Depression and grief

[SurvivorF]

I lost my dog of 15 years on July 7th and I've been having a really hard time with it I don't feel like I'm understood where I am, I already struggle with ptsd anxiety panic disorder and depression

[Hidden]

Losing a pet is losing a family member. I’m so sorry for your loss and know that empty feeling, it’s truly gut wrenching. I lost a dog in 2018 and still miss him everyday. I eventually got a new puppy and that did help, but will always miss the one who’s gone. I don’t have any good advice but I most certainly understand your pain. I’m so sorry! 💔

[SurvivorF in reply to Hidden]

It is gut wrenching, he saved me from a b&e attempt that happened just months after protecting me from my abusive partner that tried to kill me, he got me through so many things and I don't know what to do with all this pain and heartache

[Hidden in reply to SurvivorF]

Omg. I’m so glad to hear your dog was there to protect you in that moment!! Do you have any means to protect yourself now, from an abusive partner? If he tried to kill you, I hope you filed a police report and/or got a restraining order if he’s still walking free. Your physical safety has to be your number one priority!! Do you have a doctor or therapist you can talk to about the trauma and grief you have been through?

[SurvivorF in reply to Hidden]

I did call police and had an op, he's walking free cause our judicial system sucks for keeping people like him behind bars, I have a primary and I've spoken with a behavioral counselor my Dr wants me to see a psychiatrist to see if bipolar depression is also a factor in my mental health struggles with anxiety and panic disorder and ptsd so waiting for that appointment

[Hidden in reply to SurvivorF]

I’m glad to hear you’ve reached out for help! Therapy and/or medication could really be helpful to you right now. Keep pushing your doctor if you need to see someone sooner than what they say is available. I know the justice system is not up to par in many of these kind of incidents so I pray for your safety and wellbeing! Have you thought of getting another protective type dog? I know mine gives me a lot of piece of mind and yours saved your life! Many good rescue dogs available that need homes and are protective breeds, (if you aren’t up to a puppy.)Just an idea but I’m sure you’ve already thought about that.

[SurvivorF in reply to Hidden]

I have thought about it, my heart isn't ready for a new pet just yet..

[Nothing_but_books in reply to SurvivorF]

Yes. It does.

[SurvivorF]

Thank you for your support

[Hobbycollector4]

I understand completely. Earlier this year I lost my dog of 15 years as well and it’s ripped me apart. To be dealing with grief on top of having anxiety, depression, PTSD is a LOT for the body and mind to handle. I’ve been trying to take things one day at a time. Sometimes I look at pictures/videos of her and smile and other time I can’t even bring myself to look at anything that reminds me of her. I hope you are able to find some comfort in knowing your dog had a very long and happy life and reflect in the good times you had together. You are not alone in your pain, I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this.

[SurvivorF in reply to Hobbycollector4]

I'm sorry for your loss as well, some days I smile at his picture other days it brings me to my knees.. I know he was a happy boy but I wish I didn't have to say goodbye..

[LifeIsThePitts]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We almost lost our 14 yo boi in July. His sister has been gone since Feb '21 and it was devastating to lose her as she was the first pup I ever had to put to sleep. The pain is real and you're grieving a huge loss in your life. Especially because he was your protector. He will definitely be your guardian 😇 angel 🙏 from beyond and will be patiently waiting for your reunion at the 🌈 rainbow bridge 💞

[SurvivorF in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

Thank you for your kind words, the support means a lot.. I wear his rainbow bridge bracelet everyday, I miss him dearly. It's left a hole in my heart n a pit in my stomach

[LifeIsThePitts]

Here's my girl's memorial...I still hold her ashes when I'm sad. It's a weird comfort to feel her in my lap. But in a good way...her memory brings me happiness but I miss her. A piece of my heart will always be with her ❤️

Haven's memorial

[SurvivorF in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

That's beautiful, and I understand the weird comfort I still hug and smell his blanket it brings tears to my eyes but a comfort to my soul

[LifeIsThePitts]

Smokey on left, Haven on right

Smokey and Haven

[SurvivorF]

This is him my big protector

My sweet boy with one of the kittens

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to SurvivorF]

OMG.... he's so EFFIN gorgeous 🥰

That's why my avatar name is Lifeisthepitts... Cuz I'm a Pitbull Mommy through and through!

[LifeIsThePitts]

This is our other girl, Grace. She's 11. We had a portrait done of all 3 by a co-workers son in 2017 . It's on the wall behind Gracie

Grace is a superstar ⭐

[SurvivorF in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

Absolutely precious! all 3 are super cute 😍

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to SurvivorF]

Thank you for sharing your handsome boy with me 🐕🐶

[SurvivorF in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

One pet lover to another it was my pleasure

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to SurvivorF]

Sending 🫂 nourishing hugs and vibes your way 💞

[designguy in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

What an awesome photo of your girl, makes me smile, i'm sure she is one happy lover!

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to designguy]

She is my sunshine 💝 a total mommy's girl

[designguy in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

A friend of mine has a 7 month old female pitty that looks just like her, her name is Elvira and she is a major lover also. She is already 65 lbs so she is pretty big too - more to love - lol!

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to designguy]

Gracie is 3/4 American Staffordshire terrier and a 1/4 EVERYTHING ELSE! We had her doggie DNA 🧬 done for fun. She's a svelte 50 lbs of unbridled energy! She eats the same amount as 70 lbs Smokey...she burns through the calories 🤣

[designguy in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

Every Pittie that I have met has been been a total lover and love people and are extremely affectionate, it's too bad they have gotten such a bad rap.

[Hidden]

I'm SO sorry for your loss, they're our family. Please take my condolences and get lots of hugs. Do you see a provider for your mental health? Maybe they can help for right now. I'm sorry, again. Huggggggggg

[Iammesues]

I’m so sorry. Lots of us know this experience and it’s horrible. Sounds like a special best friend

[designguy]

It's so unfair that our fur kids don't get to live longer lives with us. I know you feel totally gutted and i've been there. It is so hard losing the unconditional love of our fur kids, I think we all long for that unconditional love but it's too short. I was gutted for months and still have periods after having to help my fur girl pass, I just totally adored her. We all grieve at our own pace so try to be kind and compassionate with yourself, you will get through it.

[SurvivorF in reply to designguy]

Thank you, I am trying to be kinder to myself.

[designguy in reply to SurvivorF]

You're very welcome, my heart aches for you and I miss my fur girl too.

[LifeIsThePitts]

designguy Picture is from last month when Smokey was recovering from the seizure disaster.

My avatar name is in honor of my Pitties and also for my love of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed. I've always been misunderstood, like pitbulls. That's why I chose this breed of dog from the start. They're definitely one of the reasons why I have purpose in my life and why I'm still here.

Absolutely!! Pitties are wired to please their people... there's a reason they were called "Nanny Dogs". Smokey is the calmest sweetest animal that ever walked the earth. He never barks, never bites, he's got the softest demeanor and is such a lover.

Smokey