Whymom, my heart hurts so much for you right now! I am 59 and have had a pet or 2 or 3 in everyone of those years. As an abused and neglected child my dog was to me what you described your dear pet was to you and again most recently in last 6 years of EC, again my dear little dogs were what kept me breathing air.

I pray I do not offend you with a suggestion???...but have you considered loving another pet that needs a home right now? Not as a replacement, but as a memorial to the loved pet you lost...that in giving another homeless animal the space you have now in your home, you would be turning a loss into a blessing and a loving gain to some poor homeless shelter animal right now that has no one to love it or even a puppy that is for sale maybe if that works better for your family...the giving of love to a pet with no one to love it is a situation we mothers who've lost our children can relate to so well....

Just food for thought....would completely understand if you are not able at this time to do this for another animal. In the past, I have done it both ways....decided to wait a while sometimes and also at other times went out and gave my love to another animal soon after the loss...for me it was a better outcome to give my heart again to a new pet sooner rather than later or not at all.

Hugs to you my hurting friend....so very sorry for your loss!

whymom - I am so sorry. It is such a terrible feeling losing a pet suddenly, and even not suddenly. We lost our 14 year old dog and our 19 year old cat within 2 weeks of each other 2 years ago. I was in shock and trauma. They both died of cancer and we couldn't believe they died both in the same month. We had said we would not replace them when they passed away but never imagined it would happen that way. We were in the throws of turmoil with one ES. Two weeks after losing our dog we had a new kitten. He brought me joy and love and I am so grateful for him. He was a little blessing to me. I know it doesn't seem right to think about getting another pet so quickly after losing one, like you, our house was so quiet and was missing somebody. No one will replace your beloved dog, I still miss both our cat and dog, but we now have a second kitten and it I do not feel the pain of losing our two. Pets are so healing. It isn't for everyone to get another, but maybe?? Our two new little dears have been so helpful to me. I call them my little blessings. I hope the Lord will fill this void for you now. So sorry for you to have lost your dear furry loved one. Hugs and blessings to you.

So sorry for your loss. A pet becomes a family member. May God comfort you.

Can relate to your sadness. Our ES sent me a message that their beloved Black Lab Kimmie was going in for surgery today. The Vet said it is very unlikely she will make it due to her age, etc. This dog is more like one of the kids. She has been my ES's companion, friend and a wonderful companion to the kids. This is so heart breaking. We all love her so much and she has just been the best for the entire family. Our ES broke his 6 months of silence to let us know. I know he is upset, afraid, etc. We spent much of the day just sending messages back and forth about her. It is just so heart breaking. I guess the good is that he and I did communicate. Whether this will continue????? But I can't imagine them not having her. She is just such a big part of the family and what a blessing to all. Her sweet and loving personality, etc. People may think we are overly attached to our animals but those of us who are fortunate enough to have such love in our lives are so blessed. My heart and prayers are with you. This is just so heart breaking for you. Hugs.

Dogs are more than mere pets. They comfort us and love us without reservation. I took many long walks with my 2 BBDs ( big black dogs) just to meditate and pray for the mess of my family. They knew they were loved and they knew that I needed them beside me. One died not long ago, completely unexpected. One morning Flip was howling and when we went to investigate, Grace was dead. Flip mourned and was not eating and a friend suggested a rescue for Flip to comfort. We got Flip a puppy. I thought that it was too soon but as Flip started to interact, play and teach Luke, I fell in love. Luke started out as Flip's companion and became ours. Thinking of you.

I am so sorry. Prayers for you and your husband.

I AM SO SORRY! We have lost 2 cats. The last one was a natural therapy cat to my ED. He knew when she was feeling depressed from the other side of the house, run to her room and meow until someone let him in. He would then jump on the bed and curl up next to her until she felt better. After he died I think her depression got worse. We always waited a few months before we got another pet so we could grieve. Our dog is what gives me strength. I know he misses ED as much as I. God of course helps too. I'm glad you're getting out. Staying at home is depressing.

Whyonlychild, I'm glad your ES is communicating! I'm praying that continues!

Dear Whymom I feel your pain. I lost my dog 6 years ago and my heart still longs for him. He was my best friend. I tried replacing him with another pet, but it didn't work. It just made me miss him even more, cause no pet could replace him. He was unique. I agree with your husband. There must be something good coming down the road for you. When something happens in my life, example I loose some money, then it must be either cause I don't need it or God's gonna replace it. Keep the faith.

we recently lost our 13 year old dog too. I am sorry for your pain. I try to envision her in heaven with the angels tromping in the water or chasing rabbits like she loved to do. Try to remember the good times you had. We had a ceremony for her and my mother is going to draw her portrait so we can hang it up. Hugs to you.

Awww! This is so sad. Dogs are wonderful companions. It is completely understandable that you would be feeling so sad. Take care. You are loved!