How to Cope With Your Pet’s Death – A Veterinarian’s Help
Coping With the Death of a Beloved Family Pet...Heartbreaking
Two veterinarians describe how they coped with their pet’s death – their experience may comfort you as you grieve your pet’s death.
Pet loss involves stages of mourning, just like losing a loved family member or friend. With pet death, however, you may also be coming to terms with your decision to put your pet to sleep.
“Death…is not more than passing from one room into another,” said Helen Keller. “But there’s a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room, I shall be able to see.”
Imagine that your beloved pet can see now, is healed now, and is happy and even waiting for you now….let that comfort you.
For help coping with pet loss, read Letting Go of an Animal You Love: 75 Ways to Survive Pet Loss.
How to Cope With Your Pet’s Death – Help From Veterinarians
The following stories about pet loss are from veterinarians who know what you’re going through.
A Veterinarian Shares How He Coped When His Dog Died
I remember losing our family German Shepherd as a 11 year old. I was devastated and it really was like losing a family member. The loss of a pet should not be taken lightly and it is not something most people get over quickly or easily – although many may think there is a social stigma not to grieve for animals as we do for humans. The fact is that the bond that is formed between people and their pets is in many cases even stronger than some of the bonds between people. Since losing our German Shepherd, I have lost two cats also – one was an elderly girl that had to be put down due to deteriorating health, whilst the other a couple of years later was sadly run over.
Each pet loss had a different effect on me, depending on the bond I had shared with each animal. I was particularly saddened by the death of our German Shepherd because I had grown up with her and because she had always been very close to me in my childhood. ~ From Veterinarian Mark Edwards
An important way to cope with pet death is to focus on you pet’s life rather than the death (regardless of the circumstances in which they died). As for humans, grief is a five step process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally the last stage – acceptance. Once you accept your pet’s death, it is not unreasonable to consider getting a new pet. This is definitely not something you should feel guilty about.
Getting your pet cremated can be a good way to remember him or her. You can chose to have their ashes given back to you in a wooden casket or an urn and can even have a picture and plaque put on this. Do give yourself plenty of time for the grieving process; you may even want to take time off work. You may be surprised how much the death of your animal affects you when it does finally happen.
If you feel guilty about pet loss, you might find 4 Ways to Deal With Guilty Feelings After Your Dog or Cat Dies helpful.
A Veterinarian Describes Losing Her Pets Through Euthanasia
I’ve lost five dogs over the years; the last dog I lost was in April 2007. None died naturally, I had to euthanize them, and all but one had cancer. The other was euthanized as the result of a bad fall and was only 4 ½ years old.
I’m still sad, particularly about my “very best dog of all time.” She was euthanized 6 years ago, and I still miss her. We did everything together: she came to work with me, we camped together, and I haven’t had a dog like her since. Coping with grief because of your dog’s death takes time. Losing a pet is like losing a family member. You always feel a degree of sadness, but after a while it doesn’t hurt so much.
Some people like to get a new pet straight away because the loss of the old pet leaves such a hole. If you’ve always had a dog around the house, and then all of a sudden there isn’t one that can exacerbate the great sense of loss. In that case, a new pet can give you something to love and hug while you grieve the loss of the old pet. However, people need to be very careful not to compare the new pet to the old pet, as it will never measure up. ~ Veterinarian Rosie Brown.
Should you get another pet to help you cope with your pet’s death? If you have to put your cat or dog to sleep, it’s normal to go through the normal stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, guilt… I think denial and guilt are the two biggies when you have to say good-bye to your dog or cat. Many people feel guilt about choosing to “kill” their pet but it’s not like that at all. If it comes to euthanasia, then you and your vet are at the point where your pet’s quality of life will not be good, there’s nothing that can be done to make it better. You’re actually doing them a great kindness to end their suffering.
