Greetings. It's like that for me. I was punished for showing emotion, so I still struggle to even express positive ones, let alone the "bad" ones.... I am so sorry for your loss.

Hugs. I have two 2-legged children, and still...my golden retriever was my first child. He's been gone 10 years now, and I still miss him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPvjtUq9paA

A piece of me dies when I lose beloved companions. My support dogs are among my more important companions. 16 years is a substantial hunk of companionship. My current support dog (my avi pict) is middle-aged now. Almost 6. I have out-lived enough support dogs to find myself dreading the fact that she is no longer a pup. Where does the time go?

Grief is tough to process. Glad you are not trying to do it alone. Share freely. Share often.

This must be hard for you dear. Just know your not alone and have faith. There is hope everywhere. I recommend you watch super soul sunday by oprah an episode with madonna badger. You can watch in on youtube. That episode is good for someone who is grieving, Things may be sad for now but know that this too shall pass. You will be ok dear ;)

I am so very sorry for your loss.... Big hug and a blessing.....xo

Thank you for helpful kind replies ,yes Leo i was the same my dad would mock me and call me names for crying and this has stuck with me for most of my life however after changing some of these thoughts for several years i can cry nowadays ,my first dog rebel died at home and i grieved whilst holding him but with jess she went to vets with suspected water infection but on the morning i took her her eyes went yellow and also her skin they said it was a serious liver problem and that she was in a lot of pain so had to get her put to sleep i could not grieve straight away as vets was full of people ,i feel i have a lot still inside and the guilt of having to make that decision to end her life she was such a loving soul

I keep hearing rumors that grief is not an event. It is a process. I cannot possibly know, but I am willing to bet dollars to wishes that you still have more than one emotion to process on behalf of your beloved Rebel and Jess.

Continued support while you work through the process, Karl.

Thanks Arfie I'm looking into getting some counselling to deal with present loss as just feels stuck and yes your right there is anger and feelings of guilt in there aswell

Hi Karl,

I am sorry that you are struggling to grieve and lost two of your best friends. I am very fond of my dog as well. You've come to a good place to find advice and support. I've sometimes struggled to address my emotions too. I think many of us were not raised to show our emotions openly, and I'm sure it is even harder on men due to societal rules. I grew up thinking that everything happened for a reason and that rational thought solved all problems. Then something terrible happened for no reason and I developed fears that were highly irrational except that they were connected to trauma.

Grieving is a process. I have found that journaling helped me identify some of my emotions, and therapy really helped with that. None of that makes things any easier to cope with though. I am sorry for you loss. It does sound like you did the best thing for your two dogs though, and I'm sure they were so lucky to have such a caring and devoted owner.

My sincere condolences.
That's rough man. My heart goes out to you.

sorry for your loss. keep sharing it gets better

Dogs and cats are our fur babies. Hugs.

Best cure for a dead dog is a new puppy. "Life is a series of dogs" -George Carlin. Go to the nearest shelter and look around, dogs as you know are emotionally sensitive creatures. Save a small furry life and allow yourself to feel that again. You will always miss your animals, I still miss my childhood orange Tom cat, Frisky. He slept on my legs for 10 years and was a great cat, verbal, playful, affectionate. It's not the same as a human relationship however, the master-pet relationship is rather static and that's what makes them attractive. You are always the master and they are always subservient to you. With people there is an exponential level of emotional dynamic and a true give-and-take. You can jump right into a new pet, you already have the supplies. Allow yourself to love a new dog. The best was to get over the past is to move forward.