One week

Venus

Hugs and kind thoughts to you

bumblebee34 - your post seemed to be to be spot on and I hope that notoveryet will take comfort from your wise advice and that of all the others who have posted with their experiences of grieving.

So sorry for your loss lovey. In my experience dogs are great company, and fabulous at seing us through difficult times. Why would you get rid of much loved pets, and cause yourself further grief.
If they are a struggle to exercise you could consider getting a dog walker.
Sending love.

I am so sorry for you. My husband died recently and whatever the circumstances it is so hard . DON’T take any notice of those people who make stupid comments about your dogs. My beloved Labrador has been my saviour, he is what makes me face the day, he is there for me when I cry, he is someone to talk to and still makes me laugh. I take him everywhere I can. My husband loved him and so do I. I send you much love - you are never alone with a dog

...simply sending you a hug and caring thoughts ?

Rather than getting rid of your dogs, if I was you I'd be sorely tempted to get rid of the people who suggested this to you instead!

So so sorry to hear about your husband.
It's very early days and there are several parts of grieving to get through yet I'm afraid.
The main thing is, give yourself time. There is no time limit on how long you grieve or even how you grieve, but your dogs will help you through - even if only to make you get up each day, and they will take care of you too. It will be your decision and no one elses as to whether you keep them or not as they are and were part of you and your husband's life together.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine how lost you must feel. People really should be offering comfort and support but not advice at this very early stage of your grieving. They should certainly not be giving you drastic advice like getting rid of your dogs, who I imagine have been a big part of your lives together. However, I don't think people mean to be unkind, but are just thoughtless. Hope you find a way through your heartbreak with the help of those who matter to you.

I lost my husband five years ago and like you I had two dogs. They were a comfort and having to walk them made me go out otherwise I might have been tempted to draw the curtains and grieve. Of course walking them I met up with other dog walkers most of whom I knew and everyone was so kind.
It takes a good two years I would say before everything gets back into a routine. Paying bills etc which my husband always took care of. I would advise you don't make any rushed decisions about anything. Give yourself time until you can think clearly. I started joining in with things going on around me and things gradually get better. Love and hugs.

notoveryet please accept my sincere condolences. I hope you dogs give you comfort and company for a very long time.

So so sorry for your loss.
Your dogs love you. They will miss him too. you will be helping each other. So you keep them near you.

Sometimes people say the stupidest things in times of bereavement. We could all write a list on here. You just do what feels right for you. God bless. Xx

Frankly, I think you should give people who tell you to get rid of your dogs pretty short shrift. What a ridiculous thing to say.
It seems to be human nature to want to fix things and so people make stupid suggestions. They mean well but they are being ridiculous. As CarlyD7 says, just tell people that you don't need solutions just a bit of support and company occasionally.
I am sorry that you are having to deal with this loss and of course the last thing you need is another loss. Even if they did get difficult to cope with, you can always pay a dog minder and helper.

I am so sorry for your sad loss notover. I lost my husband nearly 3 years ago after his lengthy illness and descent into dementia. I grieved and still do for the loving man he was before his illness, After all this time I am recovering but I made some very stupid decisions at the time which I am still regretting, such as gambling on foreign exchange on borrowed money. Still paying it off. All to stop just sitting in a corner...
I wish you and your family well. Would love to have a little dog these days. They are such a comfort.

I agree with others, do keep the dogs, they give you love & a reason to carry on. I was widowed 6 years ago, my DH had Terminal Cancer but died sooner than expected, I knew I would have to downsize & move closer to DD but I said "no decisions will be made for about a year".

You need to grieve & find your feet without your DH before making any life changing decisions. So sorry for your loss & ignore the insensitive comments.

I am so sorry for your loss. You have and will have so much adjusting ahead - don't change anything in a hurry, you may regret your decision. Yes - your dogs may be hard work but they will give you much comfort and they, too, will be grieving; you are their family.
As and when the time is right - for you - you may find some professional support helpful.
Grieving takes as long as it takes - allow yourself to 'go with the flow' each day.

My deepest condolences to you. Make no big decisions now, wait and see how things feel further down the line. Stay strong and take care of you.

I'm not a dog owner, but my impression from my friends who are, is that they can bring enormous joy into your life. It's completely crass to suggest you get rid of them as well as none of anyone else's business!

It's still very early days, and you must feel shell shocked, I'm sure there are plenty of sensible and kind people around you who will be more helpful than the ones who are suggesting giving up your 'emotional support dogs'!!!!!!

My deepest sympathy to you.Your lovely dogs will keep you going.Take care of yourself,sending hugs to you and your dogs.

It's all been said above but I am sending you sincere condolences and best wishes for strength to cope. You are a brave lady and GN is always here to give support and encouragement if you need it.

So sorrt for your losss..
From experience keep both dogs if possable you wil fiind them a comfort animals do sense owners moods when I suffered a loss my 2 cats neither of whom were lap cats suddenly wouldnt peave my side for about 3 months.
Take care

I am so very sorry for your loss. As for those people who say you can't keep the dogs, well honestly they have a nerve. How very insenstive of them. It's entirely your decision. I would imagine the dogs will be of great comfort to you.

Notoveryet. You are not alone. My late DH passing was sudden, gut wrenching and the experience is one I will have with me for ever.
Although hospitalised we had been having a very animated and enjoyable conversation only hours before.
You must ignore the comments made by others, not easy I know, but it is your life and DH was part of your life.Do what you want to do and if you need help then there are those who will listen to you without any condemnation as to what is right /what is wrong. Age Concern the Red Cross are very helpful.
Blue Cross have a bereavement service and not just to help over the loss of a pet but will listen to your concerns over the unsolicited advice you have been given concerning your own dogs They would never advise you to give up your pets as pets can be of great comfort to you in your loss of a loved one and my own pet was of great comfort to me on the sudden loss of my DH.
Be strong.

So sorry for your loss
Your dogs will be a great comfort to you x?

My lovely, it's all been said already and put far better than i can, but my deepest sympathies to you. Keep your dogs, support each other (as they will miss your husband too), and ignore the welk-meaning but crass people who think you need to lose yet more souls who are dear to you.