How to cope with dog death.

[RcoM]

God bless you, Jared. Often dogs are the closest we come to God’s unconditional Love. It sometimes helps after a period of grieving to resolve to buy a new pet, unlike the other. That way you don’t feel you are replacing him but have a new buddy to love you and get to know. Resolve to give them a good life in appreciation. Maybe rehome something from the pound.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, Jared, I agree with @RcoM above. Shortly after I had to have my sweet Sheltie, Gracie, put down, we got Jenny, a Golden retriever, another favorite breed. She is also sweet, but funny and loving as well. She is very devoted to me, in a way that Gracie was not and is a great comfort to me. Pic follows.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Here's Jenny with her favorite toy.

 

[RcoM]

She’s adorable!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thank you. I just cannot be without a dog of my own. We have another Sheltie, Sammy, but he's technically my grandson's dog. And they (the dogs) know this.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Gracie was territorial. She'd lay on the top step of either the front or back porches and guard the property, and woe betide the intruder that dared cross her boundaries, be it coyote or squirrel! I appreciated her guarding instincts but often wished for a dog that would lay at my feet and follow me around. Jenny is that dog!

 

[Cynthia12]

Being a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I completely agree. I have a strong testimony that God has a place for dogs, rabbits, and all our pets. I have a firm testimony we will see them again.

Being a hunter, it’s a little easier for me to see an animal die, but it’s a lot different when it’s your own pet.

Thank you for your kind words.

I'm also a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. I'm a lot older than you and have had a few pets pass. I know we'll have our pets on the other side. I'm pretty sure we that love animals so very much will gain more pets! I have a 13 year old dog right now that is on pain meds and on a medication for seizures. Just took her to the vet last Wednesday and found out she has a very concerning heart murmur now. I'm worried I don't have much more time with her here. My dogs have always meant a lot to me, and I'm very grateful for their unconditional love, especially now that my husband is gone. I used to rescue and foster dogs. I've loved them since childhood.

 

[RcoM]

Thank you all that have replied. Unfortunately I lost my favourite hen recently. Cried for a day and a half. Dogs are worse I feel. Although I love them both. I cope better with a hen's death. I will be hopefully picking some more pullets this week to replace her. She was meant to be my 15 week old baby rooster's new mate. I hope someone comes through for me as its Winter here and hard to find them. I don't want anyone not 'looked after' so we are trying to strike the balance, as you do in life. I trust in God to provide.

 

[Bawkbok]

After having the experience of saying good bye to numerous dogs over decades, it is never easy and doesn't get easier with each experience. Be with him now as much as possible. You choose the time. Prior to appointment day and time give him a favorite food, (we cook steak), lots of love and hugs, talk to him, say thank you, he knows your sad and can feel your energy, so go ahead and cry but include tears of gratitude. If you have other pets, let them be part of this process. Let yourself grieve. When we love so much, it's difficult to make the tough decisions, but you must do what is right for Buster. You are not putting him down, you are setting him pain free - to leap over that Rainbow of Eternal Joy. May God bless you and angels protect you through this journey.

For you and others interested - as an aside - we discovered Nature's Pet Loss, Brooksville, FL who performs aquamation. An all natural process of cremation in water, no hot furnaces or ashes co mingled with other dogs. Only your pet, your pet's ashes, very gentle and loving. They are incredible. They have a small chapel, for lack of a better description, a quiet place to spend time with your pet to say goodbye, other pets are welcome so they can be there for the moment of removal. We have used their services on too many occasions.

 

[Bawkbok]

Thank you all that have replied. Unfortunately I lost my favourite hen recently. Cried for a day and a half. Dogs are worse I feel. Although I love them both. I cope better with a hen's death. I will be hopefully picking some more pullets this week to replace her. She was meant to be my 15 week old baby rooster's new mate. I hope someone comes through for me as its Winter here and hard to find them. I don't want anyone not 'looked after' so we are trying to strike the balance, as you do in life. I trust in God to provide.

I too cried buckets after my first hen, the second hen, on and on. I cry over hens as much as dogs, just not as long. Anyone we have loved, living breathing beings, is worth the cleansing relief of tears. We also searched for pullets and replaced within four days as our hen was stressed and distraught over being suddenly alone. Everyone needs a friend. Good luck to you.