Thats the other side of the coin of what i’ve just gone through. My old boy’s body failed him. His liver and kidneys were failing him and on sunday his legs finally gave way. He was still fully alert and i still felt his desire to live. He barked whenever i left the room for me to come back and carry on stroking him. I had to sit with him holding him and looking him in the eyes as the vet put him to sleep. I am heart broken that he’s gone. I know in his mind he wasn’t ready to go but his body had just given up and the vets couldnt do anything else to help him. I dont think i’ve ever felt a pain as bad as losing him. I feel like a huge part of myself died with him
Right now it doesnt feel like a gift. Our other dog passed away to cancer in october and my other before that we lost in 2021. With the previous two, when they died it was obvious they had had enough and were ready. My boy on sunday still seemed to be fully alert and fighting to carry on living. Even though he couldnt stand anymore it felt like he still hadnt given up and still managed to wag his tail and seem glad to see me entering the room.
It hurts all the more because my bond with him was stronger than i’ve ever felt with any other dog. I was heartbroken when my other 2 passed in 2021 and in october but losing my last boy now is too much. I dont think i’ll ever find a bond like i had with him again and i dont know how i’m supposed to cope going forward
Hey dude, you and I are united in grief. I lost my boy last October. It was a rather trraumatic experience that still replays in my head. At the age of 14, he was as young-looking and energetic as his 6 year old brother. Still ran around the house and was excited for things to do. He suddenly went limp in my arms when I was hugging him on the way to his dinner plate.
I've seen the term "soul dog" thrown around, and I think that encapsulates the relationship quite well. I miss and cry for him several times a week to this day, but it does get easier. Even if just a little. I'm able to appreciate more of life again and, recently, I'm able to look at pictures of him again.
I say all this to say: be kind to yourself as you grieve. Cry when you need to. Take time for yourself when you need to. Indulge in things if you need to. It may seem bleak, but even taking it a day at a time is enough to allow yourself the time to heal.
I’ve been trying to keep myself busy so far, but every time i stop doing something i remember he’s gone again and i start tearing up. I’m the kind of bloke that doesnt cry for anything. I went years without crying. The only things in my entire adult life i’ve cried about was losing my other two dogs and when my dad died. So far since i lost him on sunday i’ve found myself crying more than the other 3 times combined. I kind of feel like losing my old boy was the end of a major part of my life. I got all 3 of my dogs in my very early 20’s and my 3 big boys were a massive part of my life. I lost the first prematurely at 9 years old in 2021 to cancer and the second went in october at 13 years old. Now my last boy has gone just at 14 years old. My last one to go was my absolute best friend and my soul dog. But i think losing him has also brought back the grief of losing the other 2. They were my pack and they’ve all gone now. I also feel like its the end of my younger adult years. I had them from 21 and now i’m 35. I’ve lost my dogs, a major part of my life and i feel like part of myself has died with them. I’ve never felt grief like this. We have a new puppy that we got in december and shes great and i already know she’s gonna be special. But i dont think i’ll ever have a bond like i did with my boy again
Sounds like a similar situation too. I was raised in a home where "men aren't allowed to cry or be emotional," so it was rare I ever cried over things too. I'm in my early 30s now. I got my pup when I was 19. He was there through me becoming an adult and now, I feel like I'm out in the world on my own and without the comfort that I had all those years. It's a scary feeling and evokes a sense of being terribly alone.
I also got a new puppy, they're a year old now, and like you I love 'em and I think they're great, but I'm definitely not bonded with them like I did my late pup. Nor do I think I can be.
I don't know what it's like to lose that much and grieve that much, but I can only imagine that it's incredibly heart-wrenching.
One thing that helped me was the advice of "put your love into something." My love and comfort was mostly placed onto my old boy, with him gone there's that part of my brain that isn't sure what to do because that emotional detachment is gone and that's such a strong shift. I've started hanging out with friends and family more, networking to make new friends, trying new hobbies, and of course investing a lot of time to the new pup.
