Grieving my first pet

[Desiree G]

Hi, 

I came on here to express my sadness. Last night was my last goodbye to my childhood dog and it felt unreal, I felt guilt and pure sadness. His name was Marley... he was 13 years old and had heart cancer and also had masses all over his body which made it hard for him to breathe and walk around. Marley lived with my grandmother and that was even harder to see how it affected her when he was sick. But even worse when she balled out in tears while we saw him get euthanized. This is where the guilt fell on me because that was my grandma's baby boy and we took that away from her.

After coming home last night we got the feeling of emptiness and all cried and shared memories to comfort one another. Personally, I feel it hits hard on me because I never experienced a death and Marley was more than a pet, he was a family member to us. I know what I'm feeling is justified and natural but it's too much to handle at times and I want him back. I'm not sure what else to feel or do. I need advice on how to move forward.

 

 

[KayC]

I am so sorry, it's the hardest thing in the world. I lost my first dog when I was 20, he was 15, I grew up with him, my parents wouldn't let me keep him when I left home.  

I lost my soulmate in a dog, Arlie, to cancer five years ago.  I still have his coat hanging on a chair and I hold it sometimes.  

8 hours ago, Desiree G said:

Marley was more than a pet, he was a family member to us.

This is as it should be, they aren't made to stick outside 24/7, they are created to interact with us, bond with us, and their love is amazing.  My son brought me a little pup and he is my service dog...created when Arlie died, born on my birthday.  It's almost like Arlie hand picked him for me.  His name is Kodie.

Comfort for Grieving Animal Lovers