After your dog or cat has been put to sleep, be very kind to yourself and allow yourself to cope with your pet’s death by grieving. Take as long as you need to. Surround yourself with friends and family who understand what your pet meant to you, and who will listen to you and support you. The worst thing you can hear is “it’s only a dog, you can get another one”. Avoid people with that attitude, because it will only make you feel worse.
If you’re struggling with grief and guilty feelings because of the circumstances surrounding your dog or cat’s death, read Letting Go of an Animal You Love: 75 Ways to Survive Pet Loss.
I interviewed veterinarians, grief counselors, and pet experts for the best ways to survive the death of a beloved dog or cat, and I included stories from real pet owners who coped with their pet’s death in sometimes surprising ways.
Are you coping with your pet’s death? I invite you to share below; describing your dog or cat’s life and death can help you heal.
Category: Cats and Kitty Tips, Dogs & Doggy Care Tips, Pet Care Tips
I just happened upon this website, looking for ways to cope with losing my beloved Sugar. She was my maltese. She was a runaway from a house down the road that treated her very poorly. I got her about 6 months ago, and she had very quickly become my very best friend. She was here when no one else was, and loved me when I wasn’t exactly loveable. No matter what kind of mood I was in, she always seemed to make it better and for 6 months, we were glued to each others’ side. She was the perfect dog, and my husband said that maybe at christmas if I feel better about it, he will buy me a new puppy. Where I’m at right now, I don’t ever want to touch another animal. He mentioned a new puppy, and I found myself looking, because one day I may want one, but right now I just can’t look at another dog without comparing it to sugar. Part of me feels a little silly beecause for two full days I have been devastated, crying every time I turn around, even hysterical in some cases scraming about how badly I just want her back. I walk through the house and turn around to call her, only to realize she is not here, and won’t be. I woke up this morning and realized she wasn’t waiting for me to wake up at the foot of my bed as usual. She usually waits until I wake up and attacks my face with kisses. She went everywhjere and did everything with me. She truly was my best friend. And I don’t know what I’m going to do without her. How can I ever love another dog like I love her? Can I have that connection with another dog? Rigt now I just don’t know, how do I know when I am ready? I have no one to talk to about it, and it just takes so much out of me. I have been in bed almost all day. And cried half of it, yesterday was worse, yesterday I didn’t stop crying. What do I do?
My husband and I recently moved from Chicago to a smaller town in northwest Indiana. We had two cats; Cleo was a year a half old, and Bailey was 7 months. Each cat had a unique personality. Cleo was a reserved but sweet all black girl. She enjoyed being outside, but since we lived in a second story apartment in the city, she didn’t get to go outside out too much…only to sit with us on the patio occasionally and sniff the plants. Before we moved, she had become very depressed. She would just lie around a lot and had even stopped purring when we pet her. Bailey on the other hand was a lively, free spirit. She was a light tan kitten, who loved to play and was always getting into some kind of trouble.
Once we moved, we debated whether or not we should let the cats outside. We understood the arguments from both sides – There are many more dangers to encounter outside, and life expectancy is shorter for outdoor cats. On the other hand, cats are wild animals that are happiest outside, hunting and exploring. Keeping them locked away inside is synonymous to living in a cage your whole life. In the end, the cats themselves are the ones who swayed us. They both adored being outside and Bailey in particular would sit by the door meowing her heartbreaking little meow, staring longingly out the window, begging to be released. We live in a fairly quiet neighborhood with many indoor/outdoor cats and decided to let the cats outside when we were around the house in the evening and weekends. However, we first had to get them spayed, and this was taken care of in early October. I felt really bad after they had the surgery, as both cats seemed to be in a lot of pain when they got home. Bailey even threw up then immediately fell over when she first stepped out of her cage. I wondered if the surgery was really worth it. However, they healed quickly, and in about a week, we started slowly letting them outside with us. Cleo and Bailey both seemed very happy. This change was especially apparent in Cleo. She began running around again and purring ALL the time. I felt content with our decision.