It won't happen over night. If you're like me, it may not even happen for a year. When you're finally able to breathe a little freely, start finding places to pour your love into. I think it can make a big difference.
My new pup is only 13 weeks old and i do feel an incredibly special bond forming with her. But i think its different. Shes a very small dog and i think i’m building more of a bond of her being my baby. But with my boy he was a huge dog, i got him when he was about 2. I already had my 2 dogs and a very young child at the time plus i had very low income at the time so we werent really in the position to adopt another dog but i saw him being gotten rid of on facebook by a local druggy. I dont know why but as soon as i saw his picture i just knew i had to go rescue him. They wanted £40 for him for some drug money so i had to take out a payday loan because i was broke myself. My mum and dad actually fell out with me at the time for adopting this huge scary looking dog when i had a young child but somehow i just knew he was special and i needed him. Even though to everyone else he was this massive scary looking dog, he was one of the softest, kindest dogs i’ve ever met. He was such a gentle giant and he was my best friend. I think maybe i clicked so much with him because i had a bad and very unhappy childhood and with him coming from a bad owner maybe we just connected from somewhat of a shared bad start to life. Right now i just want him back so bad
The bond with a new puppy can never be like the bond you had with your old dog. Those bonds take time to build. You will be able to grow into a bond with your puppy. Give it time.
You made the right choice. I was selfish with my soul dog. It kills me every day still that I let him suffer for as long as I did. He had cancer. He died in my arms after struggling to breath. I took him to the vet earlier that day... he had another appt at 6am. He died around 3am. I should have just let him rest. Ill never make the same mistake again.
I’m so sorry. I know this pain, and it’s just terrible. I think of it as the price we have to pay to be loved so unconditionally by such amazing little creatures.
Our 14 year old girl wasn’t aging well, and she reached the point where, seemingly overnight, she could no longer stand and was moaning in pain. We rushed her to the vet and they found a large tumor on her liver. Fortunately, it was inoperable, so we didn’t have to make that heartbreaking decision. She went peacefully with all of us there hugging her. She knew she was loved.
We only lasted about 2.5 months before we felt we had to get another dog to love. It wasn’t a betrayal of our love, but a way for us to continue sharing our home with another deserving rescue doggo.
This made me cry (happy tears). It’s so direct and encompassing how it is to have a dog, especially one that occupies a majority of your life (like it happens to for me because it’s just me and her). Not that one love is more than any other, but the relationship with a dog is just so direct…
My username is a nickname for our tiny girl dog. She was a stray that showed up in our yard and we discovered quickly that she'd need hygiene cuts at the groomers. I'm torn between "you're the most loved girl" and "don't start running mid-poo"
Because "Please believe that whatever happens I only try to do what is best for you, even if you might not like it" is simply too long... and I really DO need my little monster to know how much I love him :D
Lmao, good one. Love my dogs, but Boi do I love to mess with them for a laugh. Nothing heinous, just goofs like hiding in the bathtub or behind a door and calling them, then staying quiet. They go crazy looking for me.
Went through this this summer in a house with two other large breed dogs and a dog door everyone is used to with free run of an acre… All because she stepped in a hole one of them dug.
This guy had a bad reaction to anesthesia. Not only did he have diarrhea in my car, stuck in Los Angeles rush our traffic for two hours, he had it for DAYS. My washing machine was running all day, every day for three days.
He’s HEAVILY sedated because he can’t manage to contain his joy and keeps trying to zoomie around the hardwood floors.
My dogs totally understand what I’m saying. They selectively listen. They would probably selective not hear whatever five important words I tell them anyhow 😆
My dog has massive anxiety/fear aggression. It breaks my heart. I can't have people over. Ever. He's never bitten. But he would if given opportunity. It's been a long 8 years.
I love him. He's the best boy ever...for me. But everyone else? Cujo.
Get a lab they said. Great with everyone they said.
