i completely understand and you're not over reacting at all, i know the feeling as i'm sure many others here do.

my dog, i had from when i was born and she used to share my pram with me when i was a kid and she was so gentle with me, so having to get her put to sleep was the worst thing ever, i still feel a bit upset when i think about her or look at pictures....and this was about 5 yrs or so ago

lots of big *hugs* being telepathically sent your way, hope you feel better soon

I think every pet owner will agree, no hunny you are NOT overreacting. Pets become part of your family. You have to take care of them like one of your own kids. They let you know when they're hungry, or want to go outside. They show affection when they're happy, and can tell when you're not happy so they look up at you with those innocent eyes until they're *sure* you're not sad anymore. You get mad at them for doing their business on the carpet (though i hope its different with kids - i don't have any ) but he looks up at you with those innocent eyes as if to say "what'd i do?" and you know you can't stay mad. I think it's the unconditional love that pets show that wins you over. My Mandy (cat) can *almost* talk. She makes her needs/wants known.

Lost too many pets over the years (mostly dogs) to list them all here. A few notables... I lost my first cat, Frisky, about 12 years ago (he was hit by a car). Devastating. One of the dogs my family owned, Champ, was poisoned. Candy... the day before we lost her, her legs gave out under her, and she hadn't eaten for several days before that. Dad had no choice but to take her to the vet to have her put down. Played that scene too many times. I remember Mom was particularly attached to Tiny, and after we lost her, Mom swore she wouldn't get as attached to any more (and she hasn't).

I know everyone here who owns a pet will relate to what you're going through right now.

sending *massive huggles*

One thing I can suggest is what I did to remember Frisky. I compiled a photo album. I made captions to fit the pictures, and made it sound like Frisky was talking ( "Here i am going for a walk with my mom" ; "I love playing with my toys" ). The more detail you can add to your dedication album the better.

I can't promise it'll get easier with time. All I know is another pet helped fill the void the previous one just left.

I think I'm going to go hug my cat now. I suddenly feel the need to. *more huggles*

I am so sorry to hear about the death of your dog. It must have been truely painful. And nothing silly about it. Dogs are living creatures with personalities and an ability to love, so why shouldn't we love them back? And losing a loved one, whatever their species, is always heart destroying.

Let yourself be sad. Let yourseld mourn. She clearly deserves it for the love she's brought you and your family.

Huge huggles Keeny - no, you're not being silly. As others have said, pets are part of the family and of course we get upset if anything happens to them.

*more huggles* - and as Persephone says, I suddenly feel a great urge to go and cuddle my dog.

Keeny, there's nothing silly about this at all. You felt that the dog was part of you and and your family and with its loss you feel a loss too.

I'm sorry to hear it though.

I know what it's like to lose a pet. I've experienced it a few times myself. Our dog died ten years ago over Christmas and it was a really distressing time so I can understand how upset you are, hun.

I'm just sorry that I wasn't about last night for a shoulder to cry on. *hugs*

(Edited by Whistler 19/11/2002 09:45)

Sorry to hear about your dog. *Hugs*
I've had 3 dogs and it's always terrible when they pass away so I know how you feel.

Sorry to hear about Sally.

Like everybody has already said, what you're feeling is perfectly fine and normal. I know what it's like to lose a pet, (my 15-yr old cat was put to sleep when I was 11) and it ain't nice. Pets, as I've found, generally kick ass.

As always, you guys just blow me away with your kind words and understanding *hugs*

I'm still feeling kind of fragile at the moment.. one moment i'm fine, the next i'm in pieces. This is so new to me, we lost pets in the past when i was a kid, but this is so different. I just know that she had a good life and was loved, it just doesn't stop the hurting at the moment.

Thanks again

Sorry to hear about this Keeny

*hugs*

Awwww really sorry to hear about your dog I would be devastated if anything happened to myn. We've had her for 13 years now, and like you say they become a part of the family.

I know exactly how you feel, and I think that anyone who has ever had a pet for a long period of time will understand. The house will feel a bit empty for a while, and that can feel really hard. I rememeber when our cocker spaniel had to be put down, I had to go and stay round a mates house as I couldn't go in the house while his things were still in there.

The thing to rememeber is that she had a great life, and owner who loved her to bits. Having her put down is terrible, but it would have been better than having to cope with a slow decline where she was in pain.

I really hope you are OK. *hugs*



(Edited by head2head 19/11/2002 18:36)

sorry to hear about the sad news
but at least your dog will live on in your memories and heart.

I remember when our dog died a couple of years, it took us several weeks to get used to not taking him for walks, or letting him out into the garden. It was very sad for all of us

*Sending you guys best wishes*

Hey Keeny, I just read this. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss I don't care what anyone else says, pets can be as much a part of the family as anyone, so it is going to be upsetting when you lose them.

It isn't a crime to get sad over a loss like this so don't hold it in, let it all out - then you can start to think over the fantastic life that she had with a family that obviously loved her very much. I still get sad over the loss of our previous German Shepherd Dogs a couple of years ago, but then the sadness mellows a little & I can imagine them both up in heaven playing with toys, going on longs walks & getting never ending handfuls of treats!

I wish I could have been around for you hun & I am so sorry that I wasn't - we could have cried together - although reading your post I am sure we still can *huge hugs*

hunny you are so not alone.
my first dog was in my family before i was born and was very much loved by us and all the people who knew him i ws told that he needed to be put down (he had arthritus, rumatism, was blind and deaf by the end) and I asked that they let me know before they take him to the vets so i could say goodbye, I came home one not to be met at the door by him and knew there and then they had done it without warning me I was devestated to say the least.
We got another dog about a year later who again became like family, he was nuts so he fitted in perfectly but 5 years down the line my mother became very sick and she couldnt handle the dog anymore as he waas always jumping up on her and tripping her up which was very dangerous for her in her state so she said we had to give him away. Again I asked tey let me know when this was to happen and again I came home to find him gone. I never got to say goodbye to either and am still upset by it. some days i miss him so much. he always knew when i was upset and was one of my best friends i dont think i could get another dog after that if they did it to me a third time I'd never forgive them.

you have my love and wishes coming your way *hugesthugs*

Been there Its so hard to think of them not being around anymore but it gets easier as you just have to make sure you never forget her. **big hugs**