However, while my husband was dressing our 5 and 7 year old boys in their Halloween costumes, a man knocked on our door and informed my husband that he had accidently hit one of our cats while driving too quickly around a corner. My husband went out and found a bloody Bailey, dead in the middle of the street. It appears she died soon after impact, luckily. The man said he felt really bad and explained how the same thing had happened to his cat once. I got home about 10 minutes later and felt crushed. I thought I had assessed all the risks and was happy with my decision. However, I hadn’t realized how much those two cats had become a part of our daily lives and how quickly Bailey would be taken away from us. I wanted to let them live happy full lives, even if they were shorter ones and not lock them away to keep them for myself. I know they were happier outside, but I question if that was all really worth one month of freedom for Bailey.
It has been hard for me to get over Bailey’s death. It has been four days since the incident, and I still feel as bad as the moment I heard the news. I miss my fun, loving kitty, and everything in our house reminds me of her. It is terrible to still see the blood stained road every time I enter or exit my house, but I can’t look away. I hate coming home to a house without her. She had really become a part of our family, and I still expect to see her jumping up to lick the water whenever I turn on the faucet; to hear her little bell jingling as she prances around the house or yard; to see her excitedly chasing marbles around on the kitchen floor; to see her head pop out of one of the sinks in the basement; to wake up to the sound of Bailey heavily purring, asleep on my chest; and to feel her licking my face in the morning. My main reasons for my remorse are selfish ones: I will miss her presence and how she made me feel, and I feel guilt over her loss. I know that we all die eventually, but I’m sad that she was so young and had to die in such a harsh manner. I keep thinking of “if only” scenarios, even though I know it isn’t healthy – If only we would have stayed in the city, Bailey wouldn’t have had the opportunity to die. If only we had tried out a harness on both of them first, instead of thinking of this situation in all-or-nothing terms. If only I hadn’t been so stupid to assume that “it wouldn’t happen to us”…at least not so soon. If only I had been there before it happened…
I am happy, however, to remember her loving, silly personality. I know that Bailey’s last few weeks of life were fun-filled, exciting and happy ones for her. She was enjoying life and bringing much joy into our lives. She adored our two little boys, and we will all miss her dearly. The four of us, as well as Cleo, were present for Bailey’s funeral in our backyard, where we all threw on a little soil and said our goodbyes. “You were made from soil, and you will become soil again.” I also just purchased a few books about death and life (for children) to discuss the topic with our 5 and 7 year old boys. My family and friends have been very supportive and helpful, and I know my husband misses Bailey as much as I do. It’s nice to know I’m not alone. I hope to feel better soon and to let Bailey’s spirit live on in my heart. I love her and always will.
Now I have to decide what to do with Cleo. Even though the reasons to let our cat roam freely outside still make sense in my head, I know that I can’t bear to loose Cleo in the same way. So, I’ve decided on a compromise between Cleo’s will and our hopes for her safety. I bought a cat harness/leash and she’s quickly getting used to walking me. I know it isn’t perfect freedom, but I think she’s still happy to be able to explore the great outdoors, even if I am there tagging along on her exciting (but safe) evening adventures.
I wanted to give an update, in rememberence to my cat “Kitty” who has been gone since March. It has been about 7 months now and I still come to this website for help in dealing with my loss. I still miss her very, very much. A few weeks ago my family was out driving and came across an adopt-a-pet day. My 5 year old son and wife wanted to look at the kittens. So we walked around and my son found a 6 week old kitten that is pure black. I did not know if I was ready for a new cat, but my son and wife felt it was time so we got him. My son instantly came up with a name for our new family member “Knuckles”. Knuckles has fit in very well so far into our family. My son is not used to a kitten and all the energy and playing it does. Our new cat will never replace Kitty but he fills some of the void that was missing in my life.