I'm not sure that commands would be the way to go because she could still choose to ignore them. I think I'd go for reassurances. "I love you" and "we're safe" seem like really good ones. I think she's smart enough to understand that when I'm not reassuring her about our safety, she can be on alert.
I love you sooooo much
This. My dog is 17 and has dementia, doesn't know who I am anymore. But I need her to know this
Thats the other side of the coin of what i’ve just gone through. My old boy’s body failed him. His liver and kidneys were failing him and on sunday his legs finally gave way. He was still fully alert and i still felt his desire to live. He barked whenever i left the room for me to come back and carry on stroking him. I had to sit with him holding him and looking him in the eyes as the vet put him to sleep. I am heart broken that he’s gone. I know in his mind he wasn’t ready to go but his body had just given up and the vets couldnt do anything else to help him. I dont think i’ve ever felt a pain as bad as losing him. I feel like a huge part of myself died with him
It is the greatest and most heartbreaking gift. I’m sure he felt your love.
Right now it doesnt feel like a gift. Our other dog passed away to cancer in october and my other before that we lost in 2021. With the previous two, when they died it was obvious they had had enough and were ready. My boy on sunday still seemed to be fully alert and fighting to carry on living. Even though he couldnt stand anymore it felt like he still hadnt given up and still managed to wag his tail and seem glad to see me entering the room.
It hurts all the more because my bond with him was stronger than i’ve ever felt with any other dog. I was heartbroken when my other 2 passed in 2021 and in october but losing my last boy now is too much. I dont think i’ll ever find a bond like i had with him again and i dont know how i’m supposed to cope going forward
Hey dude, you and I are united in grief. I lost my boy last October. It was a rather trraumatic experience that still replays in my head. At the age of 14, he was as young-looking and energetic as his 6 year old brother. Still ran around the house and was excited for things to do. He suddenly went limp in my arms when I was hugging him on the way to his dinner plate.
I've seen the term "soul dog" thrown around, and I think that encapsulates the relationship quite well. I miss and cry for him several times a week to this day, but it does get easier. Even if just a little. I'm able to appreciate more of life again and, recently, I'm able to look at pictures of him again.
I say all this to say: be kind to yourself as you grieve. Cry when you need to. Take time for yourself when you need to. Indulge in things if you need to. It may seem bleak, but even taking it a day at a time is enough to allow yourself the time to heal.
I'm rooting for you.
I’ve been trying to keep myself busy so far, but every time i stop doing something i remember he’s gone again and i start tearing up. I’m the kind of bloke that doesnt cry for anything. I went years without crying. The only things in my entire adult life i’ve cried about was losing my other two dogs and when my dad died. So far since i lost him on sunday i’ve found myself crying more than the other 3 times combined. I kind of feel like losing my old boy was the end of a major part of my life. I got all 3 of my dogs in my very early 20’s and my 3 big boys were a massive part of my life. I lost the first prematurely at 9 years old in 2021 to cancer and the second went in october at 13 years old. Now my last boy has gone just at 14 years old. My last one to go was my absolute best friend and my soul dog. But i think losing him has also brought back the grief of losing the other 2. They were my pack and they’ve all gone now. I also feel like its the end of my younger adult years. I had them from 21 and now i’m 35. I’ve lost my dogs, a major part of my life and i feel like part of myself has died with them. I’ve never felt grief like this. We have a new puppy that we got in december and shes great and i already know she’s gonna be special. But i dont think i’ll ever have a bond like i did with my boy again
Sounds like a similar situation too. I was raised in a home where "men aren't allowed to cry or be emotional," so it was rare I ever cried over things too. I'm in my early 30s now. I got my pup when I was 19. He was there through me becoming an adult and now, I feel like I'm out in the world on my own and without the comfort that I had all those years. It's a scary feeling and evokes a sense of being terribly alone.
I also got a new puppy, they're a year old now, and like you I love 'em and I think they're great, but I'm definitely not bonded with them like I did my late pup. Nor do I think I can be.
I don't know what it's like to lose that much and grieve that much, but I can only imagine that it's incredibly heart-wrenching.
