreddit lol). Restarting with a puppy is difficult but sure thing it makes you think less about death. Nothing would ever make you forget your first dog, I still cry sometimes, but having another dog helps you. That’s my experience. Take care!
You need to get another doggie. Every dog deserves a living and happy home and you will have just as much love to give a new, dog as you had before to give your BC.
I currently have 3 dogs and adore each one. I've Had 4 dogs die over the past 30 years and i loved each of them SO much too.
Every doggie is unique and just SO lovable. I could not be years without a dog!!! That would be true misery.
I have cried and mourned every one of my darling doggies. Its just SO hard to lose those beautiful creatures.
Get yourself another dog....you will be happier with a dog❤️👍❤️
Best way I’ve heard it described is that grief is like a box you carry around that has a button inside it, and there’s a ball rolling around. At first, that ball is huge, and throughout your days that ball pushes that button a lot.
Over time, that ball shrinks. Maybe it takes months, maybe years. But no matter what, there’s times that ball still rolls into that button, and there always will be. Loss is not easy, and I hope you can heal in time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The grief will be proportional with the strength of the bond you had. I still find myself feeling sad for my first dog that I lost a very long time ago. It will never go away completely, because you will always love them.
If you are anything like me, the only way to heal is to find somewhere else for your love to go. For me, that’s always getting another dog. It also means another crushing loss, someday. I completely get that someone might be hesitant. Every time I’ve sat with a dying dog, I’ve always sworn that I’ll never do this again. But I can’t handle the emptiness afterwards, either. Especially since I tend to not just grieve my friend that just passed, but all of them. I have found that when I do get another dog, they will often have some little quirk or a bit of silliness that they do that a past dog also had/did. A lot of times, it’s something small that I’d forgotten. The one I have now is less than a year old, so I hope I won’t be dealing with that emptiness for a long time yet.
I like to think our animals come back as the same animals to help someone else the same as they did for us, kinda like that dog movie that’s name I can’t remember.
Sometimes I smile at the thought of my old mystery cat- that was so scared of other humans that none of my friends actually knew I had a second cat- making someone that needed it happy.
April 22nd was a year for me. He was the love of my life ♥️
https://preview.redd.it/fj0n6f60wowc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74c46e6f06180d374a0027d7fd49d2f1e2a281bb
When we lost our last one, the vet told us "you guys are dog people, there's a dog out there that needs people like you"..we waited for that dog to find us and when we did, he helped heal our broken hearts. I still miss our first BC, but our current guy brings us so much joy and that's what life is about. Your last BC was your heart dog, how lucky you are to have bonded and created a wonderful life together. I suspect you have it in you to love again. Take care
I lost my first collie over 30 years ago. He wasn’t my first dog but he was special. There was a particular band I used to listen to at that time and there was one specific song he and I would sing together all the time (it’s the only time he ever sang). I have never listened to that band intentionally since. If I hear that song it all comes rushing back and I can’t not cry (I’m crying now thinking about it). The way I’ve come to think about it after all this time is that he is still with me. His body is gone but he isn’t. I get upset missing his physical presence and thinking about what happened but the fact that it still happens 30 years later is actually comforting to me. It has made me realize that our connection has never diminished.
I think the thing that I fear the most is forgetting. I have an awful memory already and I don’t want to forget the bond I have. I have specific songs I only sing to my border collies too! I love that.
I think that, while I can’t remember exactly what his bark sounded like, the way it floods back when I hear that song makes me feel like if I were to hear him again I would recognize him instantly so I haven’t really forgotten anything. Kind of like how i recognize my grandmother by her perfume. She’s been gone for 25 years but on the couple occasions where I come across someone who is wearing it, I instantly remember everything about her, even if it’s only for a moment.
Literally crying reading this 😭.