We had to put our 18 1/2 year old Cocker Spaniel Brandy down on 10/20/10. We knew the day was coming and had been prepaing ourselves but nothing could have ever prepared me for the pain that I have been going through. My husband gave her to me when we had been married just under 2 years and we just celebrated our 20th anniversary. She was my little shadow and best friend. We have two teenage daughters and Brandy was my first child.
She watched me grow up from a young bride to a middle age woman. She listened to me cry and laugh and has more tears shed into her fur than I care to think about. She loved me in spite of it!
My kids have been great thoughout this and have been trying to keep their mother straight. I haven’t eaten and just keep looking for her everywhere in the house. She developed kidney disease last year so she has needed much care over the past year. She suffered a stroke about a month ago and has been going to work with either my husband or myself and one of us has been with her 24/7 which makes this even harder.
It has made me feel so much better to know that this pain is normal. Just wish that it would subside some. My sister already approached me about getting another dog for Xmas and can’t even fathom the idea. Brandy was such a big part of our lives that I think it will be sometime before we are ready for another one and don’t know if another dog will ever be like she was.
Karen
LB, I’m sorry to hear that you had to say goodbye to your dog. As you can see from these wonderful people who are sharing about their pet loss, you’re not alone!
I don’t think there is any secret to feeling better. I’ve lost several cats and one dog over the years, and time hasn’t healed all my wounds. I still miss them as much as I did the day I lost them…but I have a cat and a dog now, and loving them helps make me feel better.
In sympathy,
Laurie
LB, I find what helps me is talking to other pet owners who understand this grief I’m feeling is just as real as grief over the loss of a human friend. It is very real and we have to go through it to get to the other side. There hasn’t been a day yet in a week that I haven’t had a melt down and cried my eyes out. Today it was seeing the stroller. I took her for walks in the stroller because she was blind. When I put the brakes on she knew it was time to get out and run free in the grass, just being a dog. She loved it and I loved seeing her happy. The hurt is real, I feel it day and night. I don’t know the secret to feeling better.
LB,I lost my precious Mimi (almost 17 years old) on Sat. I never had a dog before and I got her as a pup. I cry every day. There is a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat and I’m not interested in much. I can hardly stand to come back in the house once I’ve been away because she is no longer there and I have a melt down. I put a small Xmas tree with white lights and angels where her bed was, so when I look over to see her the emptiness isn’t so evident. I am in such emotional pain over losing her. I got out all my pictures of her and look at them all the time. I don’t know how long to expect these feelings to last. I’m in the same place as you. Hang in there – I’m hoping time will help heal these open wounds. My face is wet with tears as I write this.
can someone please help me? my dog had to be put to sleep yesterday. He was the love of my life and he was with me for 15 years. I have no idea what i am going to do. I feel nauseous all of the time because i no that he will never come back. It feels like he is just outside right now laying down, but then I realize that he is nowhere, but in heaven. I havent been this sad in my whole life. He was just with me yesterday laying down with me, my best friend. And now he is gone. I need someone to please help me with this. It feels like I will never be the same.
I’m sorry to hear that you had to say goodbye to your cat — and I totally understand that it’s the worst day of your life! My cat is an outdoor cat, and I worry about her every day. I’ve lost two other cats for various reasons, and am taking your advice to keep my cat indoors.
I wish you all the best — and agree that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
In sympathy,
Laurie
My dear cat Paco passed away 8/15/10 this was the worst day of my life. I would just like to say please keep your cats indoors, it is the best way to keep them safe. I believe mine was hit by a car, I will always regret the day I let him out side. I thought I would be okay if something happened, wow was I wrong! Do you believe in life after pets? I really don’t think I am strong enough, I need all the help I can get on this one. The best that I can come up with for myself and those of you dealing with lose is that it is better to have lived and loved then to die and never loved.
Thank you for your comments — and I’m so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your dogs. I agree that pets are family….we just added a new dog to our family, and are very excited. But I know that one day I’ll be dealing with the pain of pet loss — which sort of makes my time with her all the more special.
I hope you’re all coping well after losing your dogs.
