I too had this sent to me a long time ago. It really is comforting to think that it is true.

I lost my Fred in 2006 and my Tucker just last June. Still miss both of them so much. But I still have my Tyler and my Toby (twins). They just turned 8. I always have at least 2 dogs at a time so they are not alone when I'm not home and also so I have at least one to come home to if I lose one. I simply cannot fathom coming home to an empty house.

The absolute best cure for losing a pet is to immediately get another one. It's NOT a betrayal of the pet you lost, it's giving love to one that is still here. If you hold a pet close when you are hurting, it sucks the pain right out of your chest. It works everytime.

Funny that you posted this because just today I was wondering why there's not a grief support group on here for people who have lost a pet. I would not have the slightest clue in doing that, but I have had many, many pets over the years and know that they become family members and the grief can be so utterly destructive.

;

Yep we pet people really do love our pets - they become such an important part of our families.

Allscars - actually there is a pet grief forum somewhere on DS - I'm just not sure where to find it. I used to belong to it some years ago - I have lost a few pets over the years too. Every single time it really does rip my heart out.

Barb - I know exactly what you mean. Coming home to an empty house would be way too quiet - we need these guys to be in our lives.

I still miss my Golden Retriever......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kSrV_CubiQ

Oh Patti.... I always loved that song but never knew it's origin. Made me stop what I was doing and go hug my twin Boston Terriers. Thank you so much for that.

"Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ~ Mark Twain

Hi LJ....Thank you so much for this post.....
Today, I had to put down one of my dogs. Her name was Matilda, we called her Tildy. She was the cutest little beagle mix that I rescued from the Sacramento Animal Shelter 7 years ago. She had a tough life before she came to us and yet she had the sweetest little disposition and always wanted to be loved and love back in return. I am so heartbroken tonight and the tears won't stop flowing. I held her while she received her injection and kissed her until the end.....I've lost 2 other pets at the end of their lives and a hole remains in my heart for each of them. Grieving is just so hard to do......

That was a perfect and very kind way to stop your beloved Matilda's suffering and let her go, brokenmimi. I am so sorry for your loss today.

It is so hard to loose pets they are such very special friends. They are so much a huge part of our lives and fill such a huge void for a lot of us. I completely understand what you mean when you say "a hole remains in my heart for each of them".

Take care,
Aug

awww...{{hugz}}...brokenmimi... that is the hardest part of sharing your life with a "pet", but being there as their suffering ends and they go to the big pet playyard in the heavens is the friendliest thing we can do for our friends...

& it's true that we never forget them.

Patti...i, like BJ, never knew the origin of that song. Haven't heard it in years. Used to love it! Shows you how "popular music" has DEvolved in such a short course of time...

& perfect tribute for "Tildy", too..... {{hugz}}

I just want to thank all of you who open your hearts/homes/wallets to take care of these lil' creatures who would otherwise have a crummy existence. We know they are just as good for us as we are for them, when done with loving intent...

Hugz to all furbabies!

Cheerz!

Aww mimi - I'm so sorry you lost Tildy last night. It is so important to be with them at the end - you know? That was one of the most important moments between Heinz and myself. I needed to hold him while he left as you did your Tildy.

They add a dimension to our lives that brings so much joy. I do believe what the poem says - that we will see them again and they will come running to us. I really need to believe that.

Big hugs to you my friend and again, I'm so sorry you lost Tildy - but you did what you had to do for her. That takes a big heart.