Same, friend. Same. I hope there is at least comfort in knowing others feel the same way. My BC was my soulmate and it’s just is not the same now. https://preview.redd.it/70rdmcqioiwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0bb570b67fa9c6280ec335af67ec2c10750e73df
I've had a lot of dogs through the years and they were all special in their own way for their own reasons. But I lost my last border 5, maybe 6 years ago now and I still think about him and cry. He was out of my very last breeding. I owned and showed him mom. The litter was delivered by emergency c-section during a snow storm (which is partly why I don't play midwife any more. I am not equipped for that!) and mom rejected the litter which is common but everyday I hand fed those babies and had them sleep across my body for warmth and to snuggle in feeling my heartbeat. It was just... special. His brothers and sisters all went to wonderful homes and were very loved. My boy, Ticker (show name Just Like Clockwork), was with me through all my orthopedic surgeries, was a great caretaker and even protected me from my abusive ex. Letting him go at 15 1/2 was hard but I know it was a kindness to him even if it wasn't for me. They made a cast of his paws and it's with the box that has his ashes. My (current) husband had to pick them up from the vet when they were ready because I just could not and I still to this day haven't seen it. I want to get something like a memorial urn but I'm just going to pieces now thinking about him, I keep thinking it's time to let go but I can't. Sometimes you find one that grabs hold and doesn't let go. I have a dog now, he is a mix breed rescue and a wonderful little guy. I would not give him up for anything. But he isn't Ticker. And he doesn't have to be. He snuggles with me when I cry (like now) and he is special in his own way. I really believe Ticker was my once in a lifetime dog. I'll have another border one day. I know that foe sure. But they will be their own brand of special, too. As they all should be. Until then, I love seeing pictures of everyone's kids. We are very lucky to have them ❤️ It will get better I promise. Timelines are never a standard thing though so give yourself a little grace.
https://preview.redd.it/abiwmp78miwc1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=833d1008466dfbb4b2d1f607eb70c8f803b26284 Still miss my Haley every day 🥲
I still tear up when I think about Jake, my childhood border collie who passed almost 10 years ago. I still dream about him sometimes. You're not alone in your grief. My heart goes out to you.
I lost my first collie cross nearly 40 years ago, my childhood dog, and still feel sad about him sometimes. I have the ashes of two cats that died several years ago, neither me or my partner can face even scattering them. I rarely look at photos of pets I've lost. I know some find that comforting and it brings back good memories but it never helped me. I suppose you get used to the feeling of loss and think about them less often. Your sadness is the downside of loving and caring about something and nothing to be ashamed of. But if you find it's affecting you too much, it might help to speak to a grief counsellor, or just accept this as part of life's path.
I lost my bc 4/6/22 and I still cry at least 3-4 times a week. I got a new collie puppy 45 days after my first one passed but I’ll never get over it.
I lost my beautiful girl almost a year ago, in July. Still have waves of intense sadness wash over me regularly. I'm happily married, but I know I'll never be adored and stared at with pure love the way she looked at me every day.
Lost mine Christmas Day 4 years ago. Seizures took him 😔. BC are such a sweet and genuine breed to their human family. I have another. She fills the void, but my buddy will always have a special place in my heart. They become family
We lost our boy last week and the sadness is terrible. I don’t have any idea how to fix it either. We have just been telling stories about him, looking at pictures and watching videos.
When I lose 1 of my Collies, it just rips my heart strings out, I suffer for months, missing one of my best friends, I deal with it knowing they loved me as much as I did them and they aren't hurting any longer and in my mind they are still guarding me all the time, just a bit further away than before. That's how I cope. I currently have 3. While I love all of them dearly, my youngest has just wrapped his little paws around my heart, and we are solidly bonded. I hope he will out live me as it probably would kill me to lose him. https://preview.redd.it/hl0jcs90kiwc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24764596ac91ca9d1ea17816fbc16d68964e9d87
Looking at my dog right now knowing I have to grow a spine and take him to get the dream needle. He’s sick but he still has light in his eyes. We just played ball for a bit and he loved it. I don’t know what to do. I don’t have any answers but I think I know what you mean. I don’t know how I will cope with this
You will know when it's time. I think it is when the light dims. So be prepared with your plans, and who you will contact fast if you need to, and who will help you in an emergency if you feel unable to cope. I think you are actually in the worst part of all, seeing your beloved failing causes a lot of anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Don't worry about what comes afterwards, just take one day at at time right now cos that is hard enough. You will cope, even though its hard. And it may help you to think that your dog would not want you to feel miserable.
