I am so sorry, Kathy!! It is so painful to lose a loved pet. The emotions can be overwhelming. I encourage you to swim in the feelings rather than try to avoid them. Cry. Grieve. Feel. Those are healthy, normal ways to deal with loss.

My prayers are with you, precious one!!

JJ

I am totally with JJ on this. I am a pet owner and a rescuer. Just as in the death of a human loved one, we have to grieve. A pet becomes so much a part of our lives, that the loss of their companionship can be just as devastating as the loss of a human relative. Three of my own dogs are in double digits now and I know their time is getting shorter. Im sure your dog had a wonderful life, or it would not have been blessed with 15 years with you.

Take that desire to eat through your emotions and use it as a strength to do something positive like taking a long walk or put on some music and dance.

Kathy, I am so, so sorry for your loss. As a cat owner, I understand the love that you had for Bailey....Let yourself work it thru, grieve as you need to. Spend some time on you.....It will get better as the days go by.

Melinda

Thanks, all - so absolutely right - I need to grieve and really cry it out! I think I've stuffed my feelings in the past (literally) and I just need to let it out. Being a woman in the business world for so long has trained me to 'be strong' 'don't let them see you cry!'

Thanks - I needed that.

I am so sorry for your loss! Try to take a walk and focus on the future. It will be good, and when you are ready, there will be another dog out there just waiting for someone like you to love....Take care.

So sorry Kathy! I feel your pain. Had to put mine down July 4. It really is true - we need to allow ourselves to feel the pain instead of eating to block it. Nothing I ever ate in a crisis made me feel any better -- just gave me fuel to beat myself up.

You will find ways to get thru this -- and give yourself credit when you do! We are here for you.

Linda

Cry! It will make you feel better. Sorry for your loss.

I am sorry Kathy! I know how you feel, I lost my cat of 8 years right before surgery. -hugs- its okay to feel how you feel its part of the grieving process. Remember your pet will be waiting for when its your time. ( MANY MANY YEARS FROM NOW)

Kathy, I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. I have a 13 year old poodle & he is my baby. I can't stand the thought of being without him. I am often reminded of a quote from Dr. Suess, "Don't be sad that it's over, be happy that it happened." May all the fond memories bring you comfort. ~ Mandy

So sorry for your loss Kathy. I love my baby girl Rachel as if she were my child, so I know how hard it must be for you:( Grieve for your Bailey and then think of the happy memories and maybe make a scrap book or something with some pics and special memories. just a thought. will be praying for you!

Iam so sorry for your loss.....our pets are our babies! But you came here before actually eating.....thats a great start!!!

You all are so smart and supportive! That's why I don't miss a day checking in here. I would be a basket case trying to get through these first few weeks without you - my surgeon's office is just not that accessible. THANK YOU!

so sorry for your loss, it really is like losing a family member. take care of yourself and a good cry will probably make you feel better. {{{HUGS}}}

I understand how you feel and am so sorry for your loss 15 years is a long time and I know Bailey will surely be missed. I lost a puppy due to a dog attack and I grieved for a long time for him. It will take some time but letting it out and thinking about the good times will help you.

I'm so sorry Kathy to hear about the passing of your pet. It is never easy to lose a beloved pet! Sending thoughts and prayers your way!