Lost my boy today

[Loudlaugh12]

Hi all,

I had to put my dog to sleep today, at age 14. He had been in back pain that was mild enough to be managed by previcox, but two days ago either herniated or ruptured a disk and he could not longer get up from lying down and was in a lot of pain. I’m gutted. I live alone and have not slept without him for 14 years and can’t bring myself to go to bed tonight. I know we are all animal people here so I wanted to reach out to others who get it because this feels so awful and I don’t know what to do with myself. Any words of wisdom would help.

[StB.YM]

I’m so sorry for your loss. You did the right thing for your boy. You aren’t alone - many of us here have gone through similar experiences. Be kind to yourself.

[glitterless]

Big hugs to you! I’m so sorry that you lost your boy. I wish they could have more time with us — 14 years flies by. I hope you can go to sleep remembering the happy times and know that he’s still with you in some sense tonight

[Fiesta01]

Do you have any close friends you could spend the night with? When I lost one of my mares, my friend drove to my house, ordered me into her car and took me home for a week.

If that isn’t possible, a couple glasses of wine might make you sleepy enough to dose off on the couch. As you probably already know, sleep is going to be the only escape, though temporary, from your grief for quite a while.

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. There is nothing more heart-wrenching than an empty house. Sending hugs and prayers. We’re with you in spirit.

[Larksmom]

.I am so sorry. I went thru that last year. I am sure you did everything for him you could. It might not help now, but think about getting another. There are so many that need homes, and it may help you heal. My mom always did that when we lost a pet. I find it helps me.

[Rackonteur]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. You were brave and did the right thing for him. Do you have any Tylenol or Advil that can help you relax and sleep tonight?
Sending you hugs and jingles and praying for you for your boy. xx

[Alex_and_Bodie_s_Mom]

I’m so sorry - I don’t have any words of wisdom for you, just some virtual hugs and jingles.

To get some sleep - Maybe hugging a pillow would help? Or some sleeping pills - I take the Olly Sleep, and they work well for me.

For your grief - I will second @Larksmom’s advice. When you’re ready, get another dog that needs a home. Clearly you have a great one to share.

[3PonyFarm]

I am so sorry for your loss. Many hugs to you.

[anon6003733]

I’m so sorry Loudlaugh12.

We lost our dog of 15 years a few weeks ago. I felt he was still with me in spirit for the longest time, like a shadow everywhere I went. It helped ease the pain.

Recently the feeling is less and it’s more about the memories now.

Dogs are so loyal, such a gift to have in our lives. Sending comfort and understanding to you during this very hard time. Your boy was blessed to have you.

[hut-ho78]

So sorry. What a tough day. 14 years with your dog is such a gift of time. What wonderful memories to treasure. That first day is just hard. Big big hug.

[DiamondJubilee]

I’m so sorry to hear. We had to put our 14 year old lab down last year and know how you feel. Think of all the great times you’ve had over the years. For myself, I found getting another dog really helped me as it kept me in the routine. I never forgot about my old boy, but a young pup (or rescue) sure put a smile back on my face and kept me in that routine. Just a suggestion as of course everyone is different (growing up my parents always like to wait at least a year between dogs as the felt they would forget about the old dog or compare the new dog to the old dog which wouldn’t be fair. When I married my husband, he was more into keeping the routine and finding another dog sooner to help and I found this was much easier on me).

[endlessclimb]

I am so sorry for your loss OP. He’s still ever-present in your heart, and he’s waiting for you on the other side. I agree with other who have said, when you’re ready, to get another. Your boy wants you to share your love and home - he was lucky to have you.

[moonlitoaksranch]

I’m so sorry about your loss. Animals don’t count their days. They live in the here and now. If their here and now is pain without hope of getting better, it’s best to let them go. They know you’re there for them. They know you’re trying to help them. The best gift to an old dog is a steady home where they’re loved. To have lived his whole life that way is the best he could’ve wished for.

[GoodTimes]

I’m so sorry. Grief is normal, it sounds like you did the right thing though.
Maybe pick up a few books? Or find a tv show to binge watch?

My dog is turning nine and is outwardly healthy. But she develops lots of lumps and bumps that stress me out more as she gets older. I’m taking her in next week to have one checked out.
She’s a mixed breed rehoming case, she was a year old when I got her. I don’t think that I would be able to bring myself to just go out and pick another dog after she passes. So instead I’ve got a list of GSP breeders that I’ll reach out to when the time comes. A puppy to look forward to.

Hugs!

[trubandloki]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Mango20]

I’m so sorry. Losing a special dog is the worst.

[beowulf]

I’m so sorry. Thinking of you, and hope you can cherish the memories you do have even though his absence is keenly felt. It sucks to have to make the call, just know you gave him a long life and a peaceful ending, much better than many dogs get.

[Lunabear1988]

I’m so sorry. It’s so hard but relieving him of that pain was the last act of kindness you could do.

[MunchingonHay]

My heart cries with yours.

Please be kind and careful with yourself. I recommend talking with a therapist if you can. I fell into a horrible depression when I lost my dog.

And remember this.
Your pup will never leave you. You will hear their collar jingle, feel the weight of them in the bed, hear them walk around the house, and the dog sized hole in your heart will heal…slowly.

I went from only wanting a single dog at a time to now being a two dog house and I will not put myself in the position to be completely dogless again. It hurts too much.

Share on here we all understand what its like.

[ThreeWishes]

Very sorry for your loss. Can you share with us some memories of your dog? What was his name and what was he like? And how lucky were you to have such a good boy for 14 years! Wrap yourself in the warm loving thoughts of your dear boy. Hugs