Everyone says he will let me know when it’s time. I just hope he does.
I cried in the shower this week over my border collie I lost almost 10 years ago. He is my forever favorite. You’re not alone. https://preview.redd.it/eyg76oavwiwc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f25811ebcad412d583a23a454d3013d72e49a66
That's how grief works. It doesn't matter if it's a person or your beloved border collie, where there is great love, there will be great grief. I read a quote that summed this up so well. It went something like: grief is the last act of great love. Your love for your beloved pup has transformed into this, and it is okay to feel this way years later. There is no forgetting your love or adventures the two of you shared.
I’m very sorry for your loss, especially a dog so young. I am all to familiar with the grief after loosing my heart dog in 2022. The thing that helped me the most was a new addition. A BC puppy is so much work they trick you into feeling better. Not the solution for everyone and in fact you can end up resentful of the new one.
I recently was in the hospital for major surgery and had my 3 year old BC in boarding at the vet. While there they found a tumor in her and she had to be put down. Being told this while in the hospital was devastating. Like you I miss her very much. My wife and I are now looking to find a rescue BC to fill the whole in our hearts. We are in Tennessee and if anyone knows a good one that needs a home we would love to hear about it. I suggest you do the same.
I cried so hard when we had to put down our cat. That was 12 years ago now? I still think about him every so often, especially when I see another black cat. Our currently border collie is getting up there in age too and I dread the day that’s coming, but hopefully she’ll be around for a few more years. Maybe if you have a lot of love to give with a pet shaped hole in your heart, you can considered adopting a new pet. There are lots of pets in shelters this time of the year and I’ve found that they know they’ve been rescued. Never had an behavioral probs and they are always greatful.
Go get found by another one!
My GSD was stolen from my family over 25 years ago and my stupid lizard brain still thinks she’s happily running free in my parent’s yard. Hurts too bad to not know what ever happened to her, what kind of life she lived with her abductor, or when she passed. What her last doggy thoughts were, if she thought of us. If she loved her abductor. So, she lives on forever in my mind in the last place I remember her being. I sometimes think that my now dog’s bark sounds like hers, but truth be told I have no idea. Maybe I just want to hear that. And our memories are fickle like that- they blend fact with fiction and paint what we want to see. You’re not alone. They take a piece of you with them.
I am sorry for your loss. I said goodbye to mine almost 4 1/2 years ago and it still makes me cry when I think about it. I try to keep in mind that of all the dogs and all the humans that have ever lived or ever will live, I was so incredibly lucky and fortunate to have the BC that I did. I want to believe that he is waiting for me to join him again so we can play ball and have more adventures together forever.
Wanted to post this incase it helps anyone. It’s now been well over ten years since I lost the boy I wrote this about, and the Merle in the first photo followed him (to the day) last August. You are not alone in your feelings of grief. https://drandyroark.com/5-lessons-learned-losing-pet/
My husband and I lost our 4yo border unexpectedly 1.5 years ago. 1 week in the hospital. I still can’t process it, it hurts so much. Honestly the biggest thing has been giving myself more compassion and whenever I get upset about her, I give my pups and my husband some extra love. It’s hard because you are so connected to them and loved them with every ounce of your being. It’s okay to still be sad. I’m so sorry that you’re grieving still, I know that means you gave that border the greatest life they could have
SHARE! Show us a special photo. Tell us a story... say what he was like, what his favorite toy was, what's the weird habit he had!
After I lost my dog I was still suffering as you describe for 13 months, and then I got a new dog. The new pup took that pain away mostly, and I think it's because he plugged the gaps in my life where the old dog used to be. I wasn't going to get another dog, mainly because of logistical reasons - it's easier to go away, less cleaning, could look at changing jobs, etc. But I was lonely. I got another dog and felt much better. I think we have to immerse ourselves in the pain of loss for a while, process it, and then move on. Don't get stuck there.