One thing that helped me was the advice of "put your love into something." My love and comfort was mostly placed onto my old boy, with him gone there's that part of my brain that isn't sure what to do because that emotional detachment is gone and that's such a strong shift. I've started hanging out with friends and family more, networking to make new friends, trying new hobbies, and of course investing a lot of time to the new pup.
It won't happen over night. If you're like me, it may not even happen for a year. When you're finally able to breathe a little freely, start finding places to pour your love into. I think it can make a big difference.
My new pup is only 13 weeks old and i do feel an incredibly special bond forming with her. But i think its different. Shes a very small dog and i think i’m building more of a bond of her being my baby. But with my boy he was a huge dog, i got him when he was about 2. I already had my 2 dogs and a very young child at the time plus i had very low income at the time so we werent really in the position to adopt another dog but i saw him being gotten rid of on facebook by a local druggy. I dont know why but as soon as i saw his picture i just knew i had to go rescue him. They wanted £40 for him for some drug money so i had to take out a payday loan because i was broke myself. My mum and dad actually fell out with me at the time for adopting this huge scary looking dog when i had a young child but somehow i just knew he was special and i needed him. Even though to everyone else he was this massive scary looking dog, he was one of the softest, kindest dogs i’ve ever met. He was such a gentle giant and he was my best friend. I think maybe i clicked so much with him because i had a bad and very unhappy childhood and with him coming from a bad owner maybe we just connected from somewhat of a shared bad start to life. Right now i just want him back so bad
The bond with a new puppy can never be like the bond you had with your old dog. Those bonds take time to build. You will be able to grow into a bond with your puppy. Give it time.
You made the right choice. I was selfish with my soul dog. It kills me every day still that I let him suffer for as long as I did. He had cancer. He died in my arms after struggling to breath. I took him to the vet earlier that day... he had another appt at 6am. He died around 3am. I should have just let him rest. Ill never make the same mistake again.
I’m so sorry. I know this pain, and it’s just terrible. I think of it as the price we have to pay to be loved so unconditionally by such amazing little creatures.
Please get a good supply of kleenex and a time to go through these great thoughts. So sorry for your departure situation here are some things to read:
https://www.reddit.com/r/goldenretrievers/s/IZWmpyK25w
https://www.reddit.com/r/DOG/s/9ZtgQnadkh
https://www.reddit.com/r/goldenretrievers/s/7Iz0njdfky
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16P97rzgNe/
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15fccUApYe/
The life of a dog is a sight to behold...
From the heavens above, loaned us these hearts of pure gold...
They hit the ground running, and barking with us....
For the joy we both share, builds an unbreakable trust...
The love from a dog is like candy from a box...
You're not sure what to pick, but there's never one wrong.
A dogs life with us is such a short, joyous trip...
But the life they share with us, is always our deepest friendship...
It hurts when they leave, because we always want more time...
Our dogs know their destiny...hence why they always play and pine...
So don't be bothered...when they come boop your hand...
They just know their hour glass, is running out of sand.
Just look into those beautiful, sparkling eyes...you fell for before...
And get up and reach for that leash, hanging by the door.
They'll enjoy that walk with you, even though they're hurt and can't see...
Because this time spent with you, is the place they long to be.
So remember this when your dog asks for your time...
Your dog is just doing what heaven asked them to do...
And that's ...make your heart shine...
Too !💛🐶🐾
Our 14 year old girl wasn’t aging well, and she reached the point where, seemingly overnight, she could no longer stand and was moaning in pain. We rushed her to the vet and they found a large tumor on her liver. Fortunately, it was inoperable, so we didn’t have to make that heartbreaking decision. She went peacefully with all of us there hugging her. She knew she was loved.
We only lasted about 2.5 months before we felt we had to get another dog to love. It wasn’t a betrayal of our love, but a way for us to continue sharing our home with another deserving rescue doggo.
I'm so so sorry.
