My dog has crossed the rainbow bridge + it's almost unbearable.

[Margaret_712]

Hi friends -

Yesterday, my dog was gently assisted in crossing over, and it was a good death. It was very peaceful for her.

She was old, had a gorgeous life, and was ready. I'm relieved that her suffering is over.

But, the grief is so great, and grief is so much like depression in that there is so little space for it in our culture. It makes people so uncomfortable, and like depression, it makes me want to withdraw from people. Everyone wants to move on along with life, and I feel out of step.

I feel like she was the best part of me.

We have been inseparable for 11 years, and now I have to figure out how to be me again, without my best self personified in a little fur pal. My heart hurts so much. I'm not sure how I am going to make it without her warm, toasty little being.

Any kind words would be appreciated. 💜

[kenster1]

I`m so sorry to hear that god bless your furry friend.

[Shnookie]

My condolences to you on the loss of your beloved dog. It is understandable, that U feel the way U do. U have lost a precious family member. Keep the good memories of your beloved pet close to your heart.

[Margaret_712 in reply to Shnookie]

Thank you 💜

[Shnookie in reply to Margaret_712]

You are very welcome

[hypercat54]

Oh I do feel for you my love - been there done that too. It is heartbreaking but we have to go through it.

It's the biggest drawback of having our lovely animal companions as they go far too soon.

I know this won't take now but it will in a while. You did a great thing giving your wonderful pet a very good life so feel very proud of yourself. You did the last loving thing we all can only do which is put her out of her misery and that was the right thing to do.

I love the Rainbow Bridge and I hope to meet all my past loved pets there when I go. You will too. Take care.

[Margaret_712 in reply to hypercat54]

💜

[Junkjournal1]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dog/best friend. I know from personal experience the pain wrenches at your very core. It feels like a part of you have died with them. I had to make the decision 9 years ago to have my chocolate lab put to sleep he was coming up for 12 years old. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. All my thoughts are with you at this very difficult time and just try to remember time and patience is the best healer. 🙏🤗🐶🐾🌈

[Margaret_712 in reply to Junkjournal1]

Thank you. I feel like the best part of me has died. Like she was a little conduit to all the beauty and love. 💜

[Stippler]

I am so sorry for your loss. Sometimes pets are even better friends to us than people are. I am holding you and your dog in prayer. Sending peace. 🙏🙏🙏

[Margaret_712 in reply to Stippler]

Yes, that is the hardest part. She really was my best friend. So many people feel this way about their animals. I would love it if we could learn to show up for each other more in the way our fur babies do. Myself included! I want to be more loving, easier, a little more joyful and in the moment. Thank you 💜

[AnonymousGenX]

I am so sorry for the passing of your beloved dog. And I know and understand the pain of losing beloved animal children, all too well. I am also deeply saddened to report that I, also, am grieving the passing of our 21 year old cat. She just passed away a month ago and I am still trying to process it. Just know that you are never alone in your grieving, as there are so many that have been through what you are going through. And that understand what it’s like with all their hearts. Your dog was and is beautiful and you will see her again someday. God Bless you and your sweet dog, until you meet again. ❤️🙏🏻🕊

[Margaret_712 in reply to AnonymousGenX]

Thank you so much for that. And, I am so sorry for your recent kitty passing. 💜 21 years! What a blessing!

[AnonymousGenX in reply to Margaret_712]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. 💛

[Thankfulforhelp22]

You gave this creature a great life and lots of love and care. It was joyfully returned. This is a precious thing that lives on.

Perhaps in due time you can invest your heart in another such companion.

[Margaret_712 in reply to Thankfulforhelp22]

Thank you so much. The love does live on. 💜

[Dolphin14]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand the level of your pain.

You had the best 11years together. She thanks you for giving her a good life.

Rest in peace little one

❤️🐬

[Margaret_712]

Thank you so much for your message. There will be more fur friends coming into my home for sure. 💜

[litethatnevergoesout]

I’m sorry about your loss. what a beautiful and special tribute. I carry a lot of guilt over the loss of my furry companions. they rely on us really. it’s hard for me to not blame myself. I hope you can have peace.

[Margaret_712]

We all do the best we can, and it is very very hard to gauge what to do. I was wavering at the last minute, and it is possible I should have done it sooner. I'm not sure if timing is what you are talking about, but I'm just assuming it is. Please don't blame yourself. There are no clear answers.💜

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Margaret_712]

thank you. you’re right.

[Margaret_712]

That is just so precious! What a peaceful, gorgeous creature. 💜

You absolutely should get a dog! There is a lot of benefits in terms of community and exercise. I am a huge cat lover, but for those with moods, having a dog means leaving the house.

[Margaret_712]

He looks like a total dreamboat, and the perfect soulmate. I feel the exact same way. It is so hard. I just put in a load of laundry and broke down because I know I am washing away her fur, and I don't want any part of her to go.

I really wish we humans could learn to be better soulmates to one another. That is one thing I am really taking away from this. 💜

[LifeIsThePitts]

My heartfelt condolences to you for your loss 😔🙏 saying goodbye to our fur babies is the most difficult decision we have to make.

We had to put our Haven down in Feb '21. I held her in my arms until she was gone. She was the first dog I lost and it feels like yesterday.

Haven is in the middle and she was the BOSS! This was about 6 weeks before she died. She hid her pain until the very end.

Smokey Haven Grace Dec '20

[Margaret_712 in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

Oh my - All such beautiful dogs! Haven was clearly a royal creature. I am so so sorry. Are they all bulldogs? It's hard to tell with Haven - she looks like she could be a hound.

My dog also had a regal quality - with lots of bull dog goofiness.

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to Margaret_712]

Smokey and Haven are full American Pit Bull Terrier and had the same parents, different litters. She was 11 when she died. Smokey will be 14 in Dec... he's my first dog and my heart. He was 7 weeks old when I got him. Almost lost him in July with horrible seizures. Hes medicated now and completely recovered and is doing miraculously better!

Grace is 3/4 American Staffordshire terrier and a 1/4 everything else. She's our rescue and 11 years old. Full of energy and loves to go running and walking more than anything in the world.

Smokey and Grace

[Margaret_712 in reply to LifeIsThePitts]

You are so lucky to have an 11 year old bulldog that can still run! It is so common for them to blow out their knees and/or have arthritis. What a gift!

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to Margaret_712]

Grace can run 5+ miles almost daily...she can walk forever!

Smokey has to wear shoes because he's had a stroke and seizures that make him drag him feet. He still goes for a 2-3 mile walk every morning at age 14!

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to Margaret_712]

They and my husband are my biggest blessings and motivation to keep on going. It's amazing they're doing so well. I will be crushed when I lose my boy 😔💔

[bonkers65]

I am so sorry

[Luvmyboston]

I am so so, so sorry for your loss. I don’t know what I would do without my for baby companion. He’s my best friend and the best date. Sending you a huge hug and my baby is sending you lots of kisses for your tears. holding you close.

[Margaret_712]

Thank you so much. Do you have a Boston terrier? One of my favorite breeds! 💜

[secrets22]

Sadly the pain never goes away.😢