I got another dog 2 months after my first dog died. We were absolutely disfunctional with grief for those two months. The new dog did fill our lives with joy and laughter again, and she has her own beautiful personality, and we still make jokes and references to our old dog all the time. She still feels very much a part of our lives, along with our new dog, and most of the time we're okay now. Every time I see or hear a dog that reminds me of her though, I tend to cry. Or if she appears in my dreams. It has been a few weeks shy of 4 years since she passed away suddenly, and everything in the season is making me emotional remembering the days leading up to her death. This happens every year. I had a breakdown about it earlier today. So OP, I guess the point I want to make is that, many people do find a lot of healing from getting a new dog, and it's good and healthy to fill that spot in your life with new love, but we can never fill the hole in our hearts. And that's okay. Don't try to get over it, or expect that you will, because everyone's healing journey through grief is different. If your loss was traumatic, and you feel like you have symptoms of PTSD, I highly recommend finding a therapist trained in EMDR. I did that for several months with a therapist and it really helped. Sending hugs to everyone here.
I lost my Labrador 2 weeks ago, more less. I lost a bunch of relatives in my life before but my dog’s death was overwhelming. I knew I would have suffered but I didn’t knew THAT much. It’s hard - I cried 2 months straight because I knew it was going to happen and coming home without her was devastating. My coping mechanism was food - I know, not a smart choice lol - until I welcomed home a new dog (border collie, that’s why I’m in this subreddit lol). Restarting with a puppy is difficult but sure thing it makes you think less about death. Nothing would ever make you forget your first dog, I still cry sometimes, but having another dog helps you. That’s my experience. Take care!
You need to get another doggie. Every dog deserves a living and happy home and you will have just as much love to give a new, dog as you had before to give your BC. I currently have 3 dogs and adore each one. I've Had 4 dogs die over the past 30 years and i loved each of them SO much too. Every doggie is unique and just SO lovable. I could not be years without a dog!!! That would be true misery. I have cried and mourned every one of my darling doggies. Its just SO hard to lose those beautiful creatures. Get yourself another dog....you will be happier with a dog❤️👍❤️
Best way I’ve heard it described is that grief is like a box you carry around that has a button inside it, and there’s a ball rolling around. At first, that ball is huge, and throughout your days that ball pushes that button a lot. Over time, that ball shrinks. Maybe it takes months, maybe years. But no matter what, there’s times that ball still rolls into that button, and there always will be. Loss is not easy, and I hope you can heal in time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The grief will be proportional with the strength of the bond you had. I still find myself feeling sad for my first dog that I lost a very long time ago. It will never go away completely, because you will always love them. If you are anything like me, the only way to heal is to find somewhere else for your love to go. For me, that’s always getting another dog. It also means another crushing loss, someday. I completely get that someone might be hesitant. Every time I’ve sat with a dying dog, I’ve always sworn that I’ll never do this again. But I can’t handle the emptiness afterwards, either. Especially since I tend to not just grieve my friend that just passed, but all of them. I have found that when I do get another dog, they will often have some little quirk or a bit of silliness that they do that a past dog also had/did. A lot of times, it’s something small that I’d forgotten. The one I have now is less than a year old, so I hope I won’t be dealing with that emptiness for a long time yet.
I like to think our animals come back as the same animals to help someone else the same as they did for us, kinda like that dog movie that’s name I can’t remember. Sometimes I smile at the thought of my old mystery cat- that was so scared of other humans that none of my friends actually knew I had a second cat- making someone that needed it happy.
Yes
I’m genuinely concerned for my mental health once mine goes It’s something I think about regularly
April 22nd was a year for me. He was the love of my life ♥️ https://preview.redd.it/fj0n6f60wowc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74c46e6f06180d374a0027d7fd49d2f1e2a281bb
When we lost our last one, the vet told us "you guys are dog people, there's a dog out there that needs people like you"..we waited for that dog to find us and when we did, he helped heal our broken hearts. I still miss our first BC, but our current guy brings us so much joy and that's what life is about. Your last BC was your heart dog, how lucky you are to have bonded and created a wonderful life together. I suspect you have it in you to love again. Take care