Sorry to you too
I’m not crying, I swear…
I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! 😭
apparently humans give off a smell when they love something and dogs know this smell. Your dog might not know who you're but she knows you love her
Instant silent tears.
I just lost my first baby on Dec 9th so this will be my first Christmas without her. Thank you for sharing this.
I hope so. She let's me hold her while she sleeps sometimes and I hope she feels safe
She knows
This is the same thing that popped into my head as well🥰
This.
Bet me to it
Came here to say this
My answer too
This made me cry (happy tears). It’s so direct and encompassing how it is to have a dog, especially one that occupies a majority of your life (like it happens to for me because it’s just me and her). Not that one love is more than any other, but the relationship with a dog is just so direct…
I like to look my dogs in the eye and very seriously say "I love you very (pronounced like vewwy) much" and think that they know what I'm saying
Dig holes means get bath
This. This is the one 🤣
Love you. Stop eating poo.
My username is a nickname for our tiny girl dog. She was a stray that showed up in our yard and we discovered quickly that she'd need hygiene cuts at the groomers. I'm torn between "you're the most loved girl" and "don't start running mid-poo"
So glad that stage is over for us. Now mine would be “stop eating bees, beautiful dummy”.
I love you. Good girl.
You are everything to me
I love you forever PleaseStopBarkingAtEveryPersonAndDoorbell
I love you, best boy 🥰
Stop barking at the mailman
I love you. Trust me. ❤️
THIS!! I love you is of course the choice but adding the 'trust me' is perfection!
Because "Please believe that whatever happens I only try to do what is best for you, even if you might not like it" is simply too long... and I really DO need my little monster to know how much I love him :D
"Who is a good boy?" And then just leave him guessing.
Lmao, good one. Love my dogs, but Boi do I love to mess with them for a laugh. Nothing heinous, just goofs like hiding in the bathtub or behind a door and calling them, then staying quiet. They go crazy looking for me.
Haha no don’t leave him hanging!
Stop peeing inside the house.
You need to make money.
Off leash if no run.
You’re a good, good boy
Love you! Stop chewing that!!!
Love you. Need die now?
She's 15. I think she's ok. I worry she is in pain.
Just burst into tears, I’ve been there. She will let you know when she’s ready.
Thank you. That means so much. And I cried writing it. She is just the most amazing creature.
Sending her healing energy.
Stop shitting on my floor.
“I will always love you.”
I will always protect you.
“I love you my Petey” or “I’ll never dump you off”
I will love, and take care of untill my last breath.
She jnows first 3 words already, so it is not cheating.
I love you, stop barking
i love you my baby
You make life much better!
I will always love you.
The same thing I tell him every time he enters my space: "I love you buddy bean"
Other dogs could be friends
I love you. Thank you
Be careful. Stop hurting yourself.
Be careful. Stop hurting yourself.
He already knows I love him so much. He just had a TPLO and will likely need another one if he doesn’t chill.
Went through this this summer in a house with two other large breed dogs and a dog door everyone is used to with free run of an acre… All because she stepped in a hole one of them dug.
It rivaled having an infant.
https://preview.redd.it/wkr91vktj09g1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aad5cc002ed8f9ab57bd2e29c82859725eb982ad
This guy had a bad reaction to anesthesia. Not only did he have diarrhea in my car, stuck in Los Angeles rush our traffic for two hours, he had it for DAYS. My washing machine was running all day, every day for three days.
He’s HEAVILY sedated because he can’t manage to contain his joy and keeps trying to zoomie around the hardwood floors.
Oh what a sweet boy. Quick recovery for him so he can get back to his zoomies! ❤️
You’re ok- I’ll be back!
You make me so happy.
Said to my dog with severe separation anxiety. I'll be right back!! I promise. I can't even take the garbage out without her having a meltdown.
I love you so much.
Thank you for being friend
Helicopters are not our enemy.
Biiiig stretch. I love you!
Are you okay? And… I Love you!
The bad times are over.
What makes your life better?
