Discussions

I recently had to put my pet to sleep, and the guilt and anguish of having to do it eats me up. My home is empty and void of love and laughter since she's been gone. I'm depressed and lonely and miss her something terrible. She was old, and it was hard to see her rapidly declining. Everyone says to get another one, but she was one of a kind.  
 
Is there a local support group for pet loss? My grief is insurmountable and I'd give almost anything just to have her back. I liked her better than most people.

I don't know if there is a support group. But maybe you could volunteer (I son't know if you work) at the Humane Society or Funds for Furry Friends.  
 
Pets do become a part of our family - I am sorry for your loss.

I just lost my furbaby Teddi as well. I am also having a very hard time getting over it. I find myself looking for her all the time, thinking I hear her and knowing that's not possible. The worst time is bedtime...bed always feels so cold and empty without her. My sympathies on your loss.

So very sorry for your pain, understand it completely.  
I remember not wanting to go home after mine died, the house just was not the same.  
Do not feel guilty about having her put to sleep, it was the best thing you could do for her and showed how much you loved her.  
Take your time to grieve as you would for any loved family member. You will know when the time is right to get another. You will never replace her as she will always have a special place in your heart.  

My deepest condolences. I had to put my dog to sleep on Thursday as well. It was a very tough day and last week in general was incredibly hard. We did get another puppy yesterday which was incredibly hard as I don't feel like I am ready for another animal. I felt very guilty. However my other dog doesn't like to be alone and needed s companion. Although no dog will ever take the place of the one I lost I couldn't close my heart off from getting another. It's s tough concept at first and picking up the puppy was tough because it brought back so many memories of my dog when he was a puppy. I know I made the right decision and that the grieving process will be s little easier as the puppy will keep me very busy. My biggest advice is don't let the death of one dog close off your heart for good.  
 
Edited by april, 2016-04-17 07:31:40

myhandleistrain said "And knowing that their lives are relatively short, I cannot understand why people get dogs. I can only think of the grief that must come when the pass and wonder why people get pets knowing they will out live them. One of the main reasons I guess I don't have a dog. "

On average, a woman will outlive men by 7 years.  
To follow your logic, if they're smart they won't bother getting a husband.  
 
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of their soul remains unawakened"

I understand your pain. It is not easy to let go, but I saw this in the paper a while ago and maybe it will bring you a small measure of comfort. I will only quote part of it - it was written by Beth Norman Harris.  
"And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.  
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this Earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands."

she was a 15 year old cat. A great cat. But I had a dog once and his death broke my heart too. Thank you everyone for your kind words. She had fluid in her lungs and the medication wasn't working. The other options were only band aids that weren't cures. But her death at the vet was traumatic for me. I can't stop thinking about it.  
 
The decision to get a pet is the decision to break your heart. But it's so worth it.

I sent you a PM

https://www.facebook.com/Petloss/?fref=ts  
This group is on facebook and is located in Winnipeg.  
It has a group that meets in Wpg just check the facebook page.