My sympathies,
Laurie
I don’t like it when people say our pets “are like familY”. my pets ARE family. They share my home with me, my happy moments, my sad times, and they love me no matter what. I think that’s the definition of family, or at least, the definition of a good family.
I lost a dear old friend last month. He was an elderly Chihuahua who came to me without even so much as his own name. We called him Bucky and I loved him with all of my heart from the moment I laid eyes on him.
Four years ago, Bucky was given to me by our local dog warden who rescued him from a horrible home. We already had a younger Chihuahua and she thought that our home would make a good one for Bucky.
In spite of the neglect and apparent abuse he suffered, he gave me more love than I have ever received from an animal. I completely changed my lifestyle for him as well and took less trips away from home as he suffered severe separation anxiety from me. I was committed to him.
Knowing that he had an enlarged heart and collapsing trachea, it was inevitable that he was probably going to suffer a heart attack in the near future and I was always dreading that time. We do not have 24 hour emergency care in our part of the country. I knew, that whatever happened, I was going to be there for him and hold him as he took his dying breaths.
My son in Florida had been asking for my husband and myself to PLEASE come and visit them as it had been a long time. I hesitantly agreed to go for 5 days (only) after finding the most wonderful dog sitter who I felt comfortable leaving my two boys with. I knew it would be hard for Bucky, but Julie was an angel and I felt somewhat comfortable leaving.
The second night we were in Florida, Julie called to say that Bucky was not doing well at all and that she didn’t think he would make it through the night. She was going to drive him to the nearest clinic (it was 9 p.m.) to get whatever assistance she could. Bucky did not make it. He died in Julie’s arms at the clinic.
The end of this story is this….I KNOW that I made the last four years of Bucky’s life happier than he had ever known and loved him as he deserved to be loved. The only thing I cannot get past is that I was not there for him and with him as I had wanted to be. This is the part that I cannot get past. Perhaps writing this will help the process, but a part of me cannot forgive myself for leaving him those few days.
Sharon
Yesterday, I had to put my dog to sleep and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
He was a 11 year old American Staffordshire Terrier, and truly a one-of-a-kind dog.
For me, writing about it has helped. I recently did a post about the goodbye process, Walking, Weeping, and Wine http://wp.me/puWta-6Y
Thank you for all your comments about saying goodbye to your beloved dogs and cats. I hope you’re all doing well — and I’m so glad you took the time to share your stories.
Recovering from pet loss is easier when you talk about it, and when you know you’re not alone. And, sharing your pets’ stories here is another way to keep their memories alive.
Two days ago, my husband and I had to put down our 18 year old cat Shiko. This has been the worst two days of my life. I feel like I can’t breath at times because I miss him so much and the thought of him being gone is so overwelming..I can’t take it..The hardest part is coming home from work to a quiet house and going to bed at night without him seems..wrong…he should be here. I have two children and a basset hound dog named Gracie and with all of this, my house still seems so empty without Shiko. We had our own language as he also did with both of the kids. Eighteen years is not long enough…Oh Shiko how I will miss you forever and can’t wait to see you at Rainbow Bridge where I know you are waiting for me and daddy.
Megan
First let me say that reading all your stories has been so heartbreaking but soothing at the same time. Knowing that I can share my story with people who understand my pain means so much.
We lost our beautiful golden retriever Biggles early in the morning yesterday, after 13 long and happy years. I just can’t describe the joy that he brought to my life. Since I am an only child, and I was only eight years old when we first got him, he was like my baby brother to me. When I first met him I immediately knew that he was the dog for me, it was like the universe or God meant for us to be together. When we brought him into our home and made him a member of our family, I remember that he was afraid of staying inside and we all slept in sleeping bags on the floor next to the door to comfort him. Thirteen years later he died in the same spot with my mom there comforting him. We suspect that he had cancer, six days earlier he lost his ability to walk and two days after that he stopped eating completely. We had already made the decision to euthanize him, but he went on his own peacefully before that.
I feel so empty and terrible right now, it’s like my whole chest and heart has been ripped out of me. I’ve cried so much and I would give anything now to feel his paw on my chest again (he had enormous big paws) and hug him. I feel so depressed that I won’t see my baby alive again (until we meet again in the next life). I know from reading the comments here that I will recover, and I already cherish all the great memories I have of Biggles, but I don’t know how I can ever feel better again.
God bless all of you and your beloved pets. I’m sure they’ve all met each other up in Heaven where they are waiting for us!
I lost my cat Minnie she was 8 years old on Saturday. Snowy white Bengal cat. She was run over. I can tell you before this happened i would think people were silly to get so upset over a pet…Its painful and same as grieving for a family member.
i have bought another kitten it will never replace minnie but helps a bit…my advise is to try and stop thinking about them and keep busy, all the crying will never bring them back but says me my eyes are so puffy from crying. Pain will ease with time we all know that, x
I lost Shadow in January of 2010, my 16 year old siberian husky and alaskan malamut mix. She was my heart and I feel like a big part of me has died as well. I dream about her and many mornings I still have to remind myself that she’s no longer here. I look outside my window at the garden where she would always be staring back at me, urging me to take her out for a walk and play with her, and now I just see this huge void. I know the pain will diminish but I also know it will take a lot of time, any advice on how to keep on coping?
I have her ashes still in my room although I want to bury them in the garden at her favorite spot, and its because I’m still having trouble letting that last part of what used to be her, go.
Dear Lee, thank you for your lovely story. It’s sad and uplifting at the same time! You said good-bye to your dog, and you know that the pain of his loss will ease. That’s very healthy.
Dear Marion, I hope you’re feeling better about losing your cat. It’s important to mourn in your own way — even if your own way is different than the way other people would mourn! Let yourself grieve for some time. You will feel happy again and you will be able to remember your cat with love and joy….but it just takes time.
In sympathy,
Laurie
I lost my beloved Birman cat today. She had been suffering from CRF for about 3 years and 8 months and was 16 years. I am utterly devastated and my husband is really worried as I cant stop crying and feel paralyzed.
The vet called today to put her to sleep and was so sympathetic , put her arms around me and said I will definitely see her again one day. I have been as grief stricken before over animals but it feels worse now. My baby as I call her was always with me and so gentle and affectionate. I feel there is no way out and even my friends who are animal lovers seem to think I am over reacting. Of course I have no children! I have a loving husband but its a different love. I just have to believe there is another world better than this one. Its so hard
to go on here! Bless all you people who are suffering the loss of their beloved pets.
Marion.
I lost my Corgi called Rocky on Friday 2 July. Since his sudden departure the emptiness that remains in the house I cannot explain. Rocky was such a vibrant family member and much loved by us all. For 15 years he entertained us all. I seek some solace in the fact that at 15 he had a good life and inspute of his advancing years he was still a sprightly fella.
However recently Rocky began to deterioriate, he was inable to keep anything down and came across as disorientated and depressed. During the last days of his life Rocky did not want to move from his bed, not even to go to the toilet. It was gut-wrenching to see our once vibrant entertaining canine reduced to someone we as a family did not recognise. It was last Wednesday (30th) when I made an appointment for Monday to take him down to the Vets for a checkover. However by Friday he had gone downhill to such an extreme that another call to the vets had to be made. It was then decided by the professionals to bring him in. Luckily two of my family members escorted me to the Vets. On arrival the Vets took Rocky in immediately and so I waited for the outcome. It was 15 minutes later when the Vet re-emerged with the news that Rocky had been suffering from severe dehydration and that his refusal to take any liquid/food over the days had resulted in this diagnosis. Also the Vet confirmed that due to age his internal organs were in the process of shutting down and though the Vet confirmed that treatment was an option it was unlikely that Rocky would take to it due to his condition and age. When the Vet gave me the options it was then I decided to put him out of his misery and let him go. Friends and family have said that there was probably an underlying reason for Rocky’s downward spiral not just related to dehydration. Some said that it was old age and that he had simply had enough. In the past couple of days since Rocky’s death I have experienced a plethra of emotions. The house has an emptiness to it I cannot explain. There have been tears aplenty and I too have felt empty as a result of his passing. I have decided to erect a rose tree in my garden as a monument to Rocky and when his ashes are returned I have chosen to scatter those ashes around this tree as an eternal memory in the garden that he was a part of for 15 years. I have been thinking it would be nice to have another pet, but at this time I feel it would be wrong as Rocky was and will always be the first pet I grew into adulthood with. But they say that time is a good healer and I am certain that my Rocky would be grateful and happy to be free of any suffering. Though things are grey at the moment I hope that some colour will start to come back into my life and that though my intense grieving for my Rocky will subside I know that he will be with me in my heart all the days of my life !
Reading everyone’s stories, I know now I am not the only one grieving so much for a pet. I had to put my dog Symba down after 12years of campanionship. She was my best friend and the best dog I have ever had. It is so so hard to stop thinking about her. I have another dog who is 15years old, he is deaf and really is lost without her too. He use to look to her for reactions, responses and to what was going on. It’s only been 3 days, but I miss her so so much. Miss you little girl xxx
Dear Kid, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your beautiful puppy so tragically and unexpectedly….this seems so unfair as you were doing the right thing and usually the operation is so simple and straight forward. At least many of us get a chance to prepare for the loss of our beautiful dogs/cats and have a chance to say goodbye (evenso it is deeply heartbreaking). I want so much to help ease your pain so I will try by saying I am a midwife/a neonatal intensive care and emergency dept nurse and from this I have learned that people, as with animals sometimes don’t cope with anaesthetic drugs. It is so very unfair but it does happen! It ‘s nothing you did…just a very sad fact of life!! It sounds as though you gave your beautiful puppy the best life ever and he would only have known that he went to sleep…he wouldn’t have experienced any pain or suffering. He may also have had an undiagnosed heart problem (which contributed to his precious little heart stopping)!! Please be gentle on yourself, its okay to cry and cry and cry….you are grieving deeply and what you have experienced is very sad. I understand it’s unbearable as times (I’m feeling it too)!!! It will take you some time to feel less distressed but thats okay it shows how deeply you loved and cherished your puppy. In time you may be able to love another puppy who (like so many) is in desperate need of your devoted love and care! It would be extremely unlikely he/she would die! My love and thoughts are with you. Kim
I had the most perfect puppy as far as I am concerned. He was gorgeous, loyal, friendly, obedient and so clever. We got him at 7 1/2 weeks old and I have never loved a dog so much in my life.
We made the decision to have him neutered at 7 months old. The vet assured me that it was a very simple procedure and told me about how quickly he would recovery from the operation. So, he was booked in and dropped off at the vets.
2 hours later, I got the dreaded call to say his heart had stopped on the operating table and there was nothing they could do save him. I went into shock, felt sick and nearly passed out several times. I just walked out of work and walked all the way home. I even forgot that I had taken my car in that day!
Its been almost 2 weeks now and I have not come to terms with him dying. Its breaking my heart every single day. I miss his annoying little habits like the way he licked us when we got out of the bath or the way he would drink straight from the bathroom tap.
I was on holiday from work for the week after he died, I just went back on Monday and I hate it. I am still crying every single day for my beloved puppy. I keep replaying the phonecall over in my head and I can picture him lying on the operating table. It literally is breaking my heart.
I do want to get another puppy, but I am scared he will also die at such a young age. It was alwful having to break the news to my children but they have clearly dealt with it a lot better than I have or can.
I am thinking of waiting until we get back from our summer holiday, that will give me a couple of months to come to terms with our loss. I am physically aching for my dear little puppy, its unbearable.