That is so sweet. I wish i could get an answer when I ask them this.
You're safe with me. No bark. (I get 6 words because I say so)
I love you. love you.
My dogs totally understand what I’m saying. They selectively listen. They would probably selective not hear whatever five important words I tell them anyhow 😆
you’re the goodest girl, ever!
Please leave the cat alone
"I will always come home."
Oh man this one gets me ❤️
You're my best friend buddy.
Love you more than anything
I love you. Good girl/boy. I wish I could say that every dog I've been lucky enough to have had in my life.
Get out of the kitchen
I love you the most.
Are you feeling o.k.?
I love you. Pee outside.
Stop eating poop and puke!
I love you, thunder unscary
I relate to this, I want her to know thunder will never harm her.
Leave the cats alone please
Thanks for watching me poop!
Stop eating cat food
Stop trying to eat bark.
I love you, be happy
I love you for eternity.
Drop the stupid fucking ball.
Love you pip and Bear Got 2 dogs, want them both to know
Yo soy un gato hoy
Please don't bark, we're safe.
Are you happy? Goodest girl.🩷
I love you so much.
Don’t get sick. Love you.
I love you little fluffer. He totally understands these words.
https://preview.redd.it/8uxhnw5hz09g1.jpeg?width=2446&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97b72b8f04c9f3c78fd5cf383bda2760e6a017e8
I love you, sweet baby. ❤️
You're safe from bangs here.
Only poop in the toilet.
I'll give you best life
Does “oosagudoggo” count as 1 word or 5? Either way I think I’m good with how I say who is a good doggo
I love you. Stop barking
Can you get a job?
Ask, i'll let you out
“I will always come back.”
Love you forever good boy!
The brush won't kill you.
Sit stay come quiet off
You need to stop barking.
she does. She 100% understands these words.
Do you want a Scooby snack?
Lets go to bed
Want to go for a walk
Get out of the road!
Animal's name, sit, lay, stay, ok
Stop barking at other dogs
“I will always protect you” She’s a nervous girl and I want her to know she doesn’t need to be
Your barking drives me crazy!!!
I love you beyond words.
promise I'll be right back
I say this to my dog ALL THE TIME.
We love you. Don't bark.
Mommy loves you forever together
I will always come back
I love you! Go poop!
Love always sorry hurt accidentally
I love you very much!!
Don’t eat everything you see
The pills will help you
You're my everything don't die
Lol
I’ll be back, you’re safe.
You are my soul mate.
Quit shitting on the floor
For my anxious 6 year old: "not everyone's gonna grab you."
For my psycho 8 month old: "crying doesn't make me return."
I love you. Stop barking!
Trust me on nail clipping!
Does anything hurt? You okay?
I love you stop barking.
Stop getting in the trash
She absolutely understands me perfectly. She doesn’t always do what I ask but she definitely understands.
Chill. You’ll be fed everyday.
I love you good boy.
I love you, good dog!
I love you, I'm helping (as I come at her with the clippers/brush/medicine)
Ignoring squirrels equals longer walks
I will love you, forever.
"I love you my baby"
The neighbors are not enemies.
The vets isn’t forever ok?
I love you very much.
good boy. stay inside though
“Please stop eating everything, dickhead”
Be nice to all humans.
My dog has massive anxiety/fear aggression. It breaks my heart. I can't have people over. Ever. He's never bitten. But he would if given opportunity. It's been a long 8 years.
I love him. He's the best boy ever...for me. But everyone else? Cujo.
Get a lab they said. Great with everyone they said.
You mean everything to me.
You are my entire world.
Are you in pain? Where?
You are family to me
The bath is smaller lake
(Point to a specific spot in the house) “Go here if in pain”
Love you, best dog ever!
Quit running in to traffic.
I'm not sure that commands would be the way to go because she could still choose to ignore them. I think I'd go for reassurances. "I love you" and "we're safe" seem like really good ones. I think she's smart enough to understand that when I'm not reassuring her about our safety